Thousands of motorists across the UK are risking fines of up to £1,000 - simply by failing to perform a simple action, the DVLA has warned.
Every car, motorbike and other vehicle must be taxed before being used on public roads, even if no payment is required. Breaching these rules is taken very seriously. Initial penalties for untaxed vehicles begin at £80, dropping to £40 if settled quickly. Using an untaxed vehicle on public roads can result in additional fines, typically around £30 plus the outstanding tax.
If the DVLA's correspondence is disregarded, the matter can proceed to court, where magistrates have the authority to impose fines of up to £1,000, or even five times the annual tax sum, whichever is greater.
There are further consequences: vehicles may be clamped or seized, with storage charges adding hundreds of pounds to the total bill. Drivers can tax their vehicles online using a reference number from a recent tax reminder or 'last chance' letter, from their V5C log book, or from the green 'new keeper' slip if the vehicle was bought recently. Payments can be made by debit or credit card, or by Direct Debit.
Alternatively, motorists can tax at participating Post Offices. Proof of identity such as the V5C, the green new keeper slip, and in some cases a valid MOT certificate or screenshot of MOT history is needed.
In Northern Ireland, an insurance certificate and original MOT or Temporary Exemption Certificate are also required. If a vehicle is not in use, drivers can register it as off the road and thus evade paying tax.
Motorists altering their tax class - for instance, if a car was previously utilised by a disabled individual - must also apply in person at a Post Office.
The DVLA strongly advises drivers to take action immediately to prevent automatic fines, penalty points, court proceedings or vehicle confiscation. For further details or to tax a vehicle, visit the DVLA website or ring 0300 123 4321.
