With hefty increases to road tax prices just months away, it’s now been revealed millions of Britons “do not need to pay”.
Motorists who are not intending to on use their vehicles can apply for a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN). Car owners who have a SORN are not permitted to use their vehicles on public roads but will avoid any form of road tax fees.
By having this in place, it will prevent petrol, diesel and electric owners being caught up in the dramatic new Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) rises due to come into force in spring.
Bills will rise for almost all owners with the most polluting petrol and diesel vehicles most affected, reports the Express.
Around 2.7 million cars are currently declared as SORN in the UK, according to previous DVLA analysis.
Motoring experts at Pete Barden explained: “If you never drive your car and you have a private driveway, or other non-public space to store it, you do not need to pay road tax on the vehicle.
“However, it must not be used on a public road or space at all. Additionally, you will need to let the DVLA know that this is the case by obtaining a Statutory Off-Road Notification – aka a SORN.”
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In an extra boost, individuals who declare a SORN will secure a car tax refund for any outstanding months they will not use.
It means those who have paid their VED rates over a six or 12 month basis are not caught out as a result of axing their freedom to drive the car.
VED rates will rise in line with Retail Price index (RPI) inflation from April with £5 added onto the standard rates for most modern vehicles
This will see annual bills rise from £190 per year to £195 in a simple inflationary rise.
However, first-year VED fees are set to soar with those emitting huge amounts of pollution caught out.
Cars emitting over 255g/km of CO2 will now pay £5,490 per year after the new charges are launched compared to the current £2,745.
Meanwhile electric cars will pay VED for the first-time ever although first-year rates will sit at just £10 per annum in 2025/26.
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