DVLA issues warning to anyone driving on UK roads or risk hefty fine

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has issued a clear warning to motorists this week, urging them to consider whether their car needs to be taken off the road. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the DVLA reminded drivers of the requirement to inform it if their vehicle is no longer in use.

It also directed people to the GOV.UK official website, where it urged people to find out more information on how to register a vehicle as off the road - a process known as Statutory Off Road Notification, or SORN. On the page 'Register your vehicle as off the road', the DVLA explained that a SORN is necessary when a vehicle is not being taxed or insured, and is not being kept or used on a public road.

It added: "Your vehicle is off the road if you do not keep or use it on a public road, for example, if it's in a garage, on a drive or on private land."

You must make a SORN if:

• your vehicle is not taxed
• your vehicle is not insured (even for a short time, for example because there's a delay renewing your policy)
• you want to break a vehicle down for parts before you scrap it
• you buy or receive a vehicle and want to keep it off the road (you cannot transfer a SORN from the previous keeper)

If you have received a vehicle tax reminder for a car you have already sold, there is no need to submit a SORN. Once the DVLA is notified of the sale, it will send you confirmation that you no longer own the vehicle. However, if you have not registered a SORN, you still need to insure and tax the vehicle as failing to do so will incur an automatic £80 fine for not having a SORN, along with a separate penalty for keeping an uninsured vehicle.

How can I make a SORN?

You can make a SORN online, by phone or by post. You will automatically get a vehicle tax refund for any full remaining months. You can check a vehicle's SORN status online.

When a SORN starts and ends

Your SORN will start immediately if your vehicle tax has expired. It will also begin if you are not applying in the month your vehicle tax is due to expire. Your SORN will start on the first day of the next month if you apply in the month your vehicle tax is due to expire.

You cannot backdate your SORN, it warns. Your SORN is automatically cancelled when you tax your vehicle again or if you sell, permanently export or scrap your vehicle. You do not need to renew a SORN. Your vehicle must stay in the UK for your SORN to be valid.

Can I drive my car with a SORN?

Yes, but only under specific circumstances. The GOV.UK website reads: "You can only drive a vehicle with a SORN on a public road to go to or from a pre-booked MOT or other testing appointment."

It further warns that you could face a hefty fine of up to £2.5k. It explained: "You could face court prosecution and a fine of up to £2,500 if you use it on the road for any other reason."