Continuous Registration fine cancelled

[buzby]

Following my post in an earlier thread - I had been fined £80 (or £40 if paid immediately) for not declaring a SORN, when I had returned the form by post. The first I had heard I was in default was when the 'fine' letter arrived. I appealed using the reverse of the notification letter, and I received a fairly standard reply basically saying they're not responsible if they don't receive it.

I appealed again - this time by letter, pointing out there was no requirement to have the letter sent by Recorded Delivery, and the only reason post was used was due to the inordinate queue at my local PO. I also pointed out I have successfully SORNd vehicles with no problems until now.

After 3 weeks without a response, I called the Poole office (the direct number is +441202756300, if you want to avoid the 0845 public number). After 10 minutes in the queue I was answered and after giving my details was told that it was taking them over 2 weeks to process correspondence, however my reg number was showing the case was 'closed' with no further action. I was told it would be up to a further week before I receive written confirmation of this.

So, a good result - and for anyone in the same situation, it would appear that their assertion fines are only waived if a SORN is declared prior to the Penalty Notice being issued is open to interpretation.

In future - I'll do all SORNs on-line, but it does appear there IS discretion and some common sense used.

[kfletcher]

Thanks for this update. I'm just in the middle of the same situation.
I've sent 1 change of owner document, 1 sorn document and 1 tax disc refund to the DVLA when I sold my 2 cars in May. All I got back was the tax disc refund. 4 weeks later followed the instructions on their website and called them. They said to write a letter, so I did. 3 weeks later I got a change of owner letter through for one of the cars and nothing for the other one. Yes I should of chased it up but forgot all about it. Then on Monday get's a letter through. £40 fine. So send's a letter back, copy of trader invoice, copy of documents sent by them and copy of my letter to them. Gets a 2 page letter back saying "it's not their fault, I still owe them £40". I'm going to the garage tomorrow and getting something from them to prove it. Not sure what use it will be as it's clear they can't even read what I've sent them already. I'm not paying the fine and am willing to go to court over it. I will call that number on Monday and hopefullt get it sorted.

[buzby]

I understand that someone recently made an Freedom of Information Act request asking for (a) the number of SORN fines successfully appalled as a percentage of those issued, and the reasons of acceptance of the RK's claim. They refused to provide the information (and the Data Commissioner agreed) that this would be providing information that would make wholesale avoidance easier.