If you have an old car or motorcycle that you don’t use anymore and want to get rid of, there are a few things you need to do first. You can’t just abandon it on the side of the road. And you can’t sell it without letting the DVLA know.
This is where SORN comes in. This article will explain SORN and how to get one for your vehicle.
What Is SORN?
SORN stands for Statutory Off Road Notification. It’s a way of letting the DVLA know you will not use your vehicle on the road for a while. This could be for several reasons, such as:
- You’re keeping it in storage because you’re not using it at the moment
- You’re taking it off the road to scrap it
- It’s being repaired, and you don’t want to pay for the road tax while it’s not in use
- It’s been written off by your insurance company.
People often confuse SORN with MOT. They are two completely different things. MOT is an annual test that all vehicles must take to ensure they’re safe driving on the road. SORN has nothing to do with whether or not your vehicle is safe to drive. It’s telling the DVLA that you’re not using it on the road.
Why Would I Want A SORN?
There are a few reasons you might want to get a SORN for your vehicle. The main one is to avoid paying road tax. As we all know, road tax is a yearly fee that you have to pay to use your vehicle on the roads. If you’re not going to be using your vehicle on the road, there’s no point in paying road tax; this is where SORN comes in.
Another reason is that it can help you avoid penalties for not having insurance. If your vehicle is registered with a SORN, then you don’t need to have insurance for it. This is because you’re not allowed to use it on the road.
You can also get a SORN if you plan to travel for an extended time and want to keep your vehicle in storage. This is a good way to avoid paying road tax and insurance while away. You can save money this way, and you won’t have to cancel your insurance when you’re away.
How Do I Get A SORN?
To get a SORN, fill out a form and send it to DVLA. You can get the form online or from your local Post Office. Once you’ve sent off the form, you should receive your SORN within a few weeks.
Once you have your SORN, you must keep it up to date. If you’re no longer using your vehicle or if it’s been scrapped, you need to let the DVLA know so that they can update your records.
A SORN lasts for as long as you want. However, it will automatically be cancelled if you don’t renew it after 12 months. If you decide to use your vehicle on the road again, you must inform the DVLA and pay the appropriate road tax.
How Much Does It Cost?
A SORN is free of charge. You don’t need to pay anything to get one. You have to fill out the form and send it off.
However, there are some costs associated with keeping a SORN. If your vehicle is in storage, you must ensure that it’s insured against theft and fire. You also need to pay for any repairs that need to be carried out.
And, of course, if you decide to use your vehicle on the road again, you need to pay the appropriate road tax.
Will SORN Affect My Car Insurance?
No, SORN will not affect your car insurance. Your insurance policy will remain valid even if your vehicle is registered with a SORN.
However, there are some things to be aware of. If your vehicle is in storage, you must ensure that it’s insured against theft and fire. You also need to pay for any repairs that need to be carried out.
How To Check If A Vehicle Has SORN?
If you want to check whether a vehicle has a SORN, you can do this in a few different ways. The easiest way is to check the DVLA website. You need to enter the vehicle’s registration number, and it will tell you whether it has a SORN or not. You can also call the DVLA and ask them to check for you. However, they may charge you a small fee for this service.
You can also visit the government’s website and check the vehicle tax rates. If the vehicle you’re checking is not listed, then it means that it has a SORN. If you want to check whether your vehicle has a SORN, you can find this information on your vehicle registration certificate. It will be listed under ‘tax class’. If it says ‘SORN’, then your vehicle has a SORN.
And finally, you can check the vehicle’s insurance policy. If it doesn’t have insurance, then it probably has a SORN. This is because you’re not legally required to insure a vehicle that’s not being used on the road.
What Happened If I Drive A Car Without A SORN?
If you use your vehicle on the road without a SORN, you could be fined up to £2,500. You may also have to pay any unpaid road tax. And, if you’re caught driving without insurance, you could face an unlimited fine and be disqualified from driving.
This is why it is important to run a car check before you purchase a car to ensure that it doesn’t have any outstanding fines or penalties against it. By running a car check, you can get information on a car’s history, including whether it has a SORN.
There’s everything you need to know about SORN. It’s a good idea if you’re not using your vehicle on the road. It will save you money in the long run. If you plan to purchase a car, check for a SORN. Do this by running a car check before you purchase.