The Evolution Of Sorn Law: Understanding Its Implementation

SORN, or Statutory Off-Road Notification, became law on 31 January 1998. It applies to vehicles that were licensed on or after that date and are kept off the road without tax or insurance. The law was introduced to improve the accuracy of Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) records and help identify vehicle excise duty (VED) evaders. SORN declarations can be made online, by phone, or by post.

Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) came into force on 31 January 1998

The introduction of SORN aimed to improve the accuracy of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) records. By requiring vehicle owners to contact the DVLA at least once a year, the agency can better identify vehicle excise duty (VED) evaders and assist authorities in combating vehicle crime. SORN also helps ensure that vehicles are properly taxed and insured, as owners must declare their vehicle off the road to avoid these requirements.

To make a SORN, you must meet specific criteria. Firstly, your vehicle must not be taxed or insured. Even if there is a delay in renewing your insurance policy, you are required to make a SORN. Additionally, if you intend to scrap your vehicle, you must make a SORN before breaking it down for parts. When buying or receiving a vehicle, you must also make a SORN if you plan to keep it off the road. It is important to note that a SORN cannot be transferred from the previous owner, and each new keeper must make their own declaration.

There are multiple ways to make a SORN, including online, by phone, or by post. It is important to note that a SORN cannot be backdated, and it will automatically start on the first day of the next month if you apply in the month your vehicle tax is due to expire. Once a vehicle is taxed again or sold, permanently exported, or scrapped, the SORN is automatically cancelled.

SORN applies to vehicles kept off the road, without tax or insurance

SORN, or Statutory Off-Road Notification, became law on 31 January 1998. It was introduced to ensure enhanced accuracy of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) records, requiring vehicle keepers to contact the DVLA at least once a year. This information is then used to identify vehicle excise duty (VED) evaders and assist the police and authorities in combating vehicle crime.

Your vehicle is considered ''off-road' if it is not kept or used on a public road, for example, if it is in a garage, on a driveway, or on private land. You must make a SORN in the following situations:

• Your vehicle is not taxed.
• Your vehicle is not insured (even for a short time).
• You want to break down a vehicle for parts before scrapping it.
• You buy or receive a vehicle and want to keep it off the road (a SORN cannot be transferred from the previous keeper).

It is important to note that you cannot drive a vehicle with a SORN on a public road, except to go to or from a pre-booked MOT or other testing appointment. Driving a vehicle with a SORN for any other reason could result in court prosecution and a fine of up to £2,500.

You must make a SORN declaration if your vehicle is not taxed or insured

The Statutory Off-Road Notification (SORN) law has been in place since 1998 and is an important part of vehicle ownership in the UK. This law requires that all vehicles that are not being used on public roads must be declared as off the road and not taxed or insured. The purpose of this legislation is to ensure that unregistered and untaxed vehicles are not kept on public roads, causing an obstruction or nuisance. If you own a vehicle that is not currently taxed or insured and is not being driven on public roads, you must make a SORN declaration to comply with the law.

A SORN declaration is a legal requirement and can be made online or by phone. When you make a SORN declaration, your vehicle will be registered as off the road with the DVLA, and you will no longer need to pay road tax or ensure your vehicle. It is important to remember that a SORN declaration is not a substitute for insurance or road tax if you are using your vehicle on public roads. The vehicle must remain off public roads unless it is being used to go to or from a pre-declared MOT or heavy goods vehicle (HGV) test.

You must also ensure that your vehicle is kept on private land, such as a driveway or garage, and not on a public road. If your vehicle is seen on a public road, you may face a penalty, fine, or even prosecution. There are some exceptions to the SORN requirement, such as if your vehicle is registered with a historic tax class or is exempt from vehicle tax for another reason.

Remember, it is your responsibility as a vehicle owner to ensure that your car is properly taxed, insured, and registered. Failure to comply with the SORN law can result in fines, penalty points, and even prosecution. If you are unsure about whether you need to make a SORN declaration or how to do so, you can find more information on the gov.uk website or seek advice from a professional.

A SORN is automatically cancelled when you tax your vehicle or sell it

A Statutory Off-Road Notification (SORN) is a legal declaration that you can make when you take a vehicle off the road and want to stop taxing and insuring it. A SORN is not required for vehicles kept off the public road, where no vehicle tax was in force on or after 31 January 1998.

If you want to take your vehicle off the road, you can make a SORN online, by phone, or by post. You must make a SORN in the following situations:

• Your vehicle is not taxed.
• Your vehicle is not insured.
• You want to break down a vehicle for parts before you scrap it.
• You buy or receive a vehicle and want to keep it off the road.

Once you have made a SORN, there is no limit to how long you can keep your vehicle off the road. However, when you want to start driving it again, you must tax it first.

Your SORN will be automatically cancelled when you tax your vehicle or sell it. You will not need to renew a SORN. After making a SORN, you will automatically get a vehicle tax refund for any full remaining months.

You can make a SORN online, by phone or by post

SORN, or Statutory Off-Road Notification, became a legal requirement on 31 January 1998. It is necessary for vehicles that are kept off the public road and not taxed. If your vehicle is off the road and you do not intend to use it, you can make a SORN online, by phone, or by post.

Making a SORN Online

To make a SORN online, you will need to go to the gov.uk website and have the 11-digit reference number from your V5C logbook. Alternatively, you can use the reference number from your V11 tax reminder if you want to make a SORN from the start of the following month. Once your vehicle has been declared as SORN, the change will take effect immediately, and you will receive a refund for any full months of unused car tax.

Making a SORN by Phone

To make a SORN over the phone, call the DVLA on 0300 123 4321 and provide the reference number from your V5C logbook or V11 tax reminder. You should receive confirmation of your vehicle's SORN status within four weeks. If you do not receive confirmation within this time frame, contact the DVLA again.

Making a SORN by Post

To make a SORN by post, you will need to fill out a V890 form, which can be downloaded from the DVLA website or obtained from your local Post Office. Send the completed form to the following address:

DVLA

Swansea

SA99 1AR

Again, you should receive confirmation of your vehicle's SORN status within four weeks. If you do not receive confirmation, contact the DVLA to ensure they have received your form.

Frequently asked questions