If you’re about to jump into an old car for the first time in a while – perhaps it’s been surplus to requirements while you’ve been at uni or it’s been simply too wet and ‘orrible for a spin in the sports car – then you’re going to want to check it’s still legally allowed on the road. Declaring a SORN can be incredibly useful when a car isn’t in use, but driving a car that has been SORN could land you in very hot water. Read on to find out how to check if a car has been SORN.
If your car has been SORN while you try to get it fixed and it’s starting to dawn on you that those repairs will probably never happen, then perhaps it’s time to finally say goodbye. By using Scrap Car Comparison, you’re guaranteed to get the very best price no matter the condition of your car and we’ll even come and collect it for free with nationwide collectors operating across 99% of UK postcodes.
Can you check if a car has been SORN?
Checking if a car has been SORN is very simple, and all you’ll need is the vehicle’s registration number and access to the internet. The DVLA provides a free SORN checking service online, and all you have to do is input the reg plate of the car you’re checking and all you’ll want to know will be there in front of you. Other services such as askMID (the Motor Insurance Database) as well as a government portal can also provide SORN information.
How long does it take for a vehicle to show as SORN?
If you declare your car as SORN using the 11-digit reference number on your V5C, then the SORN will take effect immediately. However, if you declare it using the 16-digit reference from your V11 tax reminder then this will not come into effect until the first day of the next month. If you declare via post, then you’ll need to factor in the time it takes for a letter to arrive at the DVLA’s headquarters. In any situation, it can take up to five days for the relevant databases to update to show your car as SORN.
How long does a SORN last for your car?
There is no end date on a SORN, meaning once you declare a car as SORN, it remains as such until you contact the DVLA to get the car back on the road. This means if you decide you want to park your car up over the winter – perhaps you’ve got a sporty little number that’s little use in the wet and windy climes of a British November – then you won’t need to worry about renewing anything until you want to get your weekend runabout out again in the spring.
Can I park my SORN car outside my house?
If you have a driveway or private land outside your house, then you can, but if all that’s outside your front door is a road, then no. Declaring a car as SORN means it must be kept off the road, not just not driven. It must be stored away from the public highway, either on a driveway, on private land or in a garage. Having a SORN car parked on the road could land you with a £2,500 fine.
Can I drive my car to the garage if it is SORN?
The only time you’re allowed to drive a SORN car is when it is on its way to a pre-booked MOT, or similar testing appointment. If you are driving to an MOT in a SORN car, you should have proof of the MOT booking to hand so you can show this to the police if you are pulled over. If you can’t prove that you’re going to an appointment, you could face prosecution and a fine of £2,500.
Can I drive a SORN car to sell it?
No – other than driving to a pre-booked MOT or testing appointment, you cannot drive a SORN car under any circumstances. To be able to take your car back on the road you must undeclare the SORN, otherwise you will be breaking the law and could be slapped with a £2,500 fine and end up in court.
How to declare my car SORN
Declaring a car as SORN is a simple process that requires one of two lengthy reference numbers – either the 11-digit number from your V5C or the 16-digit number from your V11. The simplest way to declare a car as SORN is to do so online or over the phone, however you can also do it via post if you wish. Declaring with a V5C will make the change instantly, whereas changing with the V11 will take effect from the following month.
If your SORN car isn’t going anywhere soon, and looks like it never will again, why keep it hanging around and using up space? With Scrap Car Comparison we can take it off your hands and replace it with a nice chunk of money in your bank account. No matter the condition we’ll come and take it off your hands and will get you the very best price in as little as 60 seconds via our online quote generator or by speaking to one of our knowledgeable team on the phone.
