‘MOT EXEMPT’
Dodgy adverts being used to sell classic wrecks
Classic car sellers are using the 40-year MOT exemption to promote the sale of cars that are potentially unroadworthy, PC has discovered. Classics that appear to be in poor condition are now regularly being advertised on sales websites as ‘MOT exempt’.
In one case, a Rolls-royce that had been parked up for a number of years was cleaned and advertised as a ‘good runner, exempt from MOT’, with ancient tyres and obvious corrosion. A Seventies classic, advertised with its last MOT fail sheet as part of the ad, had delivery as part of the sales package. But when PC asked if we’d be able to drive the car home if we bought it, the answer was: ‘If you can insure and tax it, yes – but take it easy.’
The Department for Transport is sticking to its reasoning for exemption: ‘We consider the element of risk arising from taking vehicles over 40 years old out of the testing regime is small. The option for owners to submit their vehicles to a voluntary MOT test will remain .’ A spokesman for the Association of British Insurers said: ‘All road-use policies state that a car must be roadworthy to be properly insured. A valid MOT is a good way for the owner to prove that their car is safe.’
MOT tester William Morgan from Norwich owns more than 50 classics. He told PC: ‘The MOT test was introduced to get broken old jalopies off the road. Now, you can drive a battered old car on the road with no need to have it inspected by a pro.’
Despite exemption, the law states that a car must be in a roadworthy condition; and if a dangerous defect is found, there is a risk of a fine of up to £2500.