The DVLA used its social media channels to underline the warning
Automobile tax: DVLA points warning to drivers on tax avoidance
Hundreds of thousands of motorists are being urged to test their standing after officers warned that failing to behave may result in expensive penalties, fines and even having your automotive clamped.
The DVLA has revealed that whereas the overwhelming majority of motorists keep on the correct facet of the regulation, a small minority are nonetheless being caught out – typically at important expense.
In a brand new alert, the company mentioned 98.7% of drivers tax their automobile on time, leaving round 1.3% vulnerable to enforcement motion.
And for many who fall into that group, the results can escalate rapidly.
Clamp, nice – and charges pile up
The DVLA used its social media channels to underline the warning (Picture: Getty) Motoring information and recommendation plus chosen gives and competitions Subscribe Invalid electronic mail
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- An preliminary nice for failing to tax
- Having their automobile clamped or impounded
- Being compelled to pay launch charges and backdated tax
In some instances, automobiles may even be crushed or bought if homeowners fail to behave.
The DVLA used its social media channels to underline the warning, saying: “98.7% of drivers tax their automobile on time. For many who don’t, the results will be expensive.”
Easy job – however typically ignored
Taxing a automobile is a authorized requirement within the UK – even when no cost is due as a result of the automotive is exempt. Motorists should guarantee their automobile is taxed earlier than it’s pushed or stored on a public highway, and failure to take action can set off automated enforcement by means of quantity plate recognition programs.
Drivers can tax their automobile on-line in minutes utilizing:
- A automobile tax reminder letter
- Their V5C log e book
- Or the brand new keeper slip when shopping for a automotive
98.7% of drivers tax their automobile on time. For many who don’t, the results will be expensive. ??????
Clampy’s right here to remind you what occurs while you let automobile tax slip.
Tax on-line in minutes and use Direct Debit to remain lined: https://t.co/B5WNBKg02r pic.twitter.com/7vZ1mUIDSE
— Driver and Automobile Licensing Company (@DVLAgovuk) March 24, 2026
Direct Debit may save drivers
Officers are urging motorists to arrange a Direct Debit, which helps guarantee funds are made routinely and reduces the chance of forgetting.
Automobile tax may also be organized:
- By telephone (24-hour service)
- At collaborating Submit Workplace branches
Nonetheless, Direct Debit can solely be arrange on-line or in particular person – not over the telephone.
Key exceptions – however guidelines nonetheless apply
Even when a automobile is exempt from paying tax, drivers should nonetheless register it.
The one exception is that if the automobile is formally declared off the highway by means of a Statutory Off Street Notification (SORN).
Motorists also needs to guarantee their automobile has a sound MOT and insurance coverage, as these are required earlier than tax will be issued.
Expensive mistake to keep away from
With enforcement turning into more and more automated, officers warn that there’s little room for error.
Failing to tax a automobile – even by chance – can rapidly flip into an costly mistake, with fines and charges far outweighing the price of merely staying updated.
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