Motorists across the UK are being reminded about the potential consequences of failing to tax a vehicle after it has been listed under Statutory Off-Road Notification (SORN). The DVLA has issued an urgent message urging drivers to ensure their car is properly taxed before using it again. If not, the financial penalties could be severe, with fines of up to £2,500.
SORN allows vehicle owners to take their cars off the road temporarily, meaning they do not need to pay road tax. However, if drivers wish to use their vehicles again, they must re-tax them first. The DVLA has made it clear that many may not be aware of the process involved, which could lead to costly mistakes.
What is SORN and Why is it Important?
Statutory Off-Road Notification (SORN) is a legal declaration that vehicle owners can make when they wish to keep their cars off the road for a period of time. This could be due to reasons like long-term storage, repairs, or if the car is simply not in use. When a car is under SORN, it is not subject to road tax, but owners must ensure it remains off the road, as driving it could result in significant penalties.
According to the DVLA, the rules around SORN are clear: once a car is off the road, it cannot be driven or parked on public highways unless it is re-taxed. A major risk arises if drivers forget to tax the car when they wish to start using it again, potentially leaving them open to fines. The DVLA’s reminder comes amid concerns that many motorists neglect to reapply for tax when moving their vehicle back onto the road, unaware of the legal requirements.
Re-Taxing Your Vehicle After SORN: A Simple Process
Re-taxing a vehicle that has been listed as SORN is not a complicated task, but it is crucial to do so correctly to avoid legal issues. According to experts, the process is straightforward and involves obtaining the vehicle’s 11-digit reference number from its V5C logbook. This can be done online via the official DVLA website, or motorists can contact the DVLA by phone to complete the necessary steps.
Once the car is taxed, the SORN is automatically removed, allowing the vehicle to be used on public roads again. While this process may seem like a simple administrative task, failing to do so can lead to hefty fines and legal trouble. The DVLA has reiterated that any driver found behind the wheel of a car with an active SORN status could face a fine of up to £2,500. Furthermore, the vehicle can only be used to travel to a pre-booked MOT or testing appointment if it remains under SORN status.
