Motorists throughout Britain are being warned to ensure their vehicle remains properly covered if it hasn’t been driven for an extended period. When a car hasn’t been used on the roads for some time, owners might choose to declare it under a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN).
Nevertheless, drivers must also be aware that a SORN will automatically come into force if a vehicle’s tax has expired or if an application isn’t submitted within the month the tax is due to run out. Road users must also bear in mind that it’s generally illegal to drive a SORN-registered vehicle on public roads.
If caught doing so, you face hefty fines and possible court proceedings. Should you intend to use a vehicle that was previously under SORN, it’s also crucial to remember that it must be taxed again or you could face a penalty.
Posting on X, the DVLA stated: “Want to use your vehicle again after telling DVLA it’s off the road (SORN)? You have to tax it first – get it sorted online”.
Rules around car being declared SORN
When a vehicle is registered as SORN, it will be without both insurance and tax.
Similar to insurance requirements, a vehicle must be taxed to be legally driven in the UK – without this, the motorist may receive correspondence demanding £30 in fines plus double the outstanding tax sum.
Ignoring this could lead to court action where the driver faces a penalty of up to £2,500 or five times the tax amount owed – whichever figure is higher. The only time you can drive a SORN vehicle.
When you can operate a SORN vehicle
Official guidelines emphasise that the sole occasion when ordinary motorists are permitted to operate a SORN-declared vehicle on public roads is when it’s being transported to or from a pre-arranged MOT or other testing appointment. On the other hand, motor traders and testers aren’t obliged to declare a SORN on a vehicle, provided the following conditions are met:
- It’s only temporarily in your possession (until you sell it)
- If its being kept at your business premises
- The registered keeper has notified DVLA that the vehicle has been sold or transferred to you
How to tax a vehicle that was previously declared SORN
The procedure for taxing a vehicle that was previously declared SORN is the same as taxing any other vehicle.
You can accomplish this relatively swiftly online, provided you have the following documents ready:
- A recent vehicle tax reminder or ‘last chance’ warning letter from DVLA
- The green ‘new keeper’ slip from a log book if you’ve just bought it
- Your vehicle log book (V5C) – it must be in your name
If you don’t have these documents, then you will be unable to tax your vehicle. However, you will have the option to apply for a new logbook and can tax your vehicle at the same time, according to government guidance.
Other ways you can tax your vehicle can be found here.