I bought a spares / repairs car more than 12 months ago, and notified DVLA of the acquisition, but as it was going into the trade (my first) I didn't complete the new keeper section, which was the correct action at the time.
The car was then fixed and I then wanted to test the car on the road so needed to tax it (no trade plates). I decided to use the direct debit approach on the basis that I hopefully wouldn't have it too long and wouldn't need to worry about laying cash out with refunds later.
I have now received a letter saying the car was being used while untaxed. Having spoken to DVLA this is apparently because the vehicle record has no keeper and so they don't send out a reminder letter, and they stop collecting the direct debit. DVLA opinion apparently is that if a car is "in trade" then it shouldn't be taxed, even though there are severe restrictions on trade plate use. The vehicle record certainly has a keeper for offences purposes.
I have taxed the vehicle to the earliest possible date but am still left with the "opportunity" to pay an out of court settlement of £88.
I feel this is particularly unfair especially as the Government website makes it clear that with car tax by direct debit renewal is automatic and I had no reminder (not that that really means anything).
https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-tax-direct-debit/setting-up
So, pay up and put it down to experience, or take some other route ?
Thanks for any help