What's the legal status of a car without MoT, SORN or road tax?

What would be the legal status of a vehicle that is kept off the public highway, has no road fund licence (car tax), MoT, SORN or insurance? Also, when the DVLA make their regular updates, are they likely to pursue the registered owner or keeper if they find such a vehicle in their records?

Asked on 29 September 2013 by William Jackson

Answered by Honest John

If the vehicle has been off the road since before (I think) 1998 it no longer officially exists, so no need to declare a SORN. If it has ever been taxed since 1998 then you either have to tax and insure it or make a SORN declaration. There is no alternative to one of these two course of action.

If a vehicle has not been SORNed and is not insured the registered keeper will receive one reminder and will then be pursued for failure to insure a motor vehicle. The fines and licence points are quite stiff.

Tags: sorn legal and consumer advice mot road tax storing cars

Similar questions

Car parked up for several months, what should I do?

My car has been laid up on the drive for three months because I have been in hospital. I have now been discharged but am not allowed to drive. We are heading for the worst weather of the winter, probably,...

If I were to store a car and no longer drive it, what needs done in regards to documents?

My elderly aunt has decided that she no longer wishes to drive. She has a 25 year old Mini she has had from new with low mileage. The insurance expires in May and the tax in November. The car is kept in...

My daughter hasn't continued to SORN her car for the last few years - will she receive a backdated penalty is she sells it?

My daughter has a classic Mini, which has been laid up for 10 years. I think it's beyond repair and should be scrapped. When it was first laid up she declared SORN, but in recent years she has not continued...