Every vehicle registered in the United Kingdom must be taxed if it's used or kept on a public road.
If a vehicle is kept off-road (for example on a private drive or land), it must either be taxed, or have a SORN (Statutory Off-Road Notification) in force.
On 24 February 2026 Chesterfield Borough Council entered into a Devolved Powers Partnership scheme with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). This means that we now have additional enforcement tools, which will allow us to remove (seize) or clamp untaxed vehicles. We may also remove a vehicle that is on the public highway or in a publicly accessible place, where a SORN is in place.
You can check a vehicle's tax status on the Gov.uk website.
A vehicle without a valid MOT and on the highway must be reported to Derbyshire Police. Find out more about vehicles without a valid MOT.
Report an untaxed vehicle
If you think a car, van or other vehicle is untaxed, or has a SORN but is parked on the highway or in a publicly accessible place, we need to know:
- where it is
- when you first noticed it
- the make, model, and the registration number (if it is still on the vehicle)
Photos can help us with our enquiries - but don't take photos if you feel it isn't safe.
If the vehicle is significantly damaged, is missing its registrations plates, or hasn’t been moved for a long time, it may be classed as an 'abandoned' vehicle – find out how we deal with abandoned vehicles here.
Protecting your privacy - find out how we keep your information safe.
What happens next?
If we find that the vehicle is untaxed, we can remove it to our secure storage yard.
If the owner doesn't collect the vehicle we may dispose of it.
What you need to do to release your vehicle
If your vehicle has been seized please contact us as soon as possible on 01246 345345, or email untaxed.vehicles@chesterfield.gov.uk.
Release of vehicles is by appointment only.
We will make an appointment for you to collect the vehicle from our storage yard, and will explain what you need to bring with you.
Before the vehicle is released you will need to:
Proof of ownership - we will need to see:
- a valid insurance certificate
- the vehicle log book (V5)
- a sales receipt, invoice, or lease agreement
If the vehicle is not registered you will be asked to complete a V62 vehicle registration certificate form, this a requirement by the DVLA.
If you are acting on behalf of the owner you must provide proof that you have their permission to collect their vehicle.
Please provide one form of photo identification:
- driving licence
- current passport
Please provide two forms of address confirmation:
- Council Tax bill
- tenancy agreement
- utility bill - must be no more than three months old, online proofs will be accepted.
If officers are not satisfied you are the owner of the vehicle, or your collection agent does not have the correct documents, the vehicle will not be released, and further release fees may apply.
Storage yard appointments times
- Monday to Thursday - 9am to 3pm
- Friday - 9am to 1.30pm
- Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays - closed
Release fees
As well as providing proof of vehicle ownership and ID, you will also need to pay a release fee. All fees are set by DVLA, not Chesterfield Borough Council.
Release fees start at £100 for the first 24-hour period (assessed from the time the vehicle was loaded onto the collection vehicle). Release fees will be explained to you when you make the appointment to collect your vehicle.
In certain circumstances you may be asked to pay an additional cash bond called a ‘surety fee’. This will be discussed with you when you make the appointment.
Making the payment
Release fees can only be made by card machine at the storage yard. Surety fees must be paid in cash.
Damage to vehicles and complaints
Every effort is taken to remove vehicles in the safest possible way to our storage yard. Officers will take multiple pictures of vehicles prior to them been removed (seized) and a vehicle condition report will be completed. The council takes no responsibility for the vehicle's safety while it is impounded.
If you would like to make a complaint about the vehicle recovery process, please see information about our complaints process here.
Please note: if you leave your vehicle in the storage yard whilst making a complaint charges will still apply.
Publicly accessible places
We can also remove untaxed vehicles on any land where the public has access, including:
- car parks or parking areas including stores, supermarkets, works, pub car parks, and council car parks
- private or unadopted roads
- housing association land or roads
- waste ground, parks, common ground, and open spaces
We deal with untaxed vehicles under the Vehicle Excise Duty (Immobilisation, Removal and Disposal of Vehicles) Regulations 1997.
Find out about end of life vehicle regulations here.