Thread: SORN Fine for car I traded in over a year ago

Hello,

Over one year ago I traded my car in. The Dealership that I traded the car in to said they would send off my vehicle registration document.
Around 8 weeks ago I received a SORN fine which was sent to my old address as I had changed address since purchasing car.
I sent a letter to DVLA to explain the situation including details of where I traded the car in but they are insisting that I am still the registered owner and it was my fault and the fine stands.
In the reply they stated that they have passed the debt on to a debt collection agency - Phillips and all further enquiries must go to them.
I know have this Debt collection agency hounding my old address with phone calls, Text messages to house phone and letters. I have told them it is not my address but they said unless I give a new address they will keep it up. I have told them to get the correct address from DVLA.
My old address is my parents house and I would prefer them not to have to deal with this but not sure what to do.
Any advice?

Thanks

Originally Posted by soatc

but they are insisting that I am still the registered owner and it was my fault and the fine stands.

No, they are not. There is no such thing as a registered owner.

When you traded the car, did you retain the yellow slip part of the V5 and send that to DVLA?

If so, them you may have to swear a statutory declaration that you did so. In any case, I would contact the DCA in writing and inform them that the the debt is in dispute and that because of the dispute, they are obliged to return it to DVLA

If you did not, then you are liable and £80 is just the start. They will next come after you for the supplementary charge which is equivalent to the VED since the car was last taxed.

I agree, crem this case does seem like a genuine misunderstanding, and is not the reason (we are told) why SORN fines were introduced, supposedly. But DVLA don't seem to reckognise this, and just want the money. If the OP did not inform DVLA themselves of the change of ownership, then they are liable.
I have said it here before, but will say it again for anybody who is reading this thread who doesn't know: If part exchanging your car to a motor trader, NEVER believe them when they say that they will send the V5 on. It isn't because they are devious, it is just that once you're out of the showroom it will be forgotten. Always retain the yellow slip and send it to DVLA yourself.

Thanks for the replies. When I traded the car in I filled in the yellow slip and both me and the dealer signed but the dealer said he would send it away.
Looks like i do not have any option but to pay the DVLA.
My next question is can I approach the dealer and claim it back off them? they insist they sold the car and re-taxed and sent registration for new keeper before it left there forecourt

I don't really see how you can ask the dealer to pay, anyway I should imagine they will just tell you that they did send it. At the end of the day it is the responsibility of the registered keeper to inform DVLA of a keeper change. So it is your responsibility. I assume the tax expired between you trading it in and the dealer getting it taxed for his customer?