I wrote to DVLA Swansea; 8 weeks later no reply. Will they allow me 8 wks grace in not taxing my car?

Answer 1

Phone them and be polite.......like all UK government departments they are fu^&*ing useless

Answer 2

DVLA is not the same "They" who prosecute untaxed car owners. The police or local authority start that off, not (usually) the DVLA.

Many years ago, I had a problem with the DVLA. I had sent off an application for my car tax, but they withheld the disc, and wrote to me asking for a greater amount of payment, as the Chancellor had just announced a higher rate.

I did not send the increased amount, because my tax application was made to cover the period when the previous tax had expired a few weeks previously.

It was not long, before a policeman spotted the out-of-date disc and I was called to the magisrate's court.

In the meantime, I wrote to the DVLA asking for a confirmation (but not the tax disc!) that I had made the application and they responded (kindly!) with a photocopy of my application, and a photocopy of my cheque, which showed that it had been paid in to the DVLA account.
Proof indeed that the correct amount of tax had been paid, albeit a month or so late.

When I appeared in the court, it was for "not displaying a valid tax disc". Clearly, I was guilty of the offence, as the correct disc had not been issued, so I gave my reasons, for "non display" and could have produced all the confirmatory paperwork if required, but the magistrates did not feel it necessary to see it, and gave an unconditional discharge, anyway. They also apologised for the summons, saying that this was happening too often. The court policeman echoed that as I left.

Sadly, the UK administration often seems to be following its own agenda, and the public have to suffer the consequences.

I advise that you keep a record of your dealings with the DVLA, so that if you are summoned for this matter, that you have the information and papers to suppport your defence.

Answer 3

If only it worked that way!
I have found DVLA pretty good though, as with any busy office, it helps if you make life easy for them by keeping communications simple, to the point and by including all the relevant information. If you did all that, I reckon a polite phone call wouldn't be out of place.
They responded to my letter within a few days so I am inclined to give them the benefit of the doubt.

Answer 4

Hope you have more luck than me. I gave car to dismantle rs a month before Sorn certificate expired. Informed them. Later fined £80, complained, was told forms were to follow in post.Never arrived but inc increase in fine did come - note failure to respond - now have £120 fine with threat of bailiffs. They have sent me so much paperwork, the wages for admin staff probally cost more

Answer 5

you will have to fill out a SORN declaration form. Even if it is not on the road! I hate the DVLA. Normally points mean prizes but not with the DVLA!!!!!!

Answer 6

You need to phone them as well otherwise if you get cought and the dvla doesn,t confirm abouth your tax by you and you might be in big trouble..make sure you get your tax and check it online as well.

Answer 7

I doubt it

A few years ago, in response to the number of repeats on TV, I sent a photocopy of the previous year's cheque to the TV Licensing people with my licence renewal - they were not best pleased.

Answer 8

you letter must of gone astray, im surprised you havent had an automatic fine through the post for not taxing or declaring off road. Try daves approach, you never know.

Answer 9

no i dont think they will you will either have to declare your car off the road or backdate the payments.

Answer 10

No that needs to be taxed otherwise your insurance will be in-valid!!!!!!