No mot tax about to run out

[ging84]

I've got a car that has been sat on my drive since November because it failed it's mot. I kept it taxed and insured as I had every intention of getting it sorted before Christmas / end of January / February / March etc and I was happy to carry on paying the government indefinitely till I fix it or get rid of it, but now they have other ideas. They sent me a letter saying the tax is about to run out and cannot be retaxed untill it has an mot.

So do I now need declare it sorn or can I just let the tax lapse?

As I understand it I can still drive it to an mot centre and places of repair, with no tax or mot, so I could have cancelled the tax right away.

Other than the increased likelihood of getting stopped and asked about it, increased fine if they disagree about me being on my way to or from a place of repair is there any other issues from it no longer being taxed?

It is in my private parking area at the back of my house so it is well off the road and not in anyone's way.

[Blanco92]

I would SORN it.

There’s a threat these days that for owners that do nothing, the DVLA can come after you to pay back-tax... for the period between it being left untaxed, and you re-taxing it and driving it. I’ve never heard of them actively enforcing it, but the SORNing of a vehicle is not particularly difficult so I’d just do it.

As you say, you can still drive it to a pre-booked MOT or place to get remedial repair.

[Cyberprog]

You must SORN it or you'll fall could of CIE.

Edited by Cyberprog on Saturday 22 June 14:27

[ging84]

It's still insured and for now I intend to keep it that way

[the tribester]

SORN it, or face a penalty in the post.

Keep insurance running if it's likely to catch fire or be stolen.

Write reminder on calendar to fix the thing!

[MitchT]

If you can't tax it then SORN it. Don't do nothing. Also, you might need to tell your insurance that it's "laid up" as they might take exception to you having an un-taxed, un-MOT'ed car insured for road use if they find out. There are "laid up" policies you can get so the car's insured for fire, theft, etc. Alternately, cancel your insurance and cross your fingers.

[Cooperman]

Tell your insurance company because they may give you a reduction in premium for 'off the road only' cover. That is what owners of classic cars have when doing restoration work.

[littleredrooster]

And also be wary of where it is parked. If it's in a common car-park with the rest of your neighbours' cars, it may well not be 'Private Land' for the purposes of the RTA, and is therefore not 'off-road'.