Laying up your car for winter (SORN guide)

If you have a summer car, a classic, or a second car you won't use until spring, laying it up properly saves money and saves you a flat battery and seized brakes in March. This guide explains how SORN works and how to store a car so it starts first time when you want it back.

Checked on 17 October 2026 against GOV.UK's SORN and vehicle tax guidance, the AA and the RAC.

What is a SORN?

A SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) tells DVLA you've taken a vehicle off the road and want to stop taxing and insuring it. Off the road means you don't keep or use it on a public road, for example it's in a garage, on a drive or on private land. If you have nowhere off-road to keep it, a SORN isn't for you.

SORN rules in brief (from GOV.UK)

  • You'll get an automatic refund for any full months of remaining tax.
  • Your SORN starts immediately, unless you apply in the month your tax is due to expire, when it starts on the first day of the next month. You can't backdate it.
  • You don't need to renew a SORN. It's cancelled automatically when you tax the car again, or sell, export or scrap it.
  • You can only drive a SORN car on a public road to or from a pre-booked MOT or other testing appointment. Using it for anything else can mean prosecution and a fine of up to £2,500.
  • If a car isn't taxed and insured and has no SORN, you'll automatically be fined £80, plus there's a separate fine for an uninsured vehicle.
  • A SORN doesn't transfer to a new keeper. If you sell the car, tell DVLA you've sold it instead.

You can make a SORN online with the 11-digit number from your V5C logbook or the 16-digit number on your tax reminder, by phone, or by post. CheckMOT has a step-by-step SORN guide.

How to lay up a car: a checklist

Based on the AA's laying-up advice:

Before you park it

  • Fill the tank. A full tank leaves less room for condensation, which can cause corrosion and water in the fuel.
  • Clean and polish the car, and make sure it's completely dry before covering it or putting it in a garage.
  • Hose out the wheel arches to get rid of mud and road salt, then let it dry.
  • Check the oil level, and for anything over three months consider an oil and filter service.

Keep the battery healthy

Most modern cars with a healthy battery are fine for about two weeks without being started, says the AA. For longer, connect a mains-powered battery maintainer (a smart charger), or start the engine once a week and let it run for about 15 minutes. Never run the engine inside a household garage, and never leave it running unattended. Our smart battery charger has a UK plug and a maintenance mode.

Brakes and tyres

Brakes can seize if the car stands for a long time with the parking brake on. The AA only advises leaving the parking brake off on private land with the wheels securely chocked. Pump the tyres up to the right pressure before storage and check them again before you drive.

Damp

If it's in a garage, keep it ventilated. A reusable dehumidifier bag inside the car helps stop musty smells and misting. Lift the wipers off the glass, and leave a note in the car of everything you've done.

Cover it

A car cover keeps off dust and bird mess. Only cover a clean, dry car.

Getting back on the road in spring

  • Tax it (this cancels the SORN). If the MOT has run out, you can only drive it to a pre-booked MOT.
  • Check nothing has been nesting under the bonnet or chewing through hoses.
  • Check the tyre pressures and all fluid levels before starting.
  • Drive gently at first and test the brakes, as they may have surface corrosion.
Check your MOT and tax dates free on CheckMOT, then book your MOT before you need the car.

Shop the lay-up kit

See the car storage range.

FAQs

Do I need to insure a car on SORN?

No. GOV.UK says you make a SORN when you take a vehicle off the road and want to stop taxing and insuring it. The car must then be kept off public roads.

Can I drive a SORN car to its MOT?

Yes, but only to or from a pre-booked MOT or other testing appointment. Keep proof of the booking with you.

Do I get a tax refund when I SORN my car?

Yes. You automatically get a refund for any full months of tax left. The cheque goes to the name and address on the logbook.

Can I keep a SORN car on the street?

No. A SORN car must be kept off the road, for example in a garage, on a drive or on private land.

How long can a car sit without being started?

The AA says most modern cars with a healthy battery should be fine for at least two weeks. For longer, use a mains battery maintainer, or start it once a week and run it for about 15 minutes outdoors.

Sources

Checked 17 October 2026:

This page is general guidance, not legal advice. Rules can change, so check the official sources linked above.