Drivers in the UK are being warned they could face fines of up to £2,500 for failing to properly declare a vehicle as off the road. The DVLA's Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) scheme allows motorists to avoid paying vehicle excise duty (VED) if their car is kept off public roads, but strict rules apply.
According to motoring expert Richard Dornan, leaving a SORN-declared vehicle on a public road can result in an initial £30 fine, plus twice the amount of any outstanding vehicle tax. In the most severe cases, driving a SORN vehicle can lead to a £2,500 penalty. Additionally, untaxed cars can be clamped and towed away, with costs rising to £200 plus £21 per day in storage fees.
The SORN system, introduced in 1998, is designed to help police and the Motor Insurer's Bureau (MIB) identify uninsured and untaxed vehicles. All registered cars are recorded on the Motor Insurer's Database (MID), and owners of uninsured or non-SORNed vehicles automatically receive an Insurance Advisory Letter (IAL).
Declaring a SORN is free and can save drivers money on tax and insurance during periods when the car is not in use, such as when stored in a garage or on private land. If tax has been paid upfront, a refund is available for remaining months. To SORN a vehicle, drivers should visit the gov.uk website and have their vehicle log book (V5C) ready.
