Guide to No Road Tax

The Offence

It is an offence to drive a vehicle or allow someone to drive a vehicle on a road without road tax or without displaying a valid tax disc.  If you drive a vehicle declared SORN (Statutory Off-Road Notification) or having paid the wrong tax amount you will also be guilty of an offence.

Do I need an NIP (Notice of Intended Prosecution) for No Road Tax?

No, there is no requirement for an NIP for not having Road Tax.

Punishment

Driving Without Road Tax:
Fine up to £1,000 or 5 times the annual road tax fee, whichever is the greater amount.  You may also be liable to pay back duty.

Causing or Permitting Someone to Drive Without Road Tax:
Fine to a maximum of £1,000 unless the vehicle can carry more than 8 passengers, when the fine rises to a maximum of £2,500.

Failure to Display Road Tax:
Fine up to £200.

Using a Vehicle When Declared SORN:
Fine up to £2,500

Using a Vehicle when Liable to Pay Road Tax at a Higher Rate:
Fine up to £1,000 or 5 times the difference between the tax rates calculated at the annual rate.  You may also be liable to pay back duty.

Defences

There may be defences available:

1. where you were not the keeper of the vehicle; or
2. where the vehicle was stolen; or
3. where it was not used on a public road; or
4. when you are in the "grace period" following the expiry of your road tax.  

Defences often turn on the particular circumstances of an alleged offence, so we recommend you take specialist legal advice from us before simply accepting an allegation that either the Prosecution may not be able to prove or that you may have a defence to.  

Don't wait until it's too late. Call Motor Defence Team now, on 0800 2800 912, for a fixed fee consultation with a specialist lawyer.

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