how do i get my car back on the road after sorn

How Do I Get My Car Back On The Road After SORN In December 2023

Understanding the steps required to return a SORN vehicle to the road can be challenging.

This manual makes the process easier, whether it’s your vintage car in storage or a modern car temporarily off the road. Let’s discuss how to drive your car again after SORN.

Understanding SORN Status

Your vehicle has been officially removed from the public road when you declare a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN). You are exempt from paying vehicle taxes and insurance under this declaration, but you must park your car on private property.

Any vehicle, regardless of age or type, is subject to this status. The Financial Conduct Authority oversees the same set of rules. It’s crucial to realise that a SORN declaration is not binding. You can reverse your car when you’re prepared to return it to the road.

The Process of Un-Sorning a Car

A car can be unsigned by following a few steps. Your car needs to be insured first. The Motor Insurance Database tracks the UK’s insured vehicles. Owning an uninsured vehicle is illegal unless it has SORN status.

Obtain a current MOT certificate after insuring your car. Even if your car is SORN, you can still take a scheduled MOT test. However, the route should be planned to arrive at the scheduled testing time.

Pay the vehicle tax next. This can be done using a vehicle tax reminder letter you’ve received or online at the DVLA website. Remember that you can only use a public road after you have paid the vehicle tax.

Renewing Your Vehicle Insurance

Before you get back on the road, you must have insurance. When you SORNed your car, you might have cancelled your prior insurance coverage. You must now locate a new insurance plan.

Remember that if you cancel your insurance policy before it expires, the insurance company may charge you a cancellation fee. If you intend to use the van sparingly, temporary or temporary van insurance may be an option.

Remember to verify the legitimacy of your insurance company by consulting the Financial Services Register. Your vehicle will be listed on the Motor Insurance Database once it has insurance.

You can also watch this video on Youtube here.

Taking Care of Vehicle Tax

Any vehicle used or parked on public roads in the UK must pay vehicle tax, also known as car tax or road tax. The vehicle’s SORN status is the sole exception. You must pay the vehicle tax to un-SORN your vehicle.

The amount of your payment is determined by several elements, including the vehicle’s emissions and the year it was registered.

The DVLA reminder letter, a V11 or a V890 form for SORN vehicles, can be used to pay the vehicle tax online. The DVLA updates its records after the payment is received.

MOT Testing after SORN

A current MOT certificate is another crucial step in getting your SORN vehicle back on the road. The vehicle’s safety, roadworthiness, and exhaust emissions are examined during a MOT test. To obtain your MOT certificate, you can schedule a pre-booked MOT test.

If you don’t drive on the test day, driving to the MOT test is illegal without vehicle insurance and registration. The car should be in sufficient shape to pass the test. Before the test, ensure your tires are in good condition and all your lights are functional.

Essential Car Maintenance Checks

You should carry out a few essential maintenance checks before un-SORNing your car. These inspections include, among other things, looking at the tires, lights, and oil levels. The tires on your car could be damaged or have lost pressure if it has been off the road for a while.

Ensure they are inflated to the proper pressure, and look for any signs of wear or damage. Check the oil in your car and top it off if necessary.

Long-term vehicle storage increases the risk of rust, brake, and battery issues. It is advised to have a professional examine these.

Updating Your Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) Records

The DVLA records must be updated to un-Sorn your car. The DVLA should update its records automatically once you’ve paid the vehicle tax, obtained a current MOT certificate, and insured your car.

However, double-checking these updates has been made is a good idea. On the DVLA website, you can view the specifications of your vehicle. Make sure your information is correct to prevent any problems.

"Understanding the steps required to return a SORN vehicle to the road can be challenging. This manual makes the process easier, whether it’s your vintage car in storage or a modern car temporarily off the road."

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Preventing Future SORN Situations

You should avoid having to do it again after you’ve un-SORNed your car. Even if you aren’t using your car, keeping it insured and taxed can help you avoid a future SORN situation.

Keep in mind that it is forbidden to maintain an untaxed vehicle without a SORN. You must file a SORN or continue to pay your vehicle tax and insurance even if you stop using your car.

The remaining tax cannot be transferred to the new owner if you sell your car. The remaining tax will be refunded to you for any month. The new owner must pay taxes on the vehicle.

By keeping your car in driving condition, you can take to the road whenever you want without repeating the un-Sorning procedure.

Becoming a Registered Keeper After SORN

You regain your registered keeper status when you un-SORN your vehicle. This position entails both duties and rights. You must maintain the car’s roadworthiness, pay vehicle excise duty, and carry standard auto insurance.

If the vehicle is SORN, the registered keeper must also ensure it is kept on private property. It may be considered an untaxed vehicle and taken away if parked on a public road.

You should take precautions against theft as a registered keeper. The log book in your car should be kept safe because thieves may use it to pretend to be you, the registered owner.

Understanding SORN Insurance

Although it is not required, keeping SORN insurance can be advantageous. A SORN car can sustain damage while being stored on private property even though it is off the road. In this situation, SORN insurance is valid.

Risks like theft, fire, or damage sustained while the vehicle is off the road are covered by SORN insurance. It serves as a means of protecting your investment, particularly in the case of classic or expensive cars.

Always inquire about the specific coverages offered for SORN vehicles from your insurance provider.

Comprehending Statutory Off Road Notice and SORN rules

A Statutory Off Road Notice (SORN) is a legal commitment rather than merely a declaration. Penalties may result from violating SORN rules. Before making a SORN declaration, it is crucial to comprehend these regulations fully.

According to the SORN regulations, the vehicle cannot be used or parked on public roads. It must be kept on private property unless driven to a scheduled MOT test.

A breach of these regulations could result in sizable fines. An insurance advisory letter may be sent if the vehicle is discovered to be operating on a public road without a valid insurance policy.

Motor Trader and SORN

A motor trader or vehicle tester can operate a SORN vehicle on a public road if insured. But they can only do this if they take the car in for an MOT test and bring it back.

You must abide by SORN regulations as a motor trader. Except when it is being taken for an MOT test, the vehicle must be kept on private property.

A SORN vehicle cannot be sold with any remaining tax, so keep that in mind. The new owner must personally tax the vehicle. The remaining tax will be refunded to the registered keeper.

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Jane Parkinson

Jane is one of our primary content writers and specialises in elder care. She has a degree in English language and literature from Manchester University and has been writing and reviewing products for a number of years.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of a registered keeper for a SORN vehicle?

A SORN vehicle’s registered keeper ensures it is kept on private property and not driven or parked on public streets. They must also maintain regular auto insurance, keep the car drivable, and pay any required excise duty.

Can a SORN vehicle be insured?

You can get SORN insurance for your car even though it’s not required. While off the road, this insurance can shield your car from risks like theft, fire, and damage.

What are the rules for a Statutory Off Road Notice (SORN)?

The vehicle must remain on private property and not be used or parked on public roads unless it is being driven to a scheduled MOT test. Fines may be assessed for breaking these rules.

What is the significance of a vehicle log book for a SORN vehicle?

A vehicle log book, or V5C, is essential because it demonstrates who is the vehicle’s registered keeper. The logbook should be kept secure, even for SORN vehicles. Its theft would allow thieves to pretend to be the registered keeper.