SORN stands for Statutory Off-Road Notification. It’s a declaration you make to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) that your vehicle is not being used or kept on public roads in the UK. By declaring SORN, you are exempt from paying Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), also known as road tax.
For example, if you have an old car that you're storing away for sentimental reasons but don’t plan to drive anytime soon, you can declare it as a SORN vehicle. This means you won't need to pay VED and your vehicle will be legally parked off-road without any fines or penalties.
It's important for consumers because failing to declare a vehicle as SORN when required can lead to hefty fines and other legal issues. For instance, if you leave an old car in your garden that’s technically still roadworthy but not being driven on public roads, declaring it as SORN is crucial to avoid potential £80 penalties from the DVLA.
The requirement for SORN is set out under Section 16A of the Road Traffic Act 1988. This section mandates that if a vehicle is kept or used off-road but could be legally driven on public roads, you must declare it as SORN unless it’s exempt (such as being stored permanently at an address where use on public roads is prohibited).
A practical tip: If you’re unsure whether your vehicle needs to be declared as SORN, check the DVLA guidelines or contact them directly. They can provide clear guidance based on your specific circumstances and help ensure that your vehicle complies with UK regulations.
How This Relates to the FCA Redress Scheme
The FCA motor finance redress scheme covers 12.1 million agreements with an average compensation of £829 per agreement. The total cost to firms is £9.1 billion. If you had PCP or HP finance between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024, you may be eligible. The final deadline to complain is 31 August 2027. You do not need a claims management company.