Villagers are celebrating after being told they no longer have to pay road tax on their cars.
But their delight was shortlived when they were warned the exemption applied only to motorists who wanted to drive in Ferring, near Worthing.
Once drivers left the village, they would have to display a tax disc.
The anomaly was revealed by Ferring Residents' and Owners Association, which is responsible for maintaining many roads in the village.
Chairman Les Anderson said it was permitted to drive around Ferring without a disc but on entering Sea Lane or Ferringham Lane normal rules of the road applied.
The association is struggling to get the £60 annual subscription from residents in order to pay for road repairs.
It has warned those who do not pay may find roads outside their homes are not maintained.
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