News story

New DVLA campaign highlights consequences for drivers who evade vehicle tax

DVLA has launched a new advertising campaign in 11 areas around the country targeting drivers who have not taxed their vehicles.

The message is clear to motorists – if you do not tax your vehicle on time, DVLA will take action. Tax it or lose it.

The 11 areas of the UK have been targeted where vehicle tax evasion is highest (based on the number of enforcement actions that took place in 2018).

Area Clamped Fines or penalties Totals
London 27,605 94,550 122,155
Northern Ireland 5,516 67,944 73,460
Birmingham 5,076 50,045 55,121
Manchester 7,573 26,214 33,787
Glasgow 2,666 29,705 32,371
Sheffield 3,987 25,291 29,278
Cardiff 3,021 24,598 27,619
Nottingham 3,507 21,346 24,853
Bristol 3,496 20,412 23,908
Leicester 3,344 19,196 22,540
Coventry 1,257 18,193 19,450

The advertising campaign focuses on the consequences of not taxing your vehicle – from financial penalties to court action to clamping and finally the loss of a car.

A giant clamp at the centre of the campaign image reflects the fact that DVLA takes enforcement action against untaxed vehicles on streets across the country and it will happen to you if you do not tax your vehicle on time.

DVLA Head of Enforcement Tim Burton said:

This campaign has a clear message for anyone who flouts the law in this way – tax it or lose it.

It’s never been easier to tax your car, so there really is no excuse. We would rather not have to clamp or remove vehicles, but this campaign highlights the consequences of not taxing a vehicle. Having your vehicle clamped is expensive and inconvenient – and you could end up losing your car.

Motorists can go online, 24 hours a day, to tax a vehicle or check whether their vehicle tax is up to date. You can even check by asking Amazon Alexa or Google Home – all you need is your vehicle registration.

Published 21 February 2019
Last updated 27 February 2019 + show all updates
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