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There’s no way out

Your vehicle doesn’t need to be seen on the road for an offence to have been committed. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) carries out a check of its records each month to identify untaxed vehicles. DVLA has the authority to carry out enforcement action against you using the information held on its records.

As well as this, DVLA works in partnership with the police and local authorities in operating wheelclamping schemes. Using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) they identify, clamp and tow away untaxed vehicles.

Members of the public can also report an untaxed vehicle online or by calling the national untaxed vehicles telephone hotline.

• Reporting an untaxed vehicle

What will happen if you don't make a SORN

If you don’t make a SORN or tax your vehicle you could be stopped by the police.

You’ll get an automatic penalty of £80, as well as paying for a new tax disc.

You could also get a County Court Judgment against you, and be fined a minimum of £1,000.

The maximum penalty for making a false SORN, when the vehicle is actually used or kept on a public road, is £5,000 and imprisonment.

Your vehicle could be clamped by one of DVLA's wheelclamping partners. You’ll need to pay to have your vehicle released as well as producing a valid tax disc or a surety fee if no disc is available. If you fail to pay, your vehicle will be impounded, incurring storage charges. If you don’t pay the release or storage fees, your vehicle could be crushed or sold.

• More about wheelclamping untaxed vehicles