Drivers who declare their vehicles as off the road under the DVLA's Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) scheme are being warned they could face fines of up to £2,500 if they break the rules. The SORN scheme allows motorists to avoid paying vehicle excise duty (VED) and insurance while their car is not in use, provided it is kept off public roads.
Motoring expert Richard Dornan explained that a SORN vehicle must be kept on private land, such as a garage or driveway. If a SORN vehicle is left on a public road, owners face an initial £30 fine plus twice the amount of any outstanding vehicle tax. The most severe penalty for driving a SORN vehicle can reach £2,500.
Dornan also warned that untaxed cars can be clamped and towed away if found on a public highway. The cost of towing is £200, with a storage charge of £21 per day once the vehicle is in the pound. The DVLA and the Motor Insurer's Bureau (MIB) monitor uninsured and untaxed vehicles, and warning letters are automatically sent to owners who fail to comply.
The SORN system, introduced in 1998, helps police identify uninsured and untaxed vehicles. It is free to declare a SORN, and drivers who have paid VED upfront can receive a refund for remaining months. However, any vehicle kept on public roads must be taxed and insured at all times.
