SORN: Can I Park My Car?

So, you've declared your vehicle as SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification). This is a common step for many motorists who either don't use their vehicle regularly, are undertaking major repairs, or are preparing it for sale. However, a common question that arises is: 'Can I park my car after a SORN declaration?' The simple answer is yes, but with crucial caveats. Understanding these limitations is vital to avoid potentially significant penalties. This article will delve into the specifics of parking a SORN'd vehicle, clarify common misconceptions, and guide you through the process to ensure you remain compliant with the law.

Understanding SORN

Before we discuss parking, it's essential to grasp what SORN actually means. When you declare a vehicle SORN, you are officially informing the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) that the vehicle is not being used or kept on a public road. This is typically done to avoid the legal requirement of having valid car insurance and vehicle tax. It's a declaration that the vehicle is off the road. Failure to do either taxing or SORN'ing can result in fines. The primary purpose of SORN is to exempt you from paying vehicle tax and mandatory insurance when the car is not in use on public highways. It's a legal declaration, and it's important to get it right.

Where Can You Park a SORN'd Vehicle?

The key distinction lies in where you park your SORN'd vehicle. The DVLA's rules are quite clear on this: a SORN'd vehicle must be kept off public roads. This means:

• Private Driveways: Generally, parking on a private driveway is perfectly acceptable. This is considered your private property and not a public thoroughfare.
• Private Land: Similar to driveways, parking on private land, such as a private garage or a farm track, is usually permitted, provided you have the owner's permission and it's not accessible to the general public.
• On the Road: You cannot park a SORN'd vehicle on a public road. This includes street parking outside your home, even if it's in a residential area. The reasoning behind this is that public roads are, by definition, accessible to the general public, and therefore the vehicle is considered to be 'in use' or 'kept' on a public road, requiring tax and insurance.

What Constitutes a 'Public Road'?

This is where some confusion can arise. A public road is any road that the public has a right to use. This includes:

• Streets and highways
• Car parks that are open to the public (e.g., supermarket car parks, council car parks)
• Roads on housing estates that are maintained by the local council

Even if you live on a private road, if it's a road that the public has a right to travel on, parking a SORN'd vehicle there could still be an issue. The crucial element is whether the vehicle is visible and accessible to the public.

Can I Tax a SORN'd Car?

Yes, you can certainly tax a SORN'd car. When you want to use your vehicle on public roads again, you must first ensure it has valid insurance and then tax it. You can do this online via the GOV.UK website, by phone, or at a Post Office. You'll need your vehicle registration number and the 11-digit VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) or the last 4 digits of the VIN, and your 12-digit reference number from your vehicle tax renewal reminder (V11) or your 16-digit V5C vehicle log book. Remember, you cannot tax a vehicle if it is currently declared SORN; you must first revoke the SORN declaration. This revocation happens automatically when you tax the vehicle.

What About Historic Vehicle Status?

The question about historic vehicle status is a good one. If your car becomes eligible for Historic Vehicle Status (typically 40 years old), you might assume DVLA will automatically update your details. However, this is generally not the case. You are responsible for informing the DVLA of any changes, including when your vehicle becomes eligible for the historic vehicle tax class. If your car was SORN'd and then became eligible for historic status, you would still need to take action to re-tax it with the correct class. The DVLA does not proactively track when vehicles become eligible for historic status based on a SORN declaration. You would need to contact them or re-tax it appropriately, specifying its historic status, to ensure you are correctly registered and taxed.

Retaxing a Classic Car SORN'd for a Long Time

For a classic car SORN'd since 1995, the process of retaxing involves a few more steps, especially if you've moved and only have an older V5 document. Here's a breakdown:

1. Update Your Address: Your first priority is to update your address with the DVLA. You can do this online or by post. You'll need to provide proof of your new address and the vehicle's details. Since you only have the V5 and not the V5C, you'll likely need to go through the process of getting a new V5C issued with your current details.
2. Obtain a New V5C: If you've lost your V5C or it has outdated information, you can apply for a replacement V5C from the DVLA. This will ensure your records are up-to-date.
3. Vehicle Inspection: For a vehicle that has been off the road for an extended period, especially since 1995, it's highly likely that it will need an MOT (Ministry of Transport) test before it can be taxed and driven on the road. You'll need to get it roadworthy, which might involve significant repairs and servicing.
4. Taxing the Vehicle: Once you have your updated V5C and a valid MOT certificate (if required), you can proceed to tax the vehicle as described earlier. You will need to specify the vehicle's historic status if it qualifies for it.

Can I Work on a SORN'd Car?

Yes, you can work on your SORN'd vehicle. SORN is specifically for vehicles that are not being used on public roads. This includes performing repairs, restoration, or any other maintenance work. As long as the vehicle remains off public roads during these activities, it is perfectly legal.

What if I Park my SORN'd Car on the Road?

Parking a SORN'd vehicle on a public road is a breach of the SORN regulations and can lead to serious consequences:

• Fines: You can receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) from the local authority for parking on a public road without tax.
• Backdated Vehicle Tax: The DVLA can issue you with a backdated vehicle tax bill. If you've been caught parking on the road, they may assume you've been using the vehicle and charge you for the period it should have been taxed.
• Enforcement Action: In some cases, the DVLA or the police can arrange for the vehicle to be clamped or removed if it's found untaxed and uninsured on a public road.

Can I Sell a SORN'd Car?

Yes, you can sell a SORN'd car. When you sell a vehicle, you must notify the DVLA. The buyer will then be responsible for taxing the vehicle before they can use it on public roads. You should provide the buyer with the V5C registration certificate and, if possible, the V5C/2 'new keeper's supplement'. You can notify the DVLA of the sale online or by post.

Summary Table: SORN Parking Rules

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: I've declared my car SORN. Can I still start the engine and move it a few feet on my driveway?

A1: Yes, you can generally start the engine and move the vehicle on your private property. However, you must not move it onto a public road. Be mindful that prolonged running of the engine could be considered 'use' and may have implications if you are subject to emissions regulations in certain areas, though this is less common for SORN'd vehicles.

Q2: My neighbour's car is SORN'd and it's parked on the street. What should I do?

A2: If you believe a vehicle is SORN'd and parked illegally on a public road, you can report it to the DVLA. They have enforcement officers who investigate such matters. You can report untaxed vehicles via the GOV.UK website.

Q3: Can I use my SORN'd car for a short period if I get temporary insurance?

A3: No. Declaring a vehicle SORN means it is officially off the road. If you intend to use it on public roads, even for a short period, you must first revoke the SORN declaration and ensure it has valid tax and insurance. Temporary insurance alone is not sufficient if the vehicle is still declared SORN.

Q4: What happens if I forget to revoke my SORN declaration before taxing my car?

A4: When you tax your vehicle, the SORN declaration is automatically revoked by the DVLA. You don't need to do anything extra to revoke it if you are taxing it immediately.

Q5: Is it worth contesting a SORN fine?

A5: Contesting a SORN fine depends on the circumstances. If the DVLA has made an error, or if you have proof that your vehicle was genuinely off the public road, you may have grounds to appeal. However, if the vehicle was indeed parked on a public road while SORN'd, the fines and penalties are usually justified, and it's often more cost-effective to pay the fine and correctly tax or SORN the vehicle.

Conclusion

In summary, parking a SORN'd vehicle is permissible, but only on private land, away from public roads. The distinction between private and public property is critical. Always ensure your vehicle is not parked on streets, public car parks, or any other area accessible to the general public. By adhering to these rules, you can successfully manage your vehicle off-road without incurring penalties. Remember, staying informed about SORN regulations is essential for every vehicle owner in the UK.