Tax Disc Question

117 · 16 Nov 2013 at 12:01

Hi Guys,

I have a car with valid MOT and Insurance that has just come off SORN and was taxed on Friday via DVLA website. I want to lend the car to my father to complete a motorway journey tomorrow morning, and the physical tax disc will not arrive in time (last disc expired 31/1) My question is, what are the repercussions of not displaying the tax disc if the duty has been paid already?

wingman · 16 Nov 2013 at 13:18

Why didn't you do it at the post office?

GT3 · 16 Nov 2013 at 13:23

I wouldn't worry about it, the vehicle won't flag up on ANPR, so very little chance of being stopped.

Regy53 · 16 Nov 2013 at 13:31

GT3 said:
I wouldn't worry about it, the vehicle won't flag up on ANPR, so very little chance of being stopped.

but if he is stopped there is a chance the car will be seized.

OpenToSuggestions · 16 Nov 2013 at 13:36

Regy53 said:
but if he is stopped there is a chance the car will be seized.

I have never come across anyone I know who has been screwed for not having the disc on display.

To be honest I see little point in it doing so anyway.

If the car has valid VED then don't worry - That is what the Police care about.

AtreuS · 16 Nov 2013 at 14:13

I got stopped once, just a random spot check in manc and i had paid online but disc was a few days out... they just checked the system when they noticed and didnt seem fussed as it checked out and i had insurance. I wouldnt worry if you have paid.

Glanza · 16 Nov 2013 at 14:14

Worst case is he'll get a fine for not displaying a current tax disc.

Destination · 16 Nov 2013 at 15:27

Giggz said:
Worst case is he'll get a fine for not displaying a current tax disc.

Which is unlikely as if he has taxed it, it will be taxed form the start of the month, as they only work to end of months.
My new car has no tax disc, as it is still in the post on its way, but it is insured and indeed taxed, else you can't drive it away from the showroom.

[TW]Fox · 16 Nov 2013 at 17:52

Is this not covered by the official period you can run without displaying the tax disc, as he taxed it online prior to the expiration of the SORN?

Skeeter · 16 Nov 2013 at 17:58

Regy53 said:
but if he is stopped there is a chance the car will be seized.

No there isn't. Not displaying a tax disc on a car with valid tax is a fine at most.

rodenal · 16 Nov 2013 at 18:02

As above, fine worst case and you may well be in the grace period anyway

K.C. Leblanc · 16 Nov 2013 at 18:52

In theory it's still an offence not to display the disk, but I really doubt you will have any issues since the database will show the vehicle as taxed.

It might be worth printing out a copy of the order confirmation for him to take with him in case anyone queries it.

Burnsy2023 · 17 Nov 2013 at 12:47

K.C. Leblanc said:
In theory it's still an offence not to display the disk, but I really doubt you will have any issues since the database will show the vehicle as taxed.

It might be worth printing out a copy of the order confirmation for him to take with him in case anyone queries it.

Indeed, just explain the situation and I doubt you'll have an issue. If you're incredibly unlucky, you may walk away with a £100 non-endorsable FPN.

Hades · 17 Nov 2013 at 13:46

I recently forgot to put my disc in for a week (it was sitting at home). Didn't have any issues.

PistolPete · 17 Nov 2013 at 14:59

If you order tax online prior to the expiry of the previous disc you get until the 5th to display it without fear of of a fine.

There maybe a similar arrangement with a SORN - best to ask DVLA.

johnny6 · 17 Nov 2013 at 15:33

PistolPete said:
If you order tax online prior to the expiry of the previous disc you get until the 5th to display it without fear of of a fine.

There maybe a similar arrangement with a SORN - best to ask DVLA.

14th

[TW]Fox · 17 Nov 2013 at 15:55

Burnsy2023 said:
Indeed, just explain the situation and I doubt you'll have an issue. If you're incredibly unlucky, you may walk away with a £100 non-endorsable FPN.

Unlucky? Given that it would appear he is legally entitled to drive it whilst.waiting for the disc I would hope whether or not he is charged is not down to luck!

GT3 · 17 Nov 2013 at 17:49

[TW]Fox;25323547 said:
Unlucky? Given that it would appear he is legally entitled to drive it whilst.waiting for the disc I would hope whether or not he is charged is not down to luck!

It is only if you apply for the disc whilst still taxed isn't it, or does that include sorn?

[TW]Fox · 17 Nov 2013 at 18:14

GT3 said:
It is only if you apply for the disc whilst still taxed isn't it, or does that include sorn?

It includes SORN.

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/tiin/2012/tiin2070.pdf

I hope Burnsey is on his own in his view that you would be simply unlucky to be charged with an offence, I would suggest raising an official complaint if you encounter that.