Information published by the DVLA today has unveiled some of the strangest but funniest excuses used by motorists who have had their vehicles clamped or seized due to no tax.
Among the list is “I can’t tax my van because it’s full of chickens…” and “I know it was untaxed, but I didn’t think you’d clamp cars in a heatwave”.
The DVLA sends reminders to motorists when their vehicle tax is due but despite this 61,531 vehicles were caught with no tax or incorrect tax in Birmingham last year.
On top of the reminders, drivers can also check when their vehicle tax is due 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by going to the Vehicle Enquiry Service on GOV.UK.
Some of the more inventive excuses are listed below (spoiler alert, none of them worked):
- I’m about to start a prison sentence, so is there any way you could hang on to my ice cream van for six months ‘til I get out?
- I would’ve taxed my van but my bitter ex put four live chickens in it
- I know it was untaxed, but I didn’t think you’d clamp cars in a heatwave
- I forgot to tax it as I was looking after the kids (aged 19 and 26)
- I couldn’t tax my car as I’ve had man flu and have been stuck in bed for 4 weeks
- I would’ve taxed the car, but you clamped it so early in the morning (the car was clamped at lunchtime)
DVLA Chief Executive Julie Lennard said:
“While we know that the vast majority of motorists tax their cars on time, there are still some who choose not to.
“Taxing your car is so easy to do online, so there really is no excuse – even if it is filled with chickens.”
Motorists can now check when vehicle tax is due using their smart speakers by downloading the Amazon Alexa skill or by asking their Google Home, Android mobile phone or Android tablet to “Talk to DVLA” or “Ask DVLA”.
Motorists can also tax their vehicle online or by phoning 0300 123 4321 on the automated 24-hour service.
