Owning a car is a major responsibility that comes with a lot of obligations. One such obligation is paying taxes on time. Failure to pay taxes on your vehicle can lead to your car being clamped or impounded, which can be frustrating and inconvenient. If you find yourself in this situation, there are a few things you can do to resolve it. In this article, we will discuss what to do if your car is clamped for no tax.
Understanding Clamping For No Tax
Before we dive into what you should do if your car is clamped for no tax, it is important to understand why clamping occurs. In the United Kingdom, all vehicles are required to pay a tax called Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), also known as road tax. If you fail to pay this tax, your car can be clamped or impounded by the DVLA.
Moreover, under the new rules, you will not receive a paper tax disc to display on your vehicle. Instead, the DVLA will keep a digital record of all vehicles, and you will need to pay your road tax online. This means that you cannot rely on the presence of a tax disc to confirm your tax status.
What To Do If Your Car Is Clamped
If you find that your car has been clamped for no tax, don’t panic. The first thing you should do is to check whether the clamping is legitimate. If the clamping is legitimate, you can take the following steps to resolve the situation:
Step 1: Pay Your Road Tax
The first step to resolving the issue is to pay your road tax. You can do this online, by phone or by post. After you have paid your tax, it may take a few days for the DVLA to update their records. You should wait until the records are updated before taking any further action.
Step 2: Contact The Clamping Company
Once you have paid your tax, you should contact the clamping company to arrange for the release of your car. You will need to provide proof of payment, such as a receipt or confirmation email from the DVLA. The clamping company will then arrange for the release of your car.
Step 3: Retrieve Your Car
After the clamping company has released your car, you will need to retrieve it. You will be required to pay a release fee to the clamping company, which can vary depending on the company and the length of time your car was clamped.
What If The Clamping Was Illegitimate?
If you believe that your car has been clamped illegally, you should take the following steps:
Step 1: Take Photos
Take photos of your car and the clamp to provide evidence of the clamping. Ensure that the date and time are visible, and take note of any identifying features of the clamp or vehicle used to clamp your car.
Step 2: Contact The Police
Contact the police and report the clamping as a theft. Provide them with the evidence you gathered, and they will investigate the matter. If the clamping was found to be illegal, the clampers could face criminal charges.
Step 3: Contact A Solicitor
If you believe that you have suffered any damages as a result of the unlawful clamping, you should contact a solicitor. They will be able to advise you on your legal rights and whether you can seek compensation.
Conclusion
Having your car clamped can be a frustrating experience, but it is important to remain calm and follow the steps outlined above. If the clamping was legitimate, pay your road tax, contact the clamping company and retrieve your car. If you believe that the clamping was illegal, take photos, contact the police and seek legal advice if necessary.
FAQs
- How much is the release fee for a clamped car?
The release fee can vary between clamping companies and the length of time your car was clamped. It is best to contact the clamping company to find out the exact fee.
- Can I drive my car after the clamping has been removed?
Yes, you can drive your car once the clamp has been removed and you have paid the release fee.
- How quickly will my car be released after I have paid my road tax?
It may take a few days for the DVLA to update their records after you have paid your road tax. Once their records have been updated, you can contact the clamping company to arrange for the release of your car.
- Can I refuse to pay the release fee?
No, you cannot refuse to pay the release fee. If you refuse to pay, the clamping company may take legal action against you.
- Can I claim compensation for an illegal clamp?
If you believe that you have suffered any damages as a result of the illegal clamp, you may be able to claim compensation. It is best to seek legal advice for further information.