24/02/2016
- Keeping Our Roads Clear: How to Check Vehicle Tax and MOT Status
- Why Checking is Important
- How to Check if a Car is Taxed
- What if a Vehicle is Untaxed or on a SORN?
- Gathering Information for Reporting an Untaxed Vehicle
- How to Report an Untaxed Vehicle
- What Happens to Illegal, Untaxed Cars?
- Checking a Vehicle's MOT Status
- Checking a Vehicle's Insurance Status
- Identifying Potentially Abandoned Vehicles
- Reporting an Abandoned Vehicle
- What Happens After Reporting?
- What if a Car is Parked Illegally but Taxed?
- Summary Table: Key Checks and Actions
- Frequently Asked Questions
Keeping Our Roads Clear: How to Check Vehicle Tax and MOT Status
Encountering an untaxed, derelict vehicle on your street can be a real nuisance. Not only do they create an unsightly mess, but they also consume valuable parking spaces, impacting both residents and visitors. Fortunately, the UK government provides straightforward, free online tools that allow you to quickly ascertain if a vehicle is legally parked. This article will guide you through the simple process of checking a car's tax and MOT status, and what to do if you suspect a vehicle has been abandoned.
Why Checking is Important
Using these readily available online resources offers several benefits. Firstly, it empowers you to identify vehicles that are not compliant with legal requirements for being on public roads. Secondly, it ensures that you don't mistakenly target a legally parked vehicle. It's crucial to remember that no one owns a parking space on public roads, and a legally taxed and insured vehicle cannot be prevented from parking, even if it's outside your home. By understanding how to check, you can contribute to a tidier and more legally compliant environment.
How to Check if a Car is Taxed
The process for checking a vehicle's tax status is remarkably simple and can be done instantly and without charge. You'll need the vehicle's registration number (also known as the licence plate) and its make and model. Once you have this information, navigate to the UK government's official website (Gov.uk). There, you'll find a dedicated section where you can enter these details to verify if the vehicle has current Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), commonly referred to as car tax.
The absence of a physical tax disc on a vehicle does not automatically mean it's untaxed. Since October 2014, the DVLA moved to an electronic system, so you won't see a disc displayed. Therefore, checking online is the definitive way to confirm its status.
What if a Vehicle is Untaxed or on a SORN?
If your online check reveals that a vehicle is untaxed, this is your cue to proceed with reporting it. If the government tool indicates that the vehicle is covered by a SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification), this means it is not taxed and is legally only permitted to be kept on private land, such as a driveway or garage. If a SORN vehicle is found on a public road or in a public car park, it is being kept illegally and should be reported immediately.
Gathering Information for Reporting an Untaxed Vehicle
To ensure a swift resolution when reporting an untaxed vehicle, it's essential to have all the necessary information readily available. This will help the relevant authorities process your report efficiently. You will need:
- Vehicle registration number
- Make, model, and colour of the vehicle
- The exact street name, town, and postcode where the vehicle is parked
- If you notice the vehicle is only parked at certain times (e.g., only in the evenings or during the day), it's helpful to note this down.
How to Report an Untaxed Vehicle
Once you have confirmed that a vehicle is untaxed and have gathered the required information, you can proceed to report it. The most effective way to do this is online via the Gov.uk website. This portal is designed to handle reports of untaxed or potentially abandoned vehicles, initiating the process for their removal.
What Happens to Illegal, Untaxed Cars?
Upon reporting an untaxed vehicle, it's unlikely to be towed away instantly. Typically, the DVLA will first clamp the vehicle and issue a notice to the registered owner. If the owner pays the outstanding tax and any associated fines, the vehicle will be released. However, if the owner fails to comply, the vehicle will eventually be towed away and may be crushed.
Checking a Vehicle's MOT Status
While the article focuses heavily on tax, it's also important to understand the MOT (Ministry of Transport) test. A valid MOT certificate is a legal requirement for any vehicle that is being driven on public roads, with the exception of vehicles that are over 40 years old and have not been substantially modified. However, a vehicle does not require a valid MOT if it is simply parked on the roadside and not being driven.
Similar to checking tax, you can verify a vehicle's MOT status using online tools. By entering the vehicle's registration number, make, and model on the Gov.uk website, you can instantly see if its MOT certificate is current.
Checking a Vehicle's Insurance Status
Cars must also be insured to be kept on a public road, not just driven. However, checking a vehicle's insurance status is not as straightforward as checking tax or MOT. While there is a national Motor Insurance Database (MID) that allows you to check the insurance status of your own vehicle for free, it is an offence to look up the details of a vehicle that is not connected to you without a valid reason. To legally check another vehicle's insurance status, you will need to pay a small fee.
Identifying Potentially Abandoned Vehicles
Besides being untaxed, there are several visual cues that might indicate a vehicle has been abandoned. The DVLA suggests looking out for the following:
- The vehicle has no keeper listed on the DVLA's database and is untaxed.
- It has been stationary for a significant period.
- It appears significantly damaged, run-down, or unroadworthy, with issues like flat tyres, missing wheels, or broken windows.
- The vehicle shows signs of being burned out.
- Number plates are missing.
- Multiple parking tickets are visible on the windscreen.
If a vehicle exhibits one or more of these signs, it provides strong grounds for reporting it as potentially abandoned.
Reporting an Abandoned Vehicle
If you suspect a vehicle is abandoned and untaxed, the first step is to identify the responsible authority for its removal. You can do this by visiting a government website and entering the postcode of the street where the vehicle is located. This will redirect you to the relevant local council or authority.
When reporting, be prepared to provide the following details:
- Type of vehicle (car, van, motorbike, etc.)
- Make, model, and colour
- Description of the vehicle's condition
- Vehicle registration number (if available)
- If possible, a digital photograph of the vehicle (preferably in .jpg format, no larger than 500kb).
What Happens After Reporting?
Once a vehicle is reported, the local authority is generally obligated to act within a specific timeframe. For vehicles on public streets, councils can often remove them within 24 hours, although the actual speed of removal can vary. Different timeframes may apply in Scotland and Wales.
What if a Car is Parked Illegally but Taxed?
If a vehicle is legally taxed but parked in a way that causes an obstruction or endangers other road users or pedestrians, your course of action differs. In such cases, you should contact the Police by dialling 101. They have the authority to address parking issues that create hazards or blockages. If a vehicle is simply badly parked but not causing an obstruction or danger, the council's powers to remove it are limited, even if it's taxed.
Summary Table: Key Checks and Actions
| Issue | How to Check | Action if Non-Compliant |
|---|---|---|
| Untaxed Vehicle | Gov.uk (using registration, make, model) | Report via Gov.uk. Can be clamped, towed, and crushed if not rectified. |
| SORN Vehicle on Public Road | Gov.uk (using registration, make, model) | Report immediately via Gov.uk. |
| No Valid MOT (if being driven) | Gov.uk (using registration, make, model) | Report to Police if driven illegally. Not an issue if simply parked. |
| Uninsured Vehicle | MID (requires fee for other vehicles) | Report to Police if seen being driven or parked on a public road. |
| Visibly Abandoned (flat tyres, damaged, etc.) | Visual inspection, check tax status | Report to local council via their website. |
| Causing Obstruction/Danger | Visual inspection | Report to Police on 101. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Do I need to display a tax disc anymore?
No, the DVLA moved to an electronic system in October 2014. You no longer need to display a physical tax disc. Checking online is the only way to verify if a vehicle is taxed.
Q2: Can I check if a car has insurance for free?
You can check the insurance status of your own vehicle for free. However, checking another vehicle's insurance status requires a small fee and must be done legally.
Q3: What if the car is taxed but parked badly?
If a car is taxed but causing an obstruction or danger, you should report it to the Police on 101. For minor parking infringements without obstruction, council powers are limited.
Q4: How long does it take for an abandoned car to be removed?
While councils can remove vehicles within 24 hours, the actual timeframe can vary depending on the local authority's resources and procedures.
By staying informed and utilising these simple checks, you can play a part in ensuring our public roads are kept clear of non-compliant and abandoned vehicles, contributing to a safer and more pleasant environment for everyone.
If you want to read more articles similar to Check Vehicle Tax and MOT Status, you can visit the Automotive category.