How to Report a Untaxed Car: A Simple Guide for UK Residents
Ever spotted a car that looks like it’s been sitting on your street for months, collecting dust and possibly dodging tax? If you suspect a vehicle is being used or parked without valid road tax, you’re not alone. Reporting it can help keep roads safer, fairer, and compliant with the law.
In this article, we’ll walk you through exactly how to report a untaxed car in the UK, how the process works, and what happens next—using plain, human-friendly language that skips the legal jargon.
What Does It Mean for a Car to Be Untaxed?
An “untaxed” car is a vehicle that’s on a public road but has no valid Vehicle Excise Duty (VED)—commonly known as road tax. Every car in use or parked on public roads must be taxed, unless it’s been declared SORN (Statutory Off-Road Notification).
Failing to tax a car can result in:
- Fines of up to £1,000
- Clamping or towing by enforcement teams
- Legal prosecution for persistent offenders
When Should You Report a Untaxed Car?
Before you rush to report a suspicious car, it’s important to understand when it’s appropriate to do so.
You should report a car if:
- It’s parked on a public road with no tax
- You’ve checked the tax status online and it’s expired
- The vehicle isn’t declared as SORN
- It appears abandoned or used illegally
How to Check if a Car is Untaxed
Before filing a report, take a moment to verify the vehicle’s status.
Follow these steps:
- Visit the DVLA Vehicle Enquiry Tool
- Enter the vehicle’s registration number
- Check the tax and MOT status instantly
If the car is untaxed and not SORNed, it’s eligible for reporting.
How to Report a Untaxed Car to the DVLA
The process of reporting is quick, anonymous, and online.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Go to the DVLA’s Report Untaxed Vehicle page
- Fill in the required details:
- Registration number
- Make and model (if known)
- Exact location (postcode or street name)
- Any other useful info (e.g. “Parked here for 2 weeks”)
- Click submit—no personal information is needed
You can make the report completely anonymously, and the DVLA will take care of the rest.
What Happens After You Report It?
Once you’ve submitted your report, the DVLA’s enforcement team will review the case.
Possible outcomes:
- They cross-check their records for SORN or tax status
- If the car is confirmed untaxed:
- It may be clamped or towed
- The owner could be issued a fine
- Further legal action may be taken for repeat offences
The DVLA won’t send updates about the investigation to protect privacy and confidentiality.
Special Note on Blue Badge or Exempt Vehicles
Some vehicles—such as those used by disabled drivers—may be exempt from paying road tax but still need to be registered. Always double-check tax status before reporting to avoid mistakes.
Common Misconceptions About Untaxed Cars
Let’s clear up a few myths:
“I can’t report it unless I live nearby.”
Not true. Anyone can report an untaxed car parked on public roads.
“The car’s old, so it’s probably exempt.”
Some vintage cars (over 40 years old) are tax-exempt, but they still must be registered with the DVLA.
“If it’s not being driven, it doesn’t need tax.”
If it’s parked on public property, it still needs to be taxed unless declared SORN.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is reporting an untaxed car really anonymous?
Yes, 100%. The DVLA does not require your name or contact information.
Can I report a car with no MOT or insurance?
Yes—but these have separate reporting processes. For MOT issues, visit:
Report MOT issues
How long does the DVLA take to respond?
There’s no guaranteed timeline, but most valid reports are reviewed within a few days to a couple of weeks.
Can I report a car that’s been SORN but is still parked on the road?
Yes, because a SORN vehicle must be kept off public roads. It can only be parked on private property.
Conclusion: Do Your Bit—Report a Untaxed Car Responsibly
By taking the time to report a untaxed car, you’re helping to ensure that UK roads stay safe, fair, and lawful. It’s a small action that supports a bigger system, ensuring that everyone contributes their share and follows the rules.
So the next time you see a suspicious vehicle, don’t just wonder—check, report, and move on. It only takes a few minutes.