The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has provided detailed clarification on a ‘five-year’ rule concerning the retention of vehicle number plates, a matter recently discussed in Parliament. This update, issued by the Department for Transport (DfT) on 3 September, explains the process and conditions under which vehicle registration plates can be retained, particularly when the vehicle is subject to a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN).
A SORN is required when a vehicle is taken off the road, enabling the owner to cease taxing and insuring it legally. This applies to vehicles stored in garages, on private land, or driveways and not used or kept on public roads. The DVLA advises that a SORN must be made if a vehicle is untaxed or uninsured, intended for dismantling before scrapping, or if acquired and kept off the road; however, SORN status cannot be transferred from the previous keeper.
Recent data from Churchill Insurance reveals a significant rise in SORNed vehicles, with over 6.6 million currently in the UK - more than double the figure from 2014-15 and a 34% increase in the past two years. Owners use SORN to legally maintain vehicles without active use, such as during repairs or ownership changes.
Labour MP Anna Gelderd raised concerns about guidance on transferring registration plates from vehicles under SORN, prompting a response from Justin Madders, Parliamentary Under-Secretary at the DfT. He highlighted that the DVLA sets clear rules for retaining or transferring plates, accessible via the government website. Crucially, applications require the vehicle to exist and be mechanically operable.
Where a vehicle has been under a SORN for less than five years, number plate retention or transfer may proceed under standard conditions. However, if the SORN has lasted five years or longer, an MOT test becomes mandatory. In cases where an MOT is not feasible, the DVLA may organise a vehicle inspection to verify its ability to move under its own power.
Additionally, in response to a question about point-of-sale registration’s role in preventing illegal vehicle sales, the minister noted that while no specific assessment exists, the DVLA already mandates notification of vehicle sales and maintains accurate records to combat vehicle-related crime. Owners are encouraged to update keeper details promptly, using multiple notification methods. Safeguards include contacting keepers for confirmation before issuing new registration documents if disposal notifications are absent.
For further information on SORN or vehicle registration processes, vehicle owners are advised to consult the official government website.