Drivers could be fined £2,500 if they forget to update these car details after lockdown

Many road users may have applied for a statutory off-the-road notification (SORN) during lockdown as a simple way to save on their car insurance and tax costs. Those not using their cars may have SORN’d their vehicle during the shutdown to enjoy a range of benefits such as securing tax refunds and reducing or suspending any insurance costs. 

In some extreme cases, road users could even have their car clamped or destroyed while owners may face heavier charges for driving without insurance. 

Owners may also be fined £1,000 for driving without valid car tax in another blow for road users. 

Police officers can detect tax evaders through simple technology while Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras can also highlight offenders. 

Data from the Department for Transport has revealed the number of untaxed vehicles has trebled since tax discs were scrapped in 2014 in a major worry for authorities. 

Many drivers SORN their cars because it failed a test or because a certificate expired while it was off the road. 

Under these circumstances, the car will need to be tested again unless the vehicle secured a temporary six-month lockdown extension. 

In this case, owners must ensure their car is in a road legal and safe condition before taking the vehicle onto public roads. 

Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis revealed at the start of lockdown that drivers could “save cash” by declaring a vehicle as off the road. 

But he urged drivers to think carefully about the move as it would be “a faff” for a small saving made under lockdown. 

He previously said: “The difficulty is we don’t know how long lockdown will last. If it’s just weeks, this’d be a faff for a small saving.”

“Yet if you don’t think you’ll drive much anyway even when the rules relax, then, for example, if you’ve two cars and are only likely to use one, it could save you cash. 

“Though do remember if you’ve no car insurance, your car isn’t covered for damage or theft.

source: express.co.uk