DVLA issues urgent car tax warning as drivers could be slapped with huge £2,500 fine - 'Don't risk it'

It is the first direct communication from the DVLA's social media channels since the end of May, with the car tax warning coming as many drivers may be unaware of the consequences they could face.

As a result of the General Election, the Civil Service and other Government social media accounts were restricted from posting as much.

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The car tax warning comes as the DVLA warns drivers that their vehicles are "hard to hide, easy to tax", as well as saying: "Tax it. Don't risk it."

In recent years, the DVLA has advised drivers to tax their vehicles using its online services on GOV.UK, rather than using other more traditional methods.

To tax a vehicle online, drivers will need a recent vehicle tax reminder or "last chance" warning letter from the DVLA, their V5C vehicle log book and the green "new keeper" slip if the car has been purchased recently.

Motorists can still apply to pay for their car tax over the phone using the DVLA's 24-hour service, although they will not be able to pay by Direct Debit.

Anyone caught using an untaxed vehicle on the public road without declaring their vehicle Statutory Off Road Notice (SORN) will face a minimum out of court settlement letter set at £30 plus twice the outstanding vehicle tax.

In the event that this is not paid, a criminal offence can be pursued through the magistrates court, with penalties including a £2,500 fine or five times the amount of tax chargeable, whichever is greater.

Drivers could also see their cars clamped if they do not pay their vehicle tax, which can bring a £100 clamp release fee, a £200 impound release cost and hefty fees of £21 for every day the vehicle is in the pound.

Motorists who may not be as well-versed when it comes to online applications can also renew their vehicle tax at their local Post Office branch.

They need either proof of payment for their vehicle tax and their bank or building society account details to set up a Direct Debit.

Motorists are advised to also take their V5C log book, which needs to be in their name, as well as the green "new keeper" slip from the log book.

In Northern Ireland, drivers will also need an insurance certificate or cover note and an original MOT test certificate, with drivers needing to also have paper copies.

This comes as British drivers were handed a lifeline in April when the DVLA and Post Office Ltd agreed a new partnership to ensure branches would continue to offer DVLA services.

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Motorists are now able to visit "relevant" Post Office branches to tax their vehicle or renew a 10-year photocard driving licence.

There is also the potential for two further one-year extensions in the future to ensure services continue for drivers.