Upcoming M-o-T Exemption Rules

[Bill Thomas]

How does anyone, including the officials know when a vehicle has been modified within the last 30 years. That's a massive black hole for everyone to fall in. The only way I see it is via photo evident or receipts but unless the number plate is visible then even that's no use.

How does anyone, including the officials know when a vehicle has been modified within the last 30 years. That's a massive black hole for everyone to fall in. The only way I see it is via photo evident or receipts but unless the number plate is visible then even that's no use.

I love photos, And have been lucky because of Racing to have a few.
In the U.K. there was a book called the Vincent Scene, Which shows my Special about 1975.
I sent off a photo of my Special to my Insurance people, Many many years ago, But they have changed hands a few times, So I don't know if it's still on file.
Insurance people will do anything to not payout, My house was done some years ago, Among other things we lost some rings, One of the Wife's they could not replace, To me that ment it was worth a lot, But not to them.
So I think the best thing is to keep your head Down and hope, Bit like Racing !!.
Cheers Bill.

 

[Simon Dinsdale]

How does anyone, including the officials know when a vehicle has been modified within the last 30 years. That's a massive black hole for everyone to fall in. The only way I see it is via photo evident or receipts but unless the number plate is visible then even that's no use.

Your correct Mark.
The problem is the way its going to be done is it will be up to the owner to declare if modified or not by ticking the "MOT exempt" box. So the department of transport have kicked the responsibility to the owner. Most owners will just say its original and so no MOT and for most that will be perfectly OK.
One problem with some Vincent's is it says its OK to change engines for the basic same engine and alter the capacity of the engine, but to alter the number of cylinders is not OK. So if you have a Comet frame and you put a Rapide or Shadow engine in it you are altering the number of cylinders (or Comet engine in a twin frame). Yes we know the UFM is identical, but the numbers identifies the models the parts are from. The DVLA will have a record of engine number changes in the last 30 years so they will know when such modifications were done, but it is the owner who has to decide not them.
I have heard the DVLA / DOT are not going to police it and just assume the owner is telling the truth, but what do you think an insurance company's will believe if you have an accident? Its a right minefield.

Simon