What is SORN for a Bike and Why Declare it Off Road?
Declaring your motorcycle SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) is a legal requirement in the United Kingdom if you intend to keep your vehicle untaxed and off public roads. This process formally informs the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) that you are not using your bike on the road, thereby exempting you from needing to pay vehicle tax and invalidating your insurance cover for road use.
- SORN is a legal declaration to the DVLA.
- It means your bike is untaxed and off public roads.
- Exempts you from road tax and insurance for road use.
- Avoids penalties for untaxed vehicles.
Many riders choose to SORN their motorcycle during winter months when riding conditions are poor, or if a bike is undergoing extensive repairs and will be off the road for an extended period. It is crucial to understand that SORN is not a one-off action; if you intend to take your bike back onto public roads, you must tax it first. Failure to either tax your vehicle or declare it SORN can result in significant penalties, including fines and backdated tax demands.
The process itself is straightforward and can be completed online, by post, or over the phone. It is essential to have specific details about your motorcycle and yourself readily available to ensure a smooth transaction. This article will walk you through the requirements, the declaration process, and what happens once your bike is officially SORN.
When is SORN a Legal Requirement?
The requirement to SORN your bike stems from UK legislation designed to ensure all vehicles used on public roads are properly taxed and insured. If your motorcycle is not being used on a public road and you do not wish to pay for vehicle tax, you must declare it SORN. This applies even if your vehicle is SORNed by default because its previous tax disc has expired and you have not renewed it. You cannot simply let the tax expire; you must actively notify the DVLA.
Consider these common scenarios:
- Winter Storage: Many motorcycle owners choose to take their bikes off the road during the colder, wetter months. If your bike is stored in a garage, shed, or on private land and won't be ridden on public roads, declaring it SORN is the correct procedure.
- Mechanical Repairs: If your motorcycle is undergoing significant repairs, restorations, or modifications and will be off the road for more than a few weeks, SORNing it is advisable. This prevents unnecessary tax payments and potential issues with the DVLA.
- Sale of a Vehicle: While not strictly a SORN requirement for the seller, the buyer must tax the vehicle immediately upon purchase. If you are selling a vehicle that is currently SORNed, you do not need to do anything further; the new keeper is responsible for taxing it or SORNing it if they do not intend to use it on the road.
- Unused Vehicle: If you own a motorcycle that you simply do not use, or which is not roadworthy, it should be SORNed. Keeping an untaxed, unregistered vehicle on public land or a public road is illegal.
Crucially, SORN applies to your vehicle's registration number. If you sell your bike, the new owner is responsible for taxing it or SORNing it. You do not transfer your SORN status with the vehicle. If you buy a vehicle that is already SORNed, you must tax it or SORN it yourself within 14 days of the sale date.
How to SORN Your Bike: The Official Process
Declaring your motorcycle SORN is a crucial step to remain legally compliant when the vehicle is not in use on public roads. The process is designed to be accessible, with multiple methods available to suit your preference. Regardless of the method chosen, you will need specific information to complete the declaration accurately.
Ensure you have your vehicle's registration number and your 11-digit MOT expiry date or the 12-digit reference number from your vehicle tax reminder (V11) or your new keeper supplement (V5C/2) before you start. The MOT expiry date is particularly important if your bike is over three years old and requires an annual MOT certificate.
Online Declaration
The quickest and most popular method for SORNing a bike is online via the official UK government website. This method is available 24/7 and usually processes the SORN notification immediately. To proceed online, navigate to the 'Declare your vehicle SORN' section on the GOV.UK website. You will be prompted to enter your vehicle's registration number and one of the required dates (MOT expiry date or V11/V5C/2 reference number).
Phone Declaration
If you prefer to speak to someone or do not have internet access, you can declare your motorcycle SORN by phone. The DVLA operates a dedicated service for this. You will need your vehicle's registration number and your MOT expiry date or the 12-digit reference number from your V11 form. It is advisable to have these details to hand before calling to prevent delays. The phone line is available during specific operating hours, so check the GOV.UK website for the most current contact details and times.
Postal Declaration
For those who prefer a paper-based process, you can declare your bike SORN by post. You will need to download and complete the 'Application for a Statutory Off Road Notification' form (V850). This form requires you to provide your vehicle's details, including its registration number, and personal information. You will also need to provide either the MOT expiry date or the 12-digit reference number from your V11 reminder. The completed form should be sent to the DVLA at the address specified on the form. Postal applications can take longer to process compared to online or phone declarations.
Confirmation of SORN
Once your SORN notification is processed, you should receive confirmation. For online and phone declarations, this confirmation is often immediate or sent within a few days by post. For postal applications, it will arrive once the DVLA has processed your form. You will receive a confirmation letter from the DVLA. It is vital to keep this confirmation safe as proof that your vehicle has been declared SORN. You do not need to display anything on your motorcycle, as it should not be on a public road.
What Happens When My Bike is SORN?
Understanding the implications of a SORN notification is as important as knowing how to declare it. Once your motorcycle is officially registered as SORN, several conditions and responsibilities come into effect, ensuring you comply with legal requirements and avoid unexpected charges or penalties.
The primary consequence of SORNing your bike is that you are legally obligated to keep it off public roads. This means it cannot be parked on a pavement, street, or any other public thoroughfare. Your motorcycle should be kept on private land, such as your driveway, garage, or a private parking space. If your vehicle is found on a public road while SORNed, it is considered untaxed, and you will likely face fines, penalties, and potentially have the vehicle seized.
No Road Tax Required
The most significant benefit of SORN is that you are no longer required to pay for vehicle tax for the period it remains SORNed. This can lead to substantial savings, especially for motorcycles that might otherwise incur substantial annual tax fees. You will not receive a tax disc to display, as the DVLA records are electronic and updated accordingly. You must, however, ensure that your SORN declaration is valid for the entire period your bike is off the road.
Insurance Implications
When a vehicle is SORNed, it is no longer insured for road use. Standard motorcycle insurance policies are invalidated because they are predicated on the vehicle being taxed and roadworthy. If you intend to use your bike on public roads, you must first tax it, and you will need to arrange appropriate insurance cover. Some specialist insurance policies may offer cover for fire or theft while the bike is stored off-road, even if it is SORNed. It is advisable to contact your insurer to discuss your specific needs and to clarify what cover, if any, remains in place for a SORNed vehicle.
SORN End and Re-Taxing
A SORN declaration does not automatically expire. It remains in force until you take action to end it by taxing your motorcycle or registering it as SORN again after a period of being taxed. To take your bike back onto public roads, you must tax it first. You can do this online, by phone, or at a Post Office. When you tax the vehicle, you will usually be asked if you still wish to keep it SORNed, or if you are ready to tax it for road use. If you are taxing it for road use, the SORN status is automatically cancelled.
You cannot drive a SORNed bike on public roads under any circumstances without first taxing and insuring it. The DVLA uses automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology and other methods to detect untaxed vehicles, so compliance is essential.
The legal requirement to either tax your motorcycle or declare it SORN is ongoing and absolute.
What if I Sell My Bike While It's SORNed?
If you sell a motorcycle that is currently SORNed, you do not need to do anything specific regarding the SORN status. The new owner is legally responsible for the vehicle from the point of sale. They must either tax the vehicle to use it on public roads or declare it SORN themselves if they intend to keep it off the road. You should, however, always inform the DVLA that you have sold the vehicle using the V5C logbook or online service to ensure you are no longer associated with it.
Alternatives to SORN: When is it Not Necessary?
While declaring your motorcycle SORN is often the correct procedure, it's not always the only option, or even necessary at all. Understanding these alternatives can help you avoid unnecessary declarations and ensure you are complying with regulations in the most appropriate way for your situation.
The primary decision point is whether your vehicle will be on a public road. If your bike is exclusively kept on private land and will never be ridden on a public road, and you have no intention of taxing it, then SORN is the correct legal route. However, if you plan to use your motorcycle on the road, even infrequently, you must have valid vehicle tax and insurance. There is no middle ground that allows untaxed, uninsured use on public roads.
Keeping Your Bike Taxed
If you intend to use your motorcycle occasionally, perhaps only during warmer months, but still want to retain its roadworthiness and be able to jump on it for a ride when the mood strikes, then keeping it taxed is the straightforward solution. While this incurs costs, it means your bike is always legally ready for use on public roads. You do not need to go through the SORN process if you are actively paying for road tax. The DVLA system automatically updates your vehicle's status when you tax it. If you stop using it for a period, you can then choose to SORN it, but this requires a new SORN declaration.
Is Insurance Still Required When SORNed?
As mentioned, standard insurance policies are invalidated when a vehicle is SORNed because it's not intended for road use. However, some owners opt for specific 'storage' insurance. This type of policy typically covers risks like fire, theft, or vandalism while the vehicle is kept off-road. It does not cover use on public roads. If your bike is valuable or you want peace of mind regarding damage while it's stored, investigating a storage insurance policy can be a wise decision. It is crucial to read the policy details carefully to understand what is covered.
What About SORNing a Moped or Scooter?
The SORN process applies to all motor vehicles, including mopeds and scooters, provided they meet the definition of a motor vehicle under UK law. If you have a moped or scooter that you keep off the road and do not wish to tax, you must declare it SORN. The procedure and requirements are identical to those for a larger motorcycle. This includes needing the registration number and MOT expiry date or vehicle tax reference number.
Consider the implications of parking. If your SORNed bike is parked on private land but is visible from a public road, or if the private land is accessible to the public (like a shared driveway or car park), the DVLA may still consider it to be 'in use' on a public road. It is safest to keep SORNed vehicles in a locked garage or on private property that is not publicly accessible.
Temporary Exemption: MOT Testing
If your bike is SORNed, you cannot legally ride it to an MOT test appointment on public roads. If your motorcycle requires an MOT and is SORNed, you must arrange for it to be transported to the test centre, for example, by trailer or van. The only exception is if you are taking the vehicle to a pre-booked MOT appointment or to a place of repair. However, even in these instances, you must still have valid road tax. Therefore, if your bike is SORNed and needs an MOT, you must first tax it to ride it to the test centre or place of repair.
Potential Pitfalls and Penalties
Failing to correctly manage your motorcycle's SORN status or vehicle tax can lead to significant financial penalties and administrative burdens. The DVLA actively enforces these regulations, and ignorance of the rules is not accepted as a defence. Understanding these potential pitfalls is crucial for every motorcycle owner.
The most common error is assuming that SORN is a one-time declaration or that letting tax expire automatically means the vehicle is SORNed. This is incorrect. You must actively declare your vehicle SORN to the DVLA. If your vehicle's tax disc expires and you do not renew it and do not SORN the vehicle, you are liable for untaxed vehicle penalties. These penalties can be substantial, often starting at £80, reduced to £40 if paid promptly, but can escalate significantly.
Untaxed Vehicle Penalties
If your motorcycle is found to be untaxed on a public road, the DVLA will issue an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) penalty. This penalty is a fixed amount, typically £80, reduced to £40 if paid within 21 days. This penalty is issued in addition to any requirement to pay backdated vehicle tax. If you fail to pay the penalty and do not tax or SORN the vehicle, the DVLA can take further action, which may include court proceedings and seizure of the vehicle.
Seizure of the Vehicle
In more severe cases, or if penalties and backdated tax remain unpaid, the DVLA has the power to seize your motorcycle. Seizure can occur if the vehicle is found on a public road without valid tax. Once seized, you will have to pay the outstanding penalties, backdated tax, and a release fee to get your motorcycle back. If these costs are not met within a specified period, the vehicle may be disposed of, meaning you will lose your motorcycle entirely.
If your bike is SORNed, it is illegal to use it on a public road. Even a short trip to a nearby garage or a brief ride around the block constitutes use on a public road and can result in penalties if the vehicle is not taxed and insured.
Invalid SORN Declaration
An invalid SORN declaration can occur if you provide incorrect information or fail to meet the criteria. For instance, if you SORN a vehicle that is currently on a public road, or if you do not possess the correct reference numbers when making the declaration. Ensure all details provided to the DVLA are accurate and that your motorcycle is indeed off the road when you make the SORN application.
Forgotten SORNs and Tax Reminders
It is easy to forget to renew tax, but the DVLA usually sends out reminders (V11) before the tax expires. However, you should not rely solely on these reminders. It is your responsibility to ensure your vehicle is taxed or SORNed by the expiry date. If you no longer own the vehicle or it is being sold, you must notify the DVLA of the change of keeper. If you are keeping the vehicle off the road, you must actively declare it SORN.
The DVLA's ANPR system is constantly monitoring vehicles. Therefore, any lapse in tax or SORN status on a public road is likely to be detected. Always err on the side of caution and ensure your motorcycle's status is up-to-date with the DVLA at all times to avoid costly penalties.
Motorcycle Licence Categories and SORN
While SORNing a motorcycle is primarily about vehicle tax and road use, it can indirectly intersect with licence requirements. Understanding your licence category is fundamental to riding legally in the UK, and this knowledge helps in managing your vehicle responsibilities, including SORN notifications.
Motorcycle licences in the UK are categorised based on engine capacity and power output, affecting the type of machine you can ride and at what age. These categories include AM (mopeds), A1 (125cc bikes), A2 (restricted power bikes), and A (unrestricted). Even if your bike is SORNed, its classification and your entitlement to ride it are still relevant, particularly when you decide to tax and insure it again.
A2 Licence and SORN
If you hold an A2 licence, you are permitted to ride motorcycles with a maximum power output of 47bhp (35kW). Many popular mid-range motorcycles fall into this category. If you have an A2 motorcycle that you are not using, you can declare it SORN. When you are ready to ride it again, you must ensure it still meets the A2 power restrictions (or you have an A licence) and that you have valid tax and insurance. The SORN status itself does not affect your licence, but it is the precursor to road use, which is governed by your licence.
Moped Licence Considerations
For mopeds, which often fall under the AM licence category (for those who passed their car test before 2001, or took a compulsory basic training (CBT) and specific moped test), the SORN process is the same. If your moped is off the road and untaxed, it must be declared SORN. This applies whether it's a small-capacity two-wheeler or a more modern scooter. The underlying principle remains: if it's not being used on public roads and isn't taxed, it must be SORNed.
Motorcycle Driving Licence UK and SORN
Your motorcycle driving licence in the UK dictates what type of motorcycle you are legally allowed to operate on public roads. When a bike is SORNed, it is legally off the road, so your licence is not being used for that specific vehicle. However, if you were to take your SORNed bike onto the road without taxing and insuring it, and also without the appropriate licence, the penalties would be severe and multifaceted. It is a common misconception that SORN somehow exempts you from licence rules; it only exempts you from road tax and road insurance for a vehicle not in use on public roads.
Your licence category determines your eligibility to ride a motorcycle. The SORN status determines the vehicle's tax and roadworthiness status.
Motorbike Licence Categories
Understanding the different motorbike licence categories ensures you are always riding legally and safely. Whether you are planning to SORN a learner-legal 125cc motorcycle (A1 licence) or a more powerful machine (A2 or A licence), the declaration process for taking it off the road is universal. The key is that once you decide to resume road use, you must ensure all legal requirements, including your licence, tax, and insurance, are in order.
In summary, while SORN is a DVLA process related to vehicle tax, it is intrinsically linked to road use, which in turn is governed by licence regulations. Always ensure your licence is appropriate for the vehicle you intend to ride, and that the vehicle itself is correctly taxed, insured, and has a valid MOT (if applicable) before taking it onto public roads, regardless of its previous SORN status.
Frequently Asked Questions About SORNing a Bike
Here we address common queries regarding the Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) for motorcycles, offering clear, concise answers to help you navigate the process effectively.
How do I SORN my motorbike?
You can declare your motorbike SORN online via the GOV.UK website, by phone to the DVLA, or by completing and posting the V850 form. You'll need your vehicle's registration number and either your MOT expiry date or the 12-digit reference number from your vehicle tax reminder (V11) or logbook (V5C/2).
Can I ride my SORNed bike to the Post Office to tax it?
No, you cannot ride a SORNed bike on public roads. To tax it, you must arrange for it to be transported to the Post Office, for example, by trailer or by van. You cannot ride it, even to tax it, unless you temporarily tax it first and then ride it.
What happens if I don't SORN my bike and it's not taxed?
If your bike is not taxed and not declared SORN, and is found on a public road, you will receive an untaxed vehicle penalty. This is typically £80, reducible to £40 if paid promptly. You will also be liable for backdated vehicle tax, and the vehicle could be seized.
Do I need to SORN my bike if it's in my garage all winter?
Yes, if your bike is kept off public roads and you do not wish to pay vehicle tax, you must declare it SORN to the DVLA. This is a legal requirement to notify them of the vehicle's status.
How long does SORN last?
A SORN declaration remains valid until you decide to tax the vehicle for road use. It does not expire automatically. You must actively tax your vehicle to end the SORN status and be permitted to use it on public roads.
Can I tax my bike online if it's SORNed?
Yes, you can tax your motorcycle online via GOV.UK. When you start the process, the system will ask if you are taxing the vehicle for road use or if you are keeping it SORNed. If you are taxing it for road use, the SORN status will be cancelled.
What do I do if I sell my SORNed bike?
When you sell a SORNed bike, you must inform the DVLA that you have sold the vehicle, usually by using the V5C logbook or the DVLA's online service. The new owner is responsible for either taxing the vehicle or declaring it SORN themselves.