DVLA ‘risk’ warning as drivers could face £1,000 fines | Personal Finance | Finance

Thousands of UK drivers are gambling with fines of up to £1,000 – simply by forgetting to perform a simple task for their vehicle, the DVLA has warned.

All cars, motorcycles and other vehicles must be taxed before being driven on public roads, even if they are exempt from paying a fee. Ignoring the rules is treated seriously.

Initial penalties for untaxed vehicles start at £80, reduced to £40 if paid promptly.

Driving untaxed on public roads can trigger further fines, usually around £30 plus the tax owed.

If the DVLA’s letters are ignored, the case can go to court, where magistrates can impose fines of up to £1,000, or even five times the annual tax amount, whichever is higher.

There are additional risks: vehicles may be clamped or impounded, with storage fees adding hundreds of pounds to the cost.

Motorists can tax their vehicles online using a reference number from a recent tax reminder or ‘last chance’ letter, from their V5C log book, or from the green ‘new keeper’ slip if the vehicle was recently purchased. Payments can be made by debit or credit card, or by Direct Debit.

Alternatively, drivers can tax at participating Post Offices. Proof of identity such as the V5C, the green new keeper slip, and in some cases a valid MOT certificate or screenshot of MOT history is required. In Northern Ireland, an insurance certificate and original MOT or Temporary Exemption Certificate are also needed.

If a vehicle is off the road, motorists can register it as such and avoid paying tax. Drivers changing their tax class – for example, if a car was previously used by a disabled person – must also apply in person at a Post Office.

The DVLA urges drivers to act now to avoid automatic fines, penalty points, court action or vehicle seizure.

For more information or to tax a vehicle, visit the DVLA website or call 0300 123 4321.