How to Report a Car with No Tax: Your Complete UK Guide
Ever spotted a car parked on your street that hasn’t moved for weeks? Or maybe you’ve noticed a vehicle driving around that seems suspiciously neglected? If you suspect a vehicle isn’t taxed, it’s not just a nuisance—it could be illegal. Luckily, you can report a car with no tax easily and anonymously in the UK.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of reporting an untaxed vehicle, what happens after you do, and why this is important for road safety and fairness. Let’s get started.
What Does It Mean When a Car Has “No Tax”?
Car tax, also known as Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), is a legal requirement for most vehicles driven or parked on public roads in the UK. If a vehicle is not taxed and hasn’t been declared off-road (SORN), it is breaking the law.
Driving or parking an untaxed vehicle:
- Can result in fines or penalties
- May lead to the vehicle being clamped, towed, or crushed
- Is considered unfair to law-abiding motorists who pay their dues
When Should You Report a Car with No Tax?
You should report a vehicle if:
- It’s parked on a public road with no valid tax
- It’s clearly not declared as SORN (Statutory Off-Road Notification)
- You’ve checked its tax status online and it’s out of date
- The vehicle appears to be abandoned and untaxed
How to Check if a Vehicle is Taxed
Before you report, it’s a good idea to confirm the car’s tax status. Here’s how:
- Go to the DVLA vehicle enquiry page
- Enter the vehicle registration number
- View the vehicle’s tax and MOT status
How to Report a Car with No Tax (Step-by-Step)
You can report an untaxed vehicle online through the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
Here’s how to do it:
- Visit the GOV UK reporting page:
Report an untaxed vehicle - Provide key information:
- Vehicle registration number
- Make and model (if known)
- Location (street name, postcode, etc.)
- Any additional details (e.g., parked for weeks, visibly abandoned)
- Submit anonymously:
- You don’t need to give your name or contact details
- Your identity is protected throughout the process
What Happens After You Report?
Once you submit a report, here’s what typically happens:
- DVLA investigates using their database and possibly field checks
- If untaxed, the vehicle may be:
- Clamped
- Towed away
- Issued a fine (up to £1,000)
- The owner may be required to pay backdated tax and penalties
Keep in mind: DVLA won’t update you on the progress due to data protection rules.
Common Misconceptions About Untaxed Vehicles
Let’s clear up some common myths:
“The car looks old, so it must be untaxed.”
Not true. Classic cars over 40 years old can be tax-exempt but still need to be registered.
“It’s parked, so it doesn’t need tax.”
If the car is on a public road, it needs valid tax—even if it’s not being driven.
“I can’t report it unless I own the property.”
False. Anyone can report a suspicious vehicle, regardless of property ownership.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I report multiple vehicles at once?
No, you’ll need to submit a separate report for each untaxed vehicle.
Will the car owner find out I reported them?
No. Reports are completely anonymous. The DVLA does not disclose identities.
What if the car is on private land?
You cannot report a car without tax if it’s parked on private property—only those on public roads are eligible for enforcement.
How long does it take for DVLA to act?
There’s no set timeframe, but reports are usually reviewed within a few days to weeks, depending on workload and location.
Can I report a car with no MOT instead?
Yes, but this is done via a different process. Visit:
Report a car with no MOT
Final Thoughts
It might seem like a small issue, but taking a moment to report a car with no tax plays a big role in keeping UK roads fair, legal, and safe. The process is quick, anonymous, and helps ensure everyone follows the same rules.
If you’re sure a vehicle isn’t taxed and shouldn’t be on the road, don’t hesitate to take action. It’s not being nosy—it’s being responsible.