Keeping Your Car Off-Road: Road Tax Explained

Understanding Road Tax and Off-Road Declarations

It's a common question for car owners in the UK: if I keep my car off the road, do I still need to pay road tax? The answer, in most cases, is no, provided you correctly declare your vehicle as off the road using a Statutory Off-Road Notification (SORN). This guide will delve into the intricacies of SORN, the benefits of declaring your vehicle off-road, and the crucial steps you need to take to ensure you comply with the law and avoid unnecessary penalties.

What is Road Tax?

In the United Kingdom, what is commonly referred to as 'road tax' is officially known as Vehicle Excise Duty (VED). VED is a tax levied by the government on all registered motor vehicles used or kept on public roads. The amount of VED payable is determined by various factors, including the vehicle's CO2 emissions, its fuel type, and its age. The revenue generated from VED is intended to contribute towards the upkeep and improvement of the country's road network, as well as funding other public services.

When Do You Need to Pay VED?

You are legally required to pay VED for any vehicle that is registered in the UK and used or kept on a public road. This includes driving your car, even for a short distance, or having it parked on a street or in a car park that is accessible to the public. If your vehicle is not being driven, it still needs to be taxed if it is kept on a public road. The only way to legally avoid paying VED is to ensure your vehicle is not being used on public roads and to inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) of this fact.

What is a SORN (Statutory Off-Road Notification)?

A SORN is a legal declaration you make to the DVLA stating that your vehicle is not being used or kept on a public road. This declaration exempts you from the requirement to pay VED. Once you have made a SORN, you must ensure that the vehicle remains off the public road. If you intend to use the vehicle on a public road again, you must tax it before doing so. A SORN remains valid until it is cancelled, or until the vehicle is taxed, sold, scrapped, or exported.

Reasons for Declaring Your Car SORN

There are several common scenarios where declaring your car SORN makes sense:

• Seasonal Use: If you only use your car for a few months of the year (e.g., a classic car or a convertible), you can SORN it during the off-season to save money on VED.
• Vehicle Undergoing Restoration: If your vehicle is undergoing significant repairs or restoration and will not be driven on public roads for an extended period, SORN is the appropriate action.
• Vehicle Not in Use: If you have a second car that you don't use regularly, or if you're going away for an extended period and won't be using your car, SORN can be a cost-effective measure.
• Selling a Vehicle: While you can't SORN a vehicle that you are actively selling for use by others, if you are taking a vehicle off the road permanently before selling it, SORN is applicable.

How to Make a SORN

Making a SORN is a straightforward process that can be done online, by phone, or by post. You will need your vehicle's 11-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and your 12-digit registration number.

Online

The quickest and easiest way to make a SORN is through the official GOV.UK website. You can access this service 24/7.

By Phone

You can call the DVLA on 0300 123 4321 to make a SORN. Be prepared to provide your vehicle and personal details.

By Post

You can also download a V14 form from the GOV.UK website and send it to the DVLA. This method is the slowest.

When Does a SORN Come into Effect?

A SORN usually comes into effect immediately if you make it before the end of the current tax period. If you make a SORN during the current tax period, it will come into effect on the first day of the following month. It's crucial to make a SORN before your current VED expires if you intend to keep the vehicle off the road.

What Happens if You Don't SORN Your Car?

Failing to tax your vehicle or make a valid SORN when it is off the road can lead to significant penalties. The DVLA actively checks for untaxed vehicles. If your vehicle is found to be untaxed and not declared SORN, you could face:

• A fixed penalty notice of £80.
• Your vehicle being clamped or impounded if it is found on a public road without valid tax or a valid SORN. The cost of releasing your vehicle can be substantial, and you will also need to pay the outstanding VED and a penalty.
• Prosecution, which could result in a fine of up to £1,000.

It is therefore essential to ensure your vehicle is either taxed or SORNed at all times.

When Does a SORN End?

A SORN remains valid until one of the following happens:

• You make a new SORN for the same vehicle.
• You tax the vehicle.
• You sell the vehicle.
• You scrap the vehicle.
• You export the vehicle.

If you plan to use your vehicle on a public road again, you must tax it. You can do this online, by phone, or at a Post Office. You will need your V5C vehicle registration certificate (log book) or the new keeper supplement (V5C/10).

Table: SORN vs. Taxed Vehicle

Here's a quick comparison to highlight the key differences:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I park my SORNed car on the street?

No, you cannot park a SORNed vehicle on a public road. A public road includes any street, pavement, or car park that is accessible to the public. If your vehicle is SORNed, it must be kept on private land, such as your driveway or garage.

Q2: What if I sell my car while it's SORNed?

When you sell a vehicle that is SORNed, you must inform the DVLA. You can do this by completing the relevant section of your V5C registration certificate and sending it to the DVLA. The new keeper will then be responsible for taxing the vehicle or making a SORN themselves.

Q3: Do I need to SORN my car if it's in my garage?

If your garage is not on a public road, then yes, you should SORN your vehicle if it is not taxed. This ensures you are not liable for VED. If the garage is on private property but the access road to it is a public road, you must still ensure the vehicle is taxed.

Q4: How long does a SORN last?

A SORN lasts until you tax the vehicle, sell it, scrap it, or export it. It does not have an expiry date in itself, but it is linked to the vehicle's status.

Q5: What if my MOT or insurance has expired?

Your MOT and insurance status are separate from your VED status. Even if your vehicle is SORNed, it must have valid insurance if it is kept on a public road. If your vehicle is off the road and SORNed, you are not legally required to have MOT or insurance, but it is advisable to keep them valid if you plan to use the vehicle again soon.

Conclusion

In summary, if you are keeping your car off the road and it is not being used on public roads, you do not need to pay road tax (VED). However, to legally exempt yourself from paying VED, you must make a Statutory Off-Road Notification (SORN) with the DVLA. Failing to do so can lead to substantial penalties. Understanding the SORN process and adhering to the rules is vital for any vehicle owner in the UK to ensure compliance and avoid unnecessary costs. Always ensure your vehicle's status is up-to-date with the DVLA to prevent any legal repercussions.

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