STATUTORY OFF-ROAD NOTIFICATION (SORN): A Detailed Guide

Every car moving on the UK road is taxed and probably insured. However, if you don’t plan to use your car for a period of time or you haven’t been using your car for a while, you might want to consider getting a statutory off-road notification (SORN). This will help you not incur any sort of fine from the driver and vehicle licensing agency (DVLA) for not taxing your car and will ensure you don’t have to pay taxes on your vehicle till you are ready to put it back on the road. This guide will give you a detailed review of everything you need to know about how to get SORN for your vehicle and what the restrictions are while it’s off the road, as well as how to put your car back on the road.

What Is Statutory Off-Road Notification (SORN)?

Statutory off-road notification (SORN)  is a way of informing the government that you’ve removed your vehicle from the road. This implies you won’t have to pay vehicle tax or maintain your vehicle’s insurance.

You cannot drive your car on public roads if it has a SORN. It’s also unlawful to park a SORN car on the street, so you’ll need to put it in a garage or driveway first; otherwise, you may have to pay taxes again for not following the rules.

You may also require a SORN in other circumstances. For example, if your vehicle insurance expires and your new coverage is delayed, you must SORN your car until it is fully insured, otherwise, you will be violating the law.

When Do I Need To Declare A SORN?

In the following situations, you can declare a SORN:

• If you plan to park the vehicle in a driveway, garage, or on private land for an extended period of time. It is not permitted to be parked on any public road.
• If the car is uninsured (even for a short period of time) due to an insurance renewal delay.
• Suppose you intend to recover parts from the car before scrapping it.
• If you’re buying a vehicle with the intention of keeping it off the road.

Is it Necessary For Me To Declare Statutory Off-road Notification (SORN)?

If you own a car and do not intend to drive it on the road, then it is necessary. You must notify the DVLA by legally registering it as off-road. A car owner who registers a SORN can avoid paying vehicle tax. 

However, You can’t simply quit paying your taxes. Failure to tax an automobile that hasn’t been registered with a SORN can result in a fine of £80. While this fine may be lowered on appeal, if it is not paid, it may be increased to £1,000 in a court settlement. 

PS: You will receive a refund for any full months of tax outstanding on your vehicle once you are properly registered for a SORN

How Do I SORN My Vehicle?

Obtaining a SORN is a simple process. There are three basic methods for starting your car:

• The government’s website can be accessed over the Internet.
• Call the DVLA at 0300 123 4321.
• Using the postal service to send a form.

When generating a SORN, you’ll need several pieces of information. You must supply one of the following to declare your vehicle off the road:

• The 16-digit reference number from your V11 reminder is the letter the government sends when you need to renew your vehicle tax
• The 11-digit reference number from your VC5—that’s your car’s logbook

Even if you don’t have a VC5, you can still rent a car. If you just bought the automobile, you won’t have a full logbook yet. But you can use the reference number from your VC5/2 – the purchase slip you should have received from the vendor. Alternatively, you can submit an application for a new one on the government’s website, but it will cost you £25 to do so.

How Long Does A Statutory Offroad Notification (SORN) Last?

Prior to the implementation of the Statutory off-road notification (SORN) system, property owners were required to update their notifications yearly. As of today, it is indefinite, only ending when you notify the DVLA that you wish to begin paying road tax, sell the vehicle, or scrap it.

A SORN cannot be passed from owner to owner. Hence, if you buy a car with one, you must renew it with the DVLA. In either case, the DVLA will consider the SORN expired when the owner changes, and road tax will be required again. Be aware of this to prevent a hefty charge.

Vehicle testers and motor traders are exempt from having to apply for a SORN if they follow a few specific guidelines.

What Is The Time It Takes To SORN My Car?

It doesn’t take long to get a SORN, however, it depends on how you complete your application.

Your SORN should begin immediately if you use your VC5 reference number.

If you used your V11 reference number, your SORN will begin on the 1st of the next month.

If you mailed a form by post, your SORN begins on the date you wrote on the form.

Remember that a statutory off-road notification SORN cannot be backdated; therefore, your automobile must be properly taxed and insured until it is officially taken off the road.

Do I Pay Statutory Off-road Notification For My Car?

No, obtaining a SORN for your vehicle is entirely free.

Calls should be charged at your standard rate if you acquire your SORN over the phone; alternatively, if you prefer, you may simply fill out a few details online.

Furthermore, if you’ve already paid a year’s worth of car taxes, you’ll be reimbursed as soon as your SORN goes into force.

Do I Renew Statutory Off-road Notification (SORN)?

There is no need to renew a SORN declaration. It will remain in place indefinitely until the vehicle is sold, scrapped, or permanently exported from the UK.

Returning SORN Car To The Road

It’s a simple procedure to get your car back on the road compared to getting it off.

All you have to do now is re-tax it, which you can do either online or by calling the DVLA. The 11-digit reference number on the V5C will be required once more. 

You can also tax and pay for your vehicle at some Post Office locations or outlets.

Remember that the car must be re-insured in addition to being taxed. Also, Before getting behind the wheel, double-check that you have current car insurance coverage in place.

Finally, the vehicle must have a current MOT, so if the statutory off-road notification (SORN)was issued because it failed a test or the test expired while it was off the road, the vehicle will need to be retested.

Conclusion

In conclusion, getting a SORN for your car is entirely optional; if you haven’t driven it in a while but believe you might want to at some point in the future, it may be more convenient to keep it on the road. The advantage of obtaining a SORN is that you will no longer be responsible for paying taxes or insurance.

However, if you decide to quit insuring your car, you must obtain a SORN. Every car on UK roads is required by law to be taxed and insured, whether or not it is being driven. Keeping an uninsured automobile in your driveway is just as unlawful as driving uninsured in the eyes of the authorities—unless it has a SORN.

FAQs