Government clarifies anti-tampering laws

The Government has confirmed that the proposed antitampering laws for vehicles won’t be retrospective, which means that classic and heritage vehicles will be protected from the potential new rules and regulations, while customisation will also still be allowed.

There was a bit of panic among bikers (and petrolheads in general) when the news broke that the Government was considering banning the modification of motorcycles.

The original proposals written as part of ‘The Future of Transport Regulatory Review – Modernising Vehicle Standards’ in 2021, suggested that all types of modifications of motorcycles would be outlawed, while suggesting that it would also outlaw the marketing, promotion and sale of ‘tampering services or products’.

Thankfully, a Parliamentary debate triggered by a petition titled ‘Do not implement proposed new offences for vehicle “tampering’’’ (which attracted over 115,000 signatures) has clarified that the rules are aimed primarily at safety and emissions systems, and those which govern vehicles’ autonomous driving and control functions – with Transport Minister Trudy Harrison MP confirming that not only would any new measures not be retrospective, but should also protect the aftermarket sector, motorsport and heritage machines.

While many of us will be breathing a sigh of relief, Ms Harrison confirmed that the Government would announce further plans during the summer, and that it was still considering its approach to any new laws, so we’re not out of the woods just yet.

There will definitely be some changes to come, but what they’ll be exactly remains to be seen. Either way, we’ll be keeping a close eye on further announcements from the Department for Transport to keep abreast of the situation, and in the meantime we’ll be customising our bikes to our hearts’ content.