Drivers are being warned about a major car tax rule that could leave people with a £2,500 fine. The message is about Statutory Off-Road Notification (SORN).

Motorists who are not using their car can apply for a SORN, which legally takes vehicles off the road. The move means road users do not pay road tax fees but are unable to drive or store their car on a public road.

SORN's don't expire, meaning road users can keep a car under their ownership but not use it for as long as they like. However, officials explained that road users must get in touch with the DVLA if they decide to cancel a SORN and put their vehicle back on the road. This comes as ChronicleLive highlighted a little-known law that means 'illegal' tyres could cost motorists their licence.

Regarding the SORN, the warning has been shared as many motorists may forget to reapply for car tax and run the risk of getting behind the wheel illegally. The DVLA posted on social media site X: "Want to use your vehicle again after telling DVLA it's off the road (SORN)? You have to tax it first - get it sorted online at http://gov.uk/dvla/tax."

Motorists caught driving a vehicle with a valid SORN in place would likely be issued a fine of up to £2,500. Road users are only allowed to use the vehicle to travel to a pre-booked MOT or testing appointment at a garage, reports the Express.

Scrap Car Comparison has warned that taxing a vehicle after a SORN is not a hassle, meaning road users can be back on the road in no time at all. They explained: "Taxing a vehicle that has been listed as SORN is simple and is no different to any normal taxation process.

"All you need to tax your car is the 11-digit number from your car's V5C logbook. This can be completed easily online, or you can call the DVLA directly to tax your vehicle. Once you have taxed the car it will automatically remove the SORN from your vehicle."

According to GOV.UK, motorists looking to tax their vehicle will need access to several documents including a recent vehicle tax reminder or 'last chance' warning letter from DVLA. Motorists will also need a vehicle log book V5C form that is registered in their name.

Drivers are advised to tell DVLA you're taking your vehicle off the road, for example if you're keeping it in a garage. This is sometimes called a 'Statutory Off Road Notification' (SORN).

You'll get a refund for any full months of remaining tax. You cannot use the vehicle on the road until you tax it again.

You do not need to make a SORN for a vehicle you've already sold. You can tell DVLA you've sold a vehicle instead. Here are more details.

DVLA has urgent car tax message for drivers as motorists risk £2,500 fine | Chronicle Live