Drivers told how to SORN their cars to save cash

Cash-strapped motorists have been warned to notify the DVLA if their car is off the road and untaxed. With car tax reaching as high as £2,745, experts say drivers who keep their car off the road could save thousands.

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 by completing the Statutory Off-Road Notification (SORN) if they plan to keep their car untaxed off the road.

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, requires them to be taxed.

A SORN is necessary to avoid penalties that can be incurred if a camera or the police spot a car on the road that is not covered by road tax.

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 vehicle 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 many people are making difficult decisions regarding how to save money.

“Some are choosing not to run their cars and opting for public transport. But many don’t realise they could get a fine even if their vehicle does not leave the drive.

“Unless they tell the DVLA and obtain a SORN notification, the authorities will see the vehicle as untaxed, and they could be fined.

“Receiving a penalty fine when you are trying to save cash would be a bitter pill to swallow, so we want to ensure 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.”