DVLA policy update - a landmark win for industry and enthusiasts
We are delighted to update you regarding today’s DVLA announcement on the long-awaited changes to vehicle registration policy in the UK, notably impacting historic and classic vehicles.
In the complex world of government policy and regulation, the opportunity to influence and deliver major changes is not something that happens every day. This major DVLA policy update is a landmark win for the industry and enthusiasts, and it should not be underestimated the effort that went on behind the scenes to deliver these changes that help safeguard the future of the UK historic and classic vehicle fleet and our industry. It remains hugely important that we remain engaged at the top table as the new policy naturally evolves and develops once introduced.
A new policy has been announced to will take effect from
Tuesday 26 August and policy detail and new guidance will be available on
https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-registration from that date.
Two new sets of guidance that will apply to all vehicles, regardless of age, have been announced with key changes, including:
1. Repaired and restored vehicles
There will be no requirement to notify DVLA where a vehicle has been repaired or restored back to its original working standard, providing:
· worn-out components or body panels are replaced on a like for like basis
· the appearance of the vehicle is the same as when it was originally manufactured
· Vehicle log book (V5C) details are not affected
2. Modified vehicles
Vehicles that have had significant structural modifications will be able to keep their original Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and registration number, but the registered keeper must notify DVLA of the changes. This could include:
· cutting into the chassis monocoque or frame
· changing the vehicle’s appearance or dimensions from the original manufacturer’s specification
· conversions from an internal combustion engine to electric propulsion
Where a vehicle has been modified, the DVLA now accepts that it is more useful to retain the original manufacturer’s VIN, and the original or period correct Vehicle Registration Number, with a ‘modified’ marker on the V5 so that its history can still be traced, rather than erasing the original VIN and issuing a new registration number.
Restoration is now accepted as a normal process that does not need to be reported to DVLA and will not trigger suspension of registration numbers, inspections etc. Modified vehicles, including EV conversions, will retain their original registration and chassis numbers and will simply have a note on the V5 to record that they are modified. As with all modified classics, these must still be submitted for annual MOT testing as before.
Owners who are unhappy with previous treatment of their registration number claim may now reapply under the new rules and there is no time limitation on this.
Concerns by many of people over UK government treatment of vehicle heritage were a major factor in the formation of the HCVA in 2021. It is testament to the huge amount of engagement, expert evidence, and submissions from across the HCVA membership, that the government recognised new policy solutions were necessary.
Stephen Archer