The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has provided important guidance on a so-called ‘five-year’ rule impacting many vehicle licence plates, which could necessitate owners obtaining an MOT certificate. This clarification, issued in September 2020, follows Parliamentary questions and addresses the rules around retaining registration plates, especially for vehicles declared off the road.
This rule concerns vehicles with a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN), a status held by over 6.6 million UK vehicles according to recent figures obtained by Churchill Insurance-a substantial increase from 2.85 million in 2014-15. A SORN is required when a vehicle is not taxed or insured and is kept off public roads, such as when stored in a garage or parked on private land.
The DVLA states that a SORN must be declared for any untaxed or uninsured vehicle, when a vehicle is taken off the road for scrapping or parts, or when a vehicle is acquired and kept unused off public roads. It is important to note that a SORN cannot be transferred from a previous owner.
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Labour MP Anna Gelderd raised concerns in Parliament regarding the transfer of registration plates from vehicles with SORN. In response, Justin Madders, Parliamentary Under-Secretary for the Department for Transport, emphasised the strict conditions for retaining or transferring registration numbers, including anti-fraud measures and a requirement that vehicles be mechanically operational.
Crucially, where a vehicle has been subject to a SORN for less than five years, applications to retain or transfer registration marks may be processed more straightforwardly. However, if the SORN has been in place for five years or longer, an MOT test is required to ensure roadworthiness. In cases where an MOT cannot be carried out, the DVLA may conduct a special inspection to verify the vehicle can move under its own power.
Additionally, the Minister addressed issues related to illegal vehicle sales, noting that the DVLA requires prompt notification of ownership changes and maintains records to combat vehicle-related crime. Various notification channels are available to update keeper details at the point of sale, which assists in keeping the vehicle register current and accurate.
Further information about the SORN process and regulations can be found on the GOV.UK website.