DVLA issues urgent car tax warning to drivers who face £1,000 fine
Drivers could have their cars clamped if they do not pay tax
PA
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency is urging drivers to tax their vehicles or face a hefty fine.
Posting on social media, the DVLA has called on motorists to ensure their car tax is up to date, adding that it is difficult to avoid getting caught if their vehicle isn’t taxed.
The “tax it, don’t risk it” campaign was launched in a bid to get drivers to renew their vehicle tax or face consequences.
The Government organisation is also advising drivers to use the “safe and secure” online services to tax their vehicles.
The DVLA has urged motorists to ensure their car tax is up to date
DVLA
The vehicle tax campaign has been launched after hundreds of thousands of vehicles were caught to be untaxed in 2021.
More than 177,000 enforcement actions took place in London, Birmingham and Manchester alone, with drivers potentially receiving a fine, other penalties or having their vehicle clamped.
It is estimated that 98 per cent of vehicles are correctly taxed, but the DVLA stated it would continue taking action against those who break the law.
Julie Lennard, DVLA chief executive, said: “This campaign has a clear message for anyone that delays or avoids taxing their vehicle.
“It really has never been easier to tax a vehicle, from using our 24/7 online service to direct debit options.
“We want motorists to understand that’s it not worth taking a risk and always tax their vehicles on time.”
If a vehicle is flagged as being untaxed and not declared off the road (SORN), drivers will receive an automated letter and a fine of £80 will be issued.
As with other motoring fines, if the charge is paid within 28 days, they should receive a 50 per cent discount.
Drivers who fail to pay the fine could be prosecuted, with the fine potentially being increased to a maximum of £1,000 if it goes to court.
The “hard to hide, easy to tax” campaign messages set out the consequences drivers face if they flout the rules.
Drivers can tax their vehicle using a reference number from a “last chance” warning letter, the V5C vehicle logbook or the green “new keeper” slip from the log book if it has just been purchased.
If a motorist does not have any of these documents, they will need to apply for a new logbook.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
The DVLA can clamp and seize untaxed vehicles
PA
Using the GOV.UK website, motorists can check if their vehicle is taxed, register it as off the road and cancel their vehicle tax with a refund.
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