These measures are now due to come into force in the next few months. The offence will carry stricter penalties with 6-8 points endorsement, a maximum fine of £5000 and the ability to be immediately disqualified.

Ownihg a motor vehicle....Insurance

A reminder will be sent first before prosecution so it is even more important that the details on the V5C are correct.

The crux of the law is that if a vehicle is taxed then it MUST be insured. If it is declared SORN then it does not require insurance. There have been numerous cases of people declaring SORN and later receiving finds for non-declaration due to problems in the system. It is therefore vital to ensure that you receive your official notification of receipt by DVLA by the end of 4 weeks or you may become liable to being prosecuted for lack of insurance as well as a fine for non-SORN declaration.

We have spoken with DVLA concerning the situation with vehicles off road before the introduction of SORN, which have been exempt from any declaration previously.

Their reply was: -

”Continuous Insurance Enforcement (CIE) is being introduced in Spring 2011 and will identify uninsured vehicles by comparing the Motor Insurance Database (MID) with DVLA vehicle records. Motorists who do not intend to renew their insurance should keep their vehicle off road and make a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN). It will become an offence to keep an uninsured vehicle without a SORN in force.
SORN was introduced on 31 January 2026 and applies to vehicles licensed on or after that date. Certain vehicles have remained outside the scope of SORN, as they have not had a tax disc or SORN in force since 1998. The introduction of CIE will not change that.

Further information on CIE can be found at www.direct.gov.uk/stayinsured .”