Yep. As its all electronic, a fine can (I doubt they would) come instantly. They is no grace period, I believe.
Just SORN it! It's so easy now its online it takes 2 mins max, literally. You will save two months tax as well since you get an automatic refund. Easy as pie to re tax when you get home too.
Why would you not SORN it?
Hmmmmmm.....Bloody awkward if you ask me. I've had trouble with the online system before as I used the reminder to SORN it, then couldn't tax it without calling up (which is time and effort). I'll save £26 tops if I sorn it but I'll have to worry about it when I come back. I'm away for 2 months on a very busy work trip to the US, so I'm going to be knackered when I come back, I'd rather just leave it taxed.
Bloody lawsssssssssssss!
What sort of fine are we talking here, and would it make a difference if it was taxxed but NOT on a public highway, ie private land?
Only difference it would make would be that they couldn't tow it.
The three options against you are:
Fixed fine of 100 quid
Get it towed (no on private land they won't)
Court with a max fine of £1k
Who are you insured with? A lot of them offer "layed up" insurance. Which is basically insurance for exactly what you want. It means the car would still comply with the continuos insurance law, but would be cheaper than a full policy.
SORNing is by far the cheapest (and easiest IMO) though. But obviously you have your reasons why you don't want to do that