Easy way for all UK drivers to avoid £1,000 fine – it takes just 5 minutes and you only need a phone

DRIVERS have been urged to avoid £100 fines and clamping by spending just five minutes on their phones.

The DVLA has encouraged Brits to take advantage of a completely free service and save themselves from harsh penalties.

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Most motorists would hopefully be aware that it is a legal requirement to tax your vehicle if it's on public roads.

However, since most pay the tax annually, it's easy to forget when you need to renew it.

Letting your payment lapse could see you slapped with a fine of up to £80 if your motor is spotted on the road.

And further failure to pay could land you in court, with a fine of up to £1,000 on the line.

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As well as the hit in the wallet, running an untaxed vehicle could also get it clamped, leaving you without your vehicle unless you pay a further penalty to recover it.

Fortunately, you can avoid this by setting up automated renewal reminders on your phone.

Posting on X, the DVLA said: "Do you know when your vehicle tax is due?

"With a driver and vehicles account, you can choose to receive vehicle tax reminders by text or email.

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"Make life a little easier, it only takes around five minutes."

All you need to do is go onto the DVLA website, set up an account and choose where you want the reminders delivered.

Once that's done, you'll receive a note from the agency when your renewal date is approaching directing you to a payment page.

The reminders come completely free of charge and the account also lets you check on things like the number of points on your licence and details of your vehicle.

It comes after Ford was forced to shut down one of its UK factories after a dangerous substance was discovered there.

Meanwhile, a learner driver was filmed using a controversial trick to beat a lengthy traffic jam - but can you tell who's in the wrong?