You must make a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) if you are taking a vehicle off the road. Read on to find out more about what SORN means, how to know if you need to SORN your car, and how to legally declare your vehicle off-road.
What Is a SORN?
A Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) is precisely what it says on the tin: a notification that your vehicle is off the road. A SORN is made when you’re taking a vehicle off the road and want to stop taxing and insuring it.
When to SORN a Car
There are many reasons you might need to SORN your vehicle. For example, you should make a SORN if:
- You want to break a vehicle down for parts before you scrap it
- Your vehicle is not currently taxed
- Your vehicle is not currently insured – even if the policy is only out of action for a couple of days.
- You will not be using your vehicle for an extended time – like if you’re heading to university, for example.
How to SORN a vehicle
If you’re not using your vehicle, you must tell the DVLA. You can write to them, email, or phone them. You can apply online, using either the 11-digit code in your vehicle log book or the 16-digit reference number on the vehicle tax reminder.
You can still drive a vehicle with a SORN, but only to or from a pre-booked MOT or other testing appointment. Driving a vehicle with a SORN for any other reason could lead to a fine of up to £2,500!
If you don’t declare your vehicle off-road, you could face an automatic fine of £80. Declaring a SORN is free, so you could save yourself a lot of legal hassle by telling the DVLA. You will also be refunded any outstanding road tax, so you really are getting a better deal by following the rules!
Do I Need to SORN My Car?
You only need a SORN for your car if you aren’t planning to use it. You’ll need to keep it on private property, like a driveway, a garage, or on a private road.
If you use your vehicle every day, and park it in a garage or driveway at night, you don’t need to SORN your vehicle.
When it comes to scrapping your vehicle, you only need a SORN if you remove parts from it to sell individually or to hold on to and install in a new vehicle (like the radio). You do not need a SORN if you just want to scrap your vehicle.
Please note: You will need to tell the DVLA if your insurers declare the vehicle a write-off and have it scrapped, but you don’t need to acquire a SORN.
If you have any queries about Statutory Off Road Notifications, get in touch and our customer care team will be happy to help.
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