Going to get tax disc without current tax disc displayed

[NEMAN]

I just bought a car yesterday from a garage, as such it did not have any tax disc on it. I went straight to to nearest post office only to be told the car was previously registered as disabled and a disc tax would have to be obtained at a DVLA office.

My question therefore is would a police officer potentially stopping me allow me to continue provided I was going to get it taxed on Monday morning, (the earliest I could do so) it seems to me common sense that they would allow it but common sense does not always prevail.

Also using public transport is not really an option, it would take a full day and cost quite a bit to get there when a 45 min car journey is the alternative.

Does anyone have experience of this or any police officers/DVLA officials who know the stance taken.

Many thanks.

[Count-A-Strong]

This is the risk:
All drivers are obliged to display a road tax disc in the front window of their vehicle to show that they have paid road tax on the vehicle. If your vehicle does not display this disc, you can be prosecuted. You can buy the road tax discs at many Post Office branches or online. It is becoming increasingly difficult to escape paying road tax, as the Drivers and Vehicles Licensing Agency (DVLA) now runs monthly computer checks. If you are found to have failed to purchase or renew a road tax disc, you will be fined £80. Failure to pay this can result in a County Court Judgement, or having your vehicle clamped.

[sara3]

why don't you do it online?

[Hopkirk]

I doubt if that is possible Sara, if it can't be done at a post office.

It probably won't show up as insured on the database.

[boxtops]

on-line is very easy, http://www.taxdisc.di...ly+for+a+tax+disc+NOW

[Mamyalynne]

I am not sure if you can change taxation class from disabled online, but it is worth checking out. The queues at DVLA offices are usually horrendous.

[puzzlesRus]

Have you obtained insurance cover for the car ? Unless you can produce a valid insurance certificate, you cannot purchase a tax disc.

[sara3]

okay, but a 45 min drive does not equate to "a full day" on public transport.. I'd say that is an option, NEMAN.

[boxtops]

That is true mamya, I have only ever done straightforward renewals. this (half way down the page) seems to suggest you have to go in person to change classifications.
http://www.taxdisc.di...+Questions#QUESTION_5

[boxtops]

sara I read that to mean that Neman would have to take a day off work to get this done - not a full day on public transport!

[DickieBrakelight]

Whatever you do, bear in mind that the DVLA and police have absolutely NO sense of humour on these issues.

[Mamyalynne]

This is so true Dickie.

[NEMAN]

Thanks for your replies.

Unfortunately getting it online is not an option as the tax ation class need to be changed and it cannot be done online, it must be done at an office.

Plus a 45 min car journey is straight up the motorway for me, as no buses go straight up the motorway I would have to zig zag across various transport systems, hence the issue of taking all day.

[Puzzled001]

Why not get a mate to drive you to the tax office ?

[NEMAN]

Would of been the simplest solution but all my mates work weekdays.

[vanman1]

It looks like your only option is to change the taxation class by post then. Disabled to PLG is the easiest one to do. Fill out and send off the V5, and tax it as normal when it comes back. If in any doubt, call the DVLA, they will help, as they will be able to get some money off you!

[Mobius1]

If you bought the car from a garage, you'd think they might have told you that the car was previously registered as a disabled users vehicle, especially considering the fact that it would have an effect on your ability to use the vehicle legally on the road and to actually drive it away from the point of sale.

It's probably too late now, but in future, make the problem of vehicle tax the problem of the organisation selling you the vehicle instead of your own. The market is such that many private buyers will barter tax with the seller, especially if it's a business. Next time, tell them you want it taxed if it isn't already, and if it's not it's going to cost you time and money, so you'll want that taken off the vehicle's asking price.

Seems shoddy to me that they've sold you this vehicle with no tax and failed to inform you. Since you're not disabled and are legally obliged to tax it, was it really sold to you "fit for purpose"? Because you couldn't drive it away...