Why was I fined for not having insurance on a car that's parked on a private driveway?

I have a car that is fully taxed but not insured. The car is parked on a private driveway and always has been since the insurance ran out in April. It's taxed until November but the DVLA has now issued me a £100 for not having insurance or having a SORN. Why do I need to insure it if it's on private land and why do I need to sorn it if it's taxed? The back of the fine only lets me appeal on the grounds that the car is insured, has a valid SORN, I dont own the car or it's been stolen. Why am I being punished? I kept it taxed because when the auctions open to public car sales I will be selling it. Thanks.

Asked on 6 July 2021 by gary

Answered by Dan Powell

Continuous Insurance Enforcement has been in place for over 10 years. This means your vehicle must be continuously insured or declared SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification).

Failure to do so leaves you liable for:

- A fixed penalty of £100
- Your vehicle being wheel-clamped, impounded or destroyed
- A court prosecution, with a possible maximum fine of £1000

Tags: insurance

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