If you are caught having a SORN car on the public highway you should be prepared to face a fine of up to £2,500. SORN cars must not be parked in any public spaces at all. This doesn’t just mean the road itself, but also pavements and car parks.
There is a wide range of penalties and fines associated with SORN and tax. Below is a reproduction of the table you can find on the Government’s website on the subject.
| Offence or penalty | Identification | Enforcement action |
| Being the registered keeper of an untaxed vehicle. | This is identified from DVLA’s vehicle register. | A late licensing penalty (LLP) letter is issued automatically. LLP set at £80 reduced to £40 if paid within 33 days. If the penalty is not paid, the case will be referred to a debt collection agency. If you pay by Direct Debit and fail to make the payment, DVLA may stop you from using this payment method in the future. |
| Using an untaxed vehicle on a public road without a SORN. | ‘Using’ offence identified from an ‘on-road’ sighting. | An out of court settlement (OCS) letter issued. OCS set at £30 plus one and a half times the outstanding vehicle tax. If the OCS is not paid, as a criminal offence the case may be pursued through the magistrates’ court. The penalty is either £1,000 or five times the amount of tax chargeable, whichever is greater. Vehicle may be clamped and additional fees may apply. |
| Using an untaxed vehicle on a public road with a SORN in force. | ‘Using’ offence identified from ‘on-road’ sighting. | An out of court settlement (OCS) letter issued. OCS set at £30 plus twice the outstanding vehicle tax. If the OCS is not paid, as a criminal offence the case may be pursued through the magistrates’ court. The penalty is either £2,500 or five times the amount of tax chargeable, whichever is greater. Vehicle may be clamped and additional fees may apply. |
| Keeping an untaxed vehicle. | ‘Keeping’ offence identified from the vehicle record. | An out of court settlement (OCS) letter issued. OCS set at £30 plus one and a half times the outstanding vehicle tax. If the OCS is not paid, as a criminal offence the case may be pursued through the magistrates’ court. The penalty is either £1,000 or five times the amount of tax chargeable, whichever is greater. Vehicle may be clamped and additional fees may apply. |
Where can I park my SORN car?
SORN cars can be parked anywhere off the public highway – effectively anywhere privately owned. The most common places to keep a car is on a driveway or a garage. But what if you don’t have a driveway for your SORN car? If you have any private land, or know someone who does, then a shed or garage would be an ideal position.
How do I move my car to get it to a legal space?
If your car has a SORN in place, then legally you cannot drive it, nor can it be towed. The only time this is allowed is if you are driving to a pre-booked MOT appointment. In this instance you will still need to have valid insurance. In effect – if it’s got a SORN, it can’t touch the road network at all. As previously stated, the penalty for driving a SORN vehicle is steep and could see you handed a hefty £2,500 fine. If you’re not sure if your car is SORN or not, it’s worth checking to make sure you don’t accidentally incur a penalty.
Because of the penalties and fines associated with driving SORN vehicles, you’ll want to arrange appropriate transportation for your vehicle. If you have a friend with a trailer or flatbed truck this could be useful, otherwise there are plenty of professional vehicle moving companies who can do this for you.
What if my car has no SORN or tax?
If your car has no SORN or tax, then it is officially illegal. Unlike a SORN car being seen before you get a penalty, simply keeping a car with no SORN or tax is enough to generate an automatic penalty. If you are the registered keeper of a car that has no tax or SORN in place, you will receive an £80 “late licensing penalty” LLP. This will be reduced to £40 if you pay within 33 days.
Does SORN happen automatically?
SORN does not happen automatically if you don’t tax your car. You must register a car as SORN separately. If you have already paid for either six or 12 months’ of your tax, then you will be refunded any full months remaining. If you pay by direct debit, this will be cancelled there and then.
FAQ
How do I get a SORN?
Obtaining a SORN is easily done online. You will need the 11-digit number from your car’s V5C Registration Document or the 16-digit number from your V11 Tax Reminder. Alternatively you can apply by phone or by post. Applications online or by phone are applied instantly, whereas you will need to wait for the application to arrive with the DVLA if posting.
How much is a SORN?
There is no cost attached to registering as SORN. If anything, a SORN saves you money as it means you are no longer required to pay for your car’s tax.
How long does it take to get a SORN?
If you have applied by phone or online then the SORN will be put in place immediately. The only exception to this is if you are applying in the month that your tax is due to expire, where the SORN will be applied from the first day of the following month. If you apply by post, you will have to wait for the application to arrive at the DVLA before it is actioned.
Do I have to renew a SORN?
No, once a SORN is put in place it will remain until you decide to tax it again. There is no other way to “unSORN” a car, and if you do wish to get it back on the road you will need to tax it first.
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.
Can I SORN a car with no driveway?
Need to SORN a car but have no driveway? Let us outline where you can keep your car until it’s ready for the roads again.
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
