DVLA warns 'five minute check' could save drivers from hefty £1,000 fine

The DVLA has stressed motorists can check their vehicle tax renewal date through a simple five-minute check anyone can do at home. Double checking Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) due dates is crucial with road users at risk of hefty fines if they refuse or simply forget to pay.

VED renewal dates may change every time motorists get a different vehicle which could make it harder to stay on top of. Those who have just purchased a brand new or second-hand vehicle may not realise when the charge is due and simply forget to settle the bills. However, VED charges are a legal requirement to use UK roads and officials will not take lightly to drivers paying their charges late.

The DVLA posted on social media site X: “Do you know when your vehicle tax is due?

“With a Driver and Vehicle account, you can choose to receive a vehicle tax reminder by text or email. Make life a little easier, it only takes around five minutes”

Getting behind the wheel without paying road tax is a serious offence with road users at risk of severe penalties including staggering fines.

Breakdown experts at the RAC stressed road users would likely be issued a sliding scale of fees until they owe thousands of pounds.

The experts admitted that VED evasion rates stand at around 719,000 vehicles in the UK.

The RAC has estimated this to be a loss to the Treasury of around £119million in potential annual tax receipts.

Drivers who fail to pay their tax charges will be flagged up on a system and will be automatically issued an £80 fine.

At this stage, motorists won’t receive any penalty points on their driving licence and will get a 50% discount on any charges if paid within 33 days.

However, ignoring this letter is when penalties will start ramping up with road users to start being hit with four-figure fees.

They explained: “If you are caught using an untaxed vehicle on a public road without a SORN then an out of court settlement letter will be issued. The fine is £30 plus one and a half times the outstanding vehicle tax.

“If not paid, as a criminal offence, the case may be followed through the magistrates’ court where the penalty is either £1,000 or five times the amount of tax chargeable, whichever is greater.”