forgotton car tax

[maureenfearnside]

I bought a new vehicle last year and sent the completed form to dvlc who clearly lost it. I therefore did not receive a tax reminder as the dvlc still had the vehicle registered to the previous owner (a car auction). By chance I happened to see that my tax had expired (by 6 months!!). I telephoned the dvlc who confirmed that the car was not registered to me so rushed up to the local dvlc to get legal!!

What concerns me is whether I will be prosecuted? Somehow I have escaped being clamped and have not had an ANPR put on my vehicle. Is there any way I could telephone to find out without bringing notice to myself?

Finally I don't need anyone to tell me what a total idiot I have been! I accept that although the dvlc did not do their job it is my responsibility to chase them up and to ensure I am driving fully taxed - neither to I resent paying my taxes. This was a genuine error and I am prepared to take the consequences of my own inefficiency - I'd just like to know what those consequences may be.

Thanks

[lankeela]

The person (or organisation) selling the vehicle is responsible for notiifying the DVLA and until they do they are responsible for any fines etc. Technically you are in the wrong if you have been driving it while untaxed, but as you have not been caught (as yet) seems like you have got away with it. You should have been given part of the registration document to prove your ownership, and to use to tax it if you needed to before the new document was issued in your name. I'd keep quiet and see what happens.

[maureenfearnside]

Thanks dancairo and lankeela. I do feel reassured by your comments. I'll let you know if there are any further developments.