The DVLNI spelled out the message at the initative's launch

Regulations launched on Monday will also mean that car owners planning to sell, scrap or export their vehicle will have to inform the authorities of their plans.

Under the new computerised system, motorists who fail to tax their vehicles after 14 days will receive an automatic £80 fine in the post.

Beforehand, drivers would only be fined if they were caught by police, traffic wardens or roadside car tax cameras.

The initiative to cut the number of untaxed vehicles in Northern Ireland comes into effect on 1 January.

Lost revenue

DVLNI inspector Brendan Magee explained what would happen in a typical case under the new system.

"(For example), at the end of December, they would get a renewal reminder and we would expect them to have taxed the car at least by the middle of January," he said.

"If they failed to do that, at the end of February or beginning of March, they would be getting a penalty letter from us which would include a fine of £80.

"This would be reduced to £40 if it was paid within 28 days."

"If they failed to respond to that, they would be taken to court where the penalty could be up to £1,000."

The evasion rate of about 10% costs the exchequer £13m each year in lost revenue.

Police say untaxed cars are also likely to be uninsured and are more likely to be involved in crime.