DVLA fined us £354 after we scrapped our Nissan

In July 2021 we scrapped our beloved Nissan Micra as it was beyond repair.

I took it to the junkyard and my wife mailed the V5C form to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). The insurance was canceled in September.

However, in February a letter from the DVLA stated that we had not insured the Micra. I returned the paperwork, stating that we no longer own the car, with details of the company we scrapped it with and the date it was scrapped. A letter thanked us for the information.

We are teachers, so we usually go to France for summer vacation. When we returned at the end of August we found a letter from the DVLA stating that we were going to be sued for not insuring the vehicle and that we had 21 days to respond.

I tried to log into the website to dispute the case, but the 21 days had already passed.

I sent all the information back, so only passport stamps that said we were out of the country when the court letter was sent.

I got no response, but got a fine of £354 because the case took place in our absence.

At no time since the information was sent in February has he given any indication that the problem was not resolved.

NB, Sheffield

You thought you had done everything expected of you when you scrapped your car girl. However, when we asked the DVLA to investigate, they insisted "all action taken was correct".

He added: "It is important that motorists tell us immediately when they dispose of their vehicle or still risk being subject to possible penalties.You must use an authorized processing facility (usually a junkyard or junkyard) and they must complete the yellow section "sell , transfer or trade in your vehicle" from your logbook (V5C).

Then you need to tell the DVLA; the easiest way to do this is via their website. You should receive a confirmation email, followed by a letter stating that you are no longer the owner of the vehicle.

Alternatively, as you say , you can post the yellow form to the DVLA and should again receive a return letter, if you don't get one, you have to look it up.

From what you told me, it looks like something is wrong. I was going to suggest you appeal this fine, but you already did and you have a hearing this month. We wish you good luck.