DVLA tax warning to drivers who want to get back on the road

The DVLA have now explained to drivers that there are “no shortcuts” when bringing a vehicle back into use after declaring it off the road under a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN).

The agency said: “Want to use your vehicle again after telling DVLA it’s off the road (SORN)?

“You have to tax it first.”

What to do if your car has been unused

Even if your car has been sitting unused in a garage or on a driveway, you cannot start driving it again.

Drivers must first go through the official process to tax the vehicle before it is legally allowed back on the road.

And this rule applies even if no payment is due.

The DVLA warns: “You must tax your vehicle even if it is exempt from vehicle tax, meaning there is no charge to pay.”

How to tax your vehicle

Motorists can tax their vehicle using a reference number from one of the following:

• A recent DVLA tax reminder or ‘last chance’ warning letter
• The vehicle log book (V5C), which must be in your name
• The green ‘new keeper’ slip if you have just bought the vehicle

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If you do not have any of these, you will need to apply for a new logbook – although you can still tax the vehicle at the same time.

Payments can be made by Direct Debit or card, while a 24-hour phone service is also available.

Drivers can also visit a Post Office that handles vehicle tax.

Have you got an unused car? Let us know in the comments.