looks like 40 year rolling mot exemption is coming

Mr.G

Club Member
I was looking forward to getting my car on the road this winter with some additional mods added but looks like I should be looking at rebuilding it's original L24 and SU carbs.. :(
 

IbanezDan51

Well-Known Forum User
I was looking forward to getting my car on the road this winter with some additional mods added but looks like I should be looking at rebuilding it's original L24 and SU carbs.. :(

Why? Just get it MOT'd... same as it needs currently.
 

Mr.G

Club Member
Don't fancy losing the historic tax status and gaining a Q plate which is currently being discussed..
 

datsfun

Club Member
In the unlikely event that the enforcers and authorities get anal about the modifications, we could see you the market being flooded by RB's, 1Jz's, triple carbs, etc...and the price of Lgata and stock carbs rocket up , as owners ditch the mods so as to avoid being Q plated !

Escort owners must be petrified of the new proposals...!
 

richiep

Club Member
Don't fancy losing the historic tax status and gaining a Q plate which is currently being discussed..

At present, the tax is totally separate from this change. You'll still be tax exempt even if you've modded the car. The issue will be you will still have to have an MOT instead of being exempt. The problem will come in the form of the final wording of their definition of 'substantially changed' and what they do with the database of info on modded cars they build as a result....Edited.

EDIT: see my more recent post based on further reading.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Mr.G

Club Member
Thanks Ritchie.

I was concerned that they were going to question whether a vehicle was no longer historic if it was substantially different from original and if so no longer classed as historic and hence lose the plates and then a road fund tax would apply on a Q plate.
 

madda

Well-Known Forum User
At present, the tax is totally separate from this change. You'll still be tax exempt even if you've modded the car. The issue will be you will still have to have an MOT instead of being exempt. The problem will come in the form of the final wording of their definition of 'substantially changed' and what they do with the database of info on modded cars they build as a result. Reading up on the 8 point rule might be advised just in case. You can go quite far but if they find you've been chopping the monocoque about - that's your ticket to BIVA and Q plates potentially. Suddenly ZG flares might be a liability. RHD conversions are skirting close to danger but can be done pretty discretely without any real structural chopping as per Johny's 280Z in the other thread. These are the kinds of thing that need to be strategised about and covered for if the final document is harsh.

I'd be worried cut out arches to fit arch extensions like a lot of cars on here would tick the 5 point box. Thoughts?
 

richiep

Club Member
I think it's the kind of thing you wouldn't want inspected. Whether an argument could be made that it was in keeping with manufacturer intentions though, by way of the evidence of the 432 and 240ZGs and the arches being available as official sports option parts - well, that might be an angle of attack should it come into question.

It's given me pause for thought about cutting the arches on Dixie, which was planned. I'll be waiting to see how things play out in November and then in the run in to implementation in May. You can bet the Escort Mk1 guys will be screaming to high heaven given the potential issue over bubble arches!

In reality, I think the powers that be are in for a bit of a headache along with owners...
 
At present, the tax is totally separate from this change. You'll still be tax exempt even if you've modded the car. The issue will be you will still have to have an MOT instead of being exempt. The problem will come in the form of the final wording of their definition of 'substantially changed' and what they do with the database of info on modded cars they build as a result. Reading up on the 8 point rule might be advised just in case. You can go quite far but if they find you've been chopping the monocoque about - that's your ticket to BIVA and Q plates potentially. Suddenly ZG flares might be a liability. RHD conversions are skirting close to danger but can be done pretty discretely without any real structural chopping as per Johny's 280Z in the other thread. These are the kinds of thing that need to be strategised about and covered for if the final document is harsh.

If its period modified they've no way to tell if its a post 1988 mod. As discussed, anything thats period optional etc?
 

Rob Gaskin

Treasurer
Staff member
Site Administrator
It's a shame that all the guys with a sunroof, alloys and big front spoiler are going to lose free tax and get a Q plate. ;)
 

uk66fastback

Club Member
Thanks god mine is standard. And if I take until next May to do what I'm doing to it - it won't even need an MOT to be registered ... superb.
 

stuart barrie

Club Member
What about the current project's that are on a sorn there should be an initial mot check or there will be a flood of unsafe cars that are not fit for the road and made to look good and unsafe. Mine is getting rust cut out and welded. What is stopping me from patching and painting looks good till the tension rod mounts part from frame rails which need replacing.
 

richiep

Club Member
Interestingly, I've read a post today on RodsNSods that throws a bit of light and sense on the whole thing. The quote is from a guy who is involved with the NSRA (National Street Rod Association for the uninitiated) and has been directly involved in aspects of this process since the initial EU directive several years ago...


"After many phone calls PM and Emails I understand why people are getting so upset about the MOT legislation changes.

Everyone is worried about 'substantial changes ' being only 15% power to weight change .


This is NOT Radically altered as shown in DVLA system.


This change is PURELY for MOT purposes and is NOTHING to do DVLA identity issues.


The last changes to DVLA inspection issues were 12 years ago and done by Public Consultation.


I was asked at that time to try and create a Street Rod class.

Having followed informed and advised since the inception of this 'Roadworthiness' document in EU Parliament it has ALWAYS been made clear that any definition of VHI was ONLY for the purposes of MOT NOT identity.

I could go off and find the documentation to prove this but if you chose not to believe that's fine by me ,carry on panicing.

Again I have broken my promise to myself to not post on any public media .

I have only done this to try to bring some clarity."

SO:
The key points:
- this exercise is NOT related to tax and identity (and therefore the 8-point rule and Q plate issues). It is purely about eligibility for MOT exemption or not.
- Vehicle of Historic Interest is a term purely for defining what is MOT exempt. It is different from the Historic tax class. You can be tax exempt and need an MOT because you have mods.
- this will not force anyone with mods into the BIVA process, even if technically they should due to degree of mods. It's not directly connected to it. Which is in the DVLA's interests because there would be chaos if they tried it. The system couldn't take it.

Basically, if the above is correct, storm in a teacup. We aren't all going to be getting BIVAs and Q plates, etc. It's just some of our cars will still need MOTs, some won't. Which I'm fine with tbh. :thumbs:
 

Jimbo

1978 260z in yellow
Club Member
out of curiosity what will happen then when your car becomes MOT exempt?
do you get notified of not needing one any more or something?
just wondered as the database the police use would surely flag up these cars as not having MOT?
how would you check it?
 

richiep

Club Member
You'll be asked when re-taxing online. If you check the 'modified' box, they'll require a valid MOT to let you complete the tax process. If you lie, there's the possibility they'll get you through cross-reference with the insurance database, where mods are usually declared. And you'll be in deep sh*t if you get pulled over at a DVSA (VOSA) checkpoint for roadside checks. You might see DVSA checks targeting classic and sports events to target MOT exemption fraud...
 
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