The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has warned motorists that they "must pay" or risk their car being "clamped or crushed".
Officials on the GOV.UK website state that while some drivers may be able to "appeal a fine", others may not be so lucky. DVLA, an executive agency sponsored by the Department for Transport (DfT), could fine drivers who don't tax or insure their vehicle.
A fine could also be handed out if someone does not tell the DVLA they no longer have the vehicle. You can appeal to DVLA if you have proof that you:
- Taxed your vehicle
- Had insurance for your vehicle
- Already told DVLA you’re no longer the vehicle’s keeper
It says: "Your proof (for example, an acknowledgement letter from DVLA) must be dated before the offence."
However, some drivers "cannot appeal" their DVLA fine. This includes circumstances such as:
- You changed your address but did not tell DVLA
- You lost your paperwork, or you never received a reminder from DVLA
- You forgot or were away when you had to tax, insure or register your vehicle as off the road (SORN)
- You missed a Direct Debit payment because of a problem with your bank
It stresses: "You must pay the fine as soon as possible if you do not have a valid reason. You can pay online for vehicle tax and SORN fines, but you must pay all other fines by phone or post. Your letter will tell you how to pay.
"If you do not pay the fine, your vehicle could be clamped or crushed, your details passed to a debt collection agency, or you could be taken to court."
How can I appeal a DVLA fine?
The letter you received from DVLA stating you’ve been fined will tell you how to appeal and how long you have to do so. If you’ve lost your letter, you can appeal by writing to DVLA:
DVLA Enforcement CentreD12DVLASwanseaSA99 1AH
You must include your vehicle’s registration number. After you submit an appeal, the DVLA will contact you to let you know what will happen next.
