Thinking of taking your motorbike off the road for a while? Whether for a winter break, a long-term restoration project or just some time away from riding, declaring a SORN can help you avoid paying tax and insurance unnecessarily.
Here’s everything you need to know about how and when to SORN your bike—and how to keep it protected while it’s on the sidelines.
What does it mean to SORN a motorbike?
SORN stands for Statutory Off Road Notification. It’s a way to inform the DVLA that your motorbike isn’t being used on public roads.
Once your vehicle is declared as SORN, you won’t have to pay tax or insurance on it. You also won’t face penalties for being untaxed or uninsured.
When should I SORN my motorbike?
You might want to consider putting a SORN on your motorbike if:
- It’s kept in a garage or on a driveway and isn’t on a public road of any kind.
- There’s a delay in renewing the motorcycle’s insurance policy. In this case, the bike must be kept off the road until a new policy begins.
- It’s kept for spare parts or future restoration.
- It’s bought with no plans to ride it—for example, some classic motorcycles are kept as collectables.
- It isn’t taxed.
- It’s not insured for riding on the road.
What happens if I don’t complete a SORN?
If your motorbike isn’t taxed or insured and you forget to SORN it, you could face fines. Worse, you may have your bike impounded.
If you’re the registered keeper of an untaxed motorbike, the DVLA will send you a late licensing penalty (LLP) letter with an £80 fine. This will be reduced to £40 if you pay within 33 days.
If you don’t, your case will be referred to a debt collection agency. If your bike remains uninsured and untaxed without a SORN, it could be clamped, impounded, or destroyed. The case could even go to court where you could receive a penalty of up to £1000.
How do I SORN my motorcycle so it’s legally off the road?
The quickest and simplest way to SORN a vehicle is online. You’ll get instant confirmation from the DVLA as soon as you apply.
Another option is to apply to the DVLA by post. This is a must if the bike isn’t registered in your name. Send an application form (known as V890) to the DVLA’s address, which is DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AR. You can also apply for a SORN by ringing 0300 121 4321.
Your SORN will start after your vehicle tax has expired.
How long does a SORN last?
A SORN lasts indefinitely once it’s declared. You won’t need to renew it and it’ll be automatically cancelled when:
- You tax your bike
- You sell it
- You scrap it
- It’s permanently exported
However, your SORN is only valid while your bike is in the UK.
How do I get my motorcycle on the road again after it has a SORN?
Your SORN expires as soon as you apply for vehicle tax using your V5C. You’ll also need to make sure the bike is insured and has an up-to-date MOT before you ride it again.
If you buy a motorcycle that already has a SORN, it will expire because it was registered by the previous owner. This happens regardless of whether the new owner intends to take the bike on the road or not.
How do I get my motorcycle to an MOT test?
You’re allowed to ride your motorbike for a pre-arranged MOT test. However, this is the only exception. If you’re caught parking on a public road or riding for any other reason, you could face a fine of up to £1,000 and court prosecution.
How much does it cost to SORN a bike?
It’s free to SORN a vehicle. The only cost is if you choose to apply by post instead of online, due to standard postage costs.
A SORN isn’t transferrable though, so if you’ve bought a bike that’s already off-road, you’ll need to apply for a SORN again as the new registered owner.
Can I SORN my motorbike over the winter?
Yes, it’s quite common for motorbike owners to SORN their bike during the winter months. If you’re not planning to ride over this period, a SORN means you won’t have to pay vehicle tax or insurance while it’s off the road.
However, there are some important limitations to be aware of. Once your bike is declared as SORN, it can’t be ridden or parked on a public road.
It can only be kept on private land, like a garage or driveway. That means if you change your mind and want to use it, you’ll need to tax and insure it again before heading out.
Do I need to tell my insurer?
It’s not always a requirement to inform your insurer when you SORN your motorbike, but it’s best to check your individual policy. Insurance providers can have different rules, and while you might not need to notify some, others might have specific terms around periods when the bike is off the road.
Can I insure my SORN motorcycle?
You can, and it’s often a smart move. Your bike is still at risk of things like theft, accidental damage or a fire while it’s legally off the road. If you do face an issue without adequate insurance, you could be left to cover what could be a hefty bill.
Insure your SORN motorcycle with Devitt
No matter how long you keep your bike off the road, we can help insure it. In fact, we’ve been arranging motorbike insurance for UK riders since 1936, so you can trust us to help you find suitable cover.
Our cover is built to suit all kinds of rides, whether you have a classic bike, custom build, scooter, or a superbike. We also offer optional extras like breakdown cover, legal expenses and helmet and leathers protection.
Get in touch on 0808 503 4747 or fill in our online form to get an instant quote.
Disclaimer: The sole purpose of this article is to provide guidance on the issues covered. This article is not intended to give legal advice, and, accordingly, it should not be relied upon. It should not be regarded as a comprehensive statement of the law and/or market practice in this area. We make no claims as to the completeness or accuracy of the information contained herein or in the links which were live at the date of publication.