You can SORN a car without a driveway, but you will need somewhere suitable to store your vehicle once the SORN is in place. The most important thing to remember is a SORN car cannot be kept anywhere public. That includes roads, footpaths and most car parks.
Registering a vehicle you know you won’t be using as SORN can save you a significant amount of money on tax and insurance. Not having a driveway does remove some potential options. However there are still plenty of opportunities for you to SORN a vehicle, even if it means calling in some favours with friends or family. Read on to find out your options.
Where can I keep a SORN car?
You can keep a SORN car anywhere so long as it is away from the road. Most SORN vehicles are kept safely stored in garages or on driveways. If you have private land, then you are able to keep a SORN car here.
You cannot, however, keep a SORN car in a residential car park. Car parks and pavements are all considered public access, and as such your car would be in contravention of its SORN if it was parked here.
Can I keep a SORN car parked outside my house?
Yes you can, but only as long as it is not on the public highway. If you have a driveway then this will be your best option in storing a SORN vehicle. Other top options include a garage or anywhere on private land. The only rule is that it must not be kept on the road. If you don’t have anywhere suitable to park it, then you’ll need to either reconsider the SORN or find a helpful friend.
Can a SORN car be kept on the public road?
Absolutely not. Considering the OR of SORN stands for ‘Off-Road’, it’s literally in its name that your car cannot be kept on the public road. If your SORN vehicle is seen on the road then your vehicle could be clamped. .
What is the penalty for having a SORN car on the road?
Not only could your car be clamped, but you will also be subject to potential fines if you have a SORN car on the road. If it is just parked on the public road while declared SORN, you will likely be presented with a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) of £30 plus 200% of the outstanding tax. Failure to pay this could result in a fine of £2,500 or five times the amount of outstanding tax.
If you are seen driving a SORN car then you could be facing a similar fine of up to £2,500.
How long can you SORN a car for?
A vehicle can be registered as SORN for as long as is required. A SORN only ends when you decide to tax, sell, scrap or permanently export the vehicle.
Do you have to renew SORN?
SORNs do not expire, so there is no need to renew them at any point. As mentioned above, the only time your SORN will end is when you decide to end it yourself by either selling, scrapping, exporting or taxing your car.
How to move a SORN car
Once a car is registered as SORN, it can not be driven on the public highway at any point. The ban on the public road includes being towed. If you do need to move a SORN car, it must not touch the road at any time. This means the only way to legally move a SORN car would be to attach it to a trailer or the back of a truck.
Driving a SORN car on the road could see you face a fine of up to £2,500.
Can I drive a SORN car for repairs?
The only time a SORN vehicle is allowed on the road is when you are driving to a pre-booked MOT appointment. If you are pulled over, then you will need to show proof that you are on the way to your appointment.
FAQs
What is a SORN?
SORN stands for Statutory Off Road Notice. This designation informs the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) that your car is going to be off the road for a significant portion of time. By registering a vehicle as SORN, it is forbidden from being on the public highway until the SORN is removed.
When should I get a SORN?
You should contemplate getting a SORN when you know that your car isn’t likely to be on the road for any extended period of time. This could be because of repair work, or simply that you’re not going to drive it. Common reasons include classic and sports cars being kept off the road during the winter, as well as project cars requiring mass repairs before being roadworthy again.
Can I get a SORN without an MOT?
There is no requirement for a SORN car to have an MOT. In fact, in many cases an owner may choose to SORN their car because it no longer has an MOT. A car without a valid MOT is not road legal, so you will either need to ensure it passes a test or is registered as SORN.
Can I keep a SORN vehicle on council land?
No – you can only keep a SORN vehicle on private land. If you are not the owner of the land you will need to get permission from the owner first. For the avoidance of any doubt it’s always best practice to keep a SORN vehicle out of sight in somewhere like a driveway, garage or shed on private land.
Can I keep a SORN vehicle in a private car park?
This is a bit of a grey area. If you have permission from the owner of the car park then you could store the car in the car park, however you could still get notes regarding your vehicle’s tax status that you will then have to contest and prove you have been given dispensation to park there.
Moving and Storing SORN Cars Hub
Moving and Storing SORN Cars HubExplore expert advice on moving, storing and generally keeping SORN vehicles. Our Knowledge Centre offers essential information to ensure you’re fully informed to manage your vehicle off the road.
Fine for a SORN car on the road
Find out how much you’re likely to be fined if you keep a SORN car on the road, and what you can do to avoid being penalised.
Can you tow a SORN car?
Our expert guide to towing a SORN car, including all the regulations you might not be aware of.
Can I drive a SORN car to scrap?
We provide you with everything you need to know on how to get your SORN car to a scrapyard when it’s time to say goodbye.
Or, visit our SORNing Knowledge Centre for guides on all topics related to SORNing and storing your car or bike
