HI S T ORIC VEHICLES, TAX AND MOTs

Keepers of historic vehicles and claiming an exemption from the MOT test should make a declaration when re-newing their vehicle tax. For those wanting more information on historic vehicle classifications, or on whether you need to MOT or tax your scooter, should visit www.gov.uk/historic-vehicles. There are easy-to-read guides on all the above. The following are a few highlights.

Tax You do not need to pay vehicle tax if your vehicle was built before January 1, 1978.

MOT You do not need to get an MOT if the vehicle was built or first registered more than 40 years ago and no ‘substantial changes’ have been made to the vehicle in the last 30 years.

‘SUBSTANTIAL CHANGES’ A ‘Substantial change’ is if the technical characteristics of the main components have changed in the previous 30 years, unless these fall into the ‘Acceptable alterations’ category. Having read the information several times, most ‘Substantial change’ criteria mostly relates to anything other than motorcycles and scooters. So even though I changed my engine, that does not constitute a substantial change. In fact, neither would an increased cc, nor would improved brakes and suspension (if in the pursuit of safety). Acceptable changes are described as changes that are made to preserve a vehicle because the original type parts are no longer reasonably available, and which can be demonstrated to have been made when vehicles of the type were in production (or within 10 years of the end of production). These can include axles and running gear that have been changed to improve efficiency, safety or environmental performance, or changes were made to vehicles previously used as commercial vehicles, and you can prove the changes were made when the vehicle was used commercially. This is quite a broad spectrum, with scope for vehicle safety and performance updates, yet still retaining VHI status for tax and MOT purposes.