Motorists urged to notify DVLA when car is off the road and untaxed to avoid unnecessary costs

Motorists are being urged to notify the DVLA if their car is off the road and untaxed to avoid unnecessary costs.

Car tax can reach up to £2,745, and drivers opting to keep their vehicles off the road could save a significant amount, according to LeaseCar.uk experts. However, many drivers are unaware of the legal steps required.

To avoid penalties, drivers must inform the DVLA by completing a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN). This process is simple and can be done online through the DVLA’s website. Once submitted, the notification remains valid until the vehicle is taxed again. Confirmation of a successful SORN comes via a letter from the DVLA within four weeks.

Without a SORN, the Government assumes all cars are on the road and thus need to be taxed. Failure to comply can lead to fines if a car is spotted on the road without tax coverage. Penalties for driving a car declared SORN can be as high as £2,500 plus penalty points.

Additionally, if you cease taxing your vehicle without obtaining a SORN, you could face an £80 fine. SORN is also required if you are dismantling a car for parts. For those purchasing a vehicle already declared as SORN, a new notification must be filed under the new owner’s name.

Tim Alcock from LeaseCar.uk said: “Times are tough at the moment and a lot of people are making some difficult decisions when it comes to how to save money.

“Some are choosing not to run their cars and are opting for public transport instead. But many don’t realise they could end up with a fine even if their car does not leave the drive.

“Unless they tell DVLA and obtain a SORN notification the authorities will see the vehicle as untaxed and therefore they could be fined.

“Receiving a penalty fine when you are actually trying to save cash would be a bitter pill to swallow so we want to make sure all motorists are fully informed of the legal requirements.

“And once you have an approved SORN application, the penalties for taking the car on the road untaxed are extensive. Make sure you abide by the law at all times.”