Will I get fined for driving or owning a car without road tax?

I own a car that is not taxed, can I get fined even if I am not using it?

If you are down as the registered keep of a car on the DVLA database, you will need to ensure that the car is either taxed or on a SORN – which allows you to keep a vehicle off the road without paying VED car tax. If neither of the above apply, you will likely be fined.

What is the fine for owning an untaxed car?

If you are the registered owner of the untaxed vehicle, a Late Licensing Penalty will automatically be issued. The penalty will be £80 but this will be cut to £40 if paid within 33 days.

What if I don’t pay the late penalty?

Failure to pay will see the penalty handed to a debt collecting agency, which is likely to see the amount you pay increase and even result in the vehicle or other goods being seized if you resist payment.

What is the fine for being caught driving a car without tax?

If you are spotted driving an untaxed car on the road by a police officer or other enforcement agency, you will be sent an Out Of Court Settlement letter, with a charge is £30, along with one and a half times the outstanding amount of road tax.

What if I don’t pay the Out Of Court Settlement letter for using an untaxed car?

If you do not pay the Out Of Court Settlement letter charge – including the outstanding VED – you could be taken to court, where the penalty could rise to £1,000 or five times the amount of outstanding car tax, whichever is greatest. The vehicle could also be clamped which will add additional charges.

What happens if I use a SORN car on the road?

If you are spotted using a SORN vehicle on public roads or other public areas, you will receive an Out Of Court Settlement letter charge at £30, along with twice the outstanding car tax owing on the vehicle.

What if I don’t pay the Out Of Court Settlement letter for using a SORN car?

Failure to pay the Out Of Court Settlement letter charge and the outstanding tax, could see you pursued in the courts, where the penalty is either a fine of £2,500 or five times the outstanding tax, whichever is the greatest figure. Again, your car could also be clamped and this will add money to the amount you’ll need to pay.

What is the fine for keeping an untaxed car?

Vehicle databases will show if you are keeping an untaxed car and will see you issued with an Out Of Court Settlement letter. This will charge you £30, along with one and a half times the outstanding VED.

What if I don’t pay the Out Of Court Settlement letter for keeping an untaxed car?

If you don’t pay the Out Of Court Settlement letter charge and the outstanding tax, you’ll likely be pursued in the courts, where the penalty is a fine of £1,000 or five times the outstanding tax, whichever is the greatest. Your car could also be clamped and this will add charges to the amount you’ll need to pay.

How can I check if my car is currently taxed?

Now that tax discs are no longer displayed in car windscreens, it is sometimes hard to know if your car is taxed - and don't forget, tax on a car cannot be transferred to a new owner - regardless of how long was left on it. Fortunately, there is a free official online tool to check your car's road tax status, which you can get details about here. 

What laws cover road tax payment fines?

You can find the laws that cover penalties for not having road tax here.