Penalties for non SORN

1. DVLA Guide
2. DVLA and Vehicles
3. Statutory Off Road Notification
4. Penalties for non SORN

There are serious penalties if your vehicle is off road and you do not declare it with a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN).

The penalties include:

• An automatic penalty of £80
• Wheel clamping
• Permanent removal of the vehicle from you

Automatic Tracing of Non-Taxed and Non-SORN Vehicles

DVLA now have the database and the technology to search their records every month for vehicles which are un-taxed or un-SORNed. So, your vehicle does not have to have been seen on the road for you to have committed an offense.

DVLA has full authority from the Government and the support of the Police to enforce action against you should you not tax or SORN your vehicle. This network supports wheel clamping schemes which use Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR).

If you suspect an untaxed vehicle, you can report an untaxed vehicle online.

Penalties for Non SORN

You will get stopped by the Police if you use your vehicle without tax or SORN.

An automatic fine of £80 applies. A County Court Judgment might be raised against you - the minimum fine is £1,000.

Penalties for False SORN

A false SORN is where a vehicle user makes a SORN when the vehicle actually should be taxed. False SORN results in harsher penalties - a maximum fine of £5,000 and even imprisonment.

Clamping is often employed in this case. This incurs fees to have the vehicle released. Non-payment might result in impoundment and further charges. One step further - if you don't pay the fines - crushing/sale of the vehicle is likely.

Last updated: Friday 22nd July 2011