Drivers told how to SORN their cars to save cash

Cash strapped motorists have been warned to ensure they notify the DVLA if their car is off the road and untaxed.

With car tax reaching as high as £2,745, drivers who are choosing to keep their car off the road could be saving thousands according to experts from LeaseCar.uk.

But many are unaware of the legal requirements they face if they choose not to run their cars, the experts have warned.

All drivers must inform the DVLA if they are planning to keep their car off the road and untaxed by completing the Statutory Off Road Notification or SORN.

Making the notification is straightforward and can be done online via the DVLA’s website.

Motorists only need to do a SORN once, and the notification will be automatically overturned if the vehicle is taxed again.

Drivers will know a SORN has been successfully processed when they receive a letter from the DVLA within four weeks.

The government assumes all cars are on UK roads unless they are SORN and therefore require them to be taxed.

A SORN is necessary to avoid penalties which can incur if a camera or the police spots the car on the road when it is not covered with road tax.

And once the car has had a SORN application, it cannot be driven on the roads. Penalties can be as high as £2,500 and penalty points.

If you stop taxing your vehicle and fail to get a SORN, you can face fines of £80.

A SORN is also necessary if you are breaking a car for parts. If you buy a car classed as SORN, you must make a new claim 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.”

Breakdown or car tax brackets https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6603f64b13397a0011e419be/v149-rates-of-vehicle-tax-for-cars-motorcycles-light-goods-vehicles-and-private-light-goods-vehicles.pdf