DVLA warning over £1,000 fine as drivers told 'don't risk it'

Drivers could receive a hefty fine

The DVLA has warned that drivers could be hit with a £1,000 fine. The Agency has issued a three-word warning of ‘don’t risk it’ to motorists across the country.

The warning comes after statistics published by the Department for Transport showed there were more than 700,000 untaxed vehicles on UK roads in 2023. If you are found to be driving an untaxed car, van or other vehicle, you could be fined up to £1,000.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, earlier this week the DVLA issued a “don’t risk it” warning to all motorists. It said: “Don’t forget to pay your vehicle tax! #TaxItDontRiskIt”.

The registered keeper of the vehicle is responsible for keeping the tax up to date, and any driver can be fined. However there are some exceptions, Liverpool Echo reports.

For example, if you are taking your car to a pre-booked MOT test, you can drive your vehicle to the appointment without it being taxed. The law doesn’t state how far you can travel but if you were to stop at the shops or somewhere else on the way, it could be deemed you’re using the vehicle for other purposes and therefore breach the exemption.

If you’re caught driving without a valid VED, an automated letter and a fine will be sent to the address of the registered keeper of the vehicle, which is likely to be you. You could then be hit with a fine of up to £1,000.

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