Driving car to MOT without Number Plates

[1954Etype]

Guys, does anyone know the definitive answer on the above? I have always assumed that providing the MOT was booked and you were driving straight there and the car was insured, you were ok.

Just phoned my local police contact centre (what the hell is that?!) and the spotty youth told me that I had to arrange for the garage to come and collect the car for MOT.

Any views/help greatly appreciated.

[daverawle]

Angus,

I drove mine to the MOT and 60 miles to DVLA inspection on Californian plates. DVLA told me it was ok.

Dave

[1954Etype]

Angus,

I drove mine to the MOT and 60 miles to DVLA inspection on Californian plates. DVLA told me it was ok.

Dave

Dave, you had a plate to show! I have nothing so could attract the attention of our local rozzers. Who did you speak to at the DVLA?

[Heuer]

Bollocks!

You are legal and covered to drive if you have a booked appointment at an MOT centre. It is very unlikely your Insurance company would decline to cover you in the event of an accident unless they could prove the car was not roadworthy at the time and it materially affected the outcome, and even then you could argue your case. Chances of the Police picking you up are almost infinite! I drove my E-Type for a year without a Tax disc (forgot to renew) and so I just renewed at the anniversary - Post Office said I would be fined but nothing came of it.

Best plan is to put a baseball cap on backwards, turn the radio up high and drive like a gangsta. You will be invisible to the authorities.

[Heuer]

But ........ the lack of number plates could be a problem. You could get away with it on the front but need something to show at the rear. Know anyone who can let you borrow trade plates? Otherwise you may have to trailer it there.

[daverawle]

Angus,

I drove mine to the MOT and 60 miles to DVLA inspection on Californian plates. DVLA told me it was ok.

Dave

Dave, you had a plate to show! I have nothing so could attract the attention of our local rozzers. Who did you speak to at the DVLA?

I walked into the DVLA centre and asked at the desk. I had no plate on the front. The MOT, I got previously, just referred to the car by its VIN as did the insurance certificate. Footman James were happy to insure the car on the VIN until it was allocated a number by DVLA. I guess that the police will stop you if they notice there is no plate but I'd just carry all the documents and allow some extra time. At least their NPR camera won't alert them :D

Dave

[ian68]

You are completely legal to drive your car to an MOT station, without number plates being shown, provided the car has been pre-booked at the testing station and that the vehicle is insured. (usually done on Chassis/VIN number).

I did exactly this when I bought my ex-military Land Rover straight out of the military auction. As it had no civilian number plates (and never had) I spoke to my local police station and they confirmed the above.

It's not a problem, and if you were stopped by a plod who didn't know better you WOULD win the argument!

IAn

[1954Etype]

You are completely legal to drive your car to an MOT station, without number plates being shown, provided the car has been pre-booked at the testing station and that the vehicle is insured. (usually done on Chassis/VIN number).

I did exactly this when I bought my ex-military Land Rover straight out of the military auction. As it had no civilian number plates (and never had) I spoke to my local police station and they confirmed the above.

It's not a problem, and if you were stopped by a plod who didn't know better you WOULD win the argument!

IAn

Ian, that is EXACTLY my understanding but I can't find anything to confirm this anywhere in writing.

[1954Etype]

You are completely legal to drive your car to an MOT station, without number plates being shown, provided the car has been pre-booked at the testing station and that the vehicle is insured. (usually done on Chassis/VIN number).

I did exactly this when I bought my ex-military Land Rover straight out of the military auction. As it had no civilian number plates (and never had) I spoke to my local police station and they confirmed the above.

It's not a problem, and if you were stopped by a plod who didn't know better you WOULD win the argument!

IAn

Ian, that is EXACTLY my understanding but I can't find anything to confirm this anywhere in writing.

Aha! Asked same question on a 'police' forum and got the following reply:

The relevant legislation is Section 42 of Vehicle Excise and Registration Act - click here.

The RPU manual explains it more succinctly


QUOTE (RPU Manual)
"If a registration mark is not fixed to a vehicle then the relevant person is guilty of an offence.

Defence -- When taking the vehicle to have it registered, or whilst undergoing a test, (used imported vehicles), prior to registration."

[Heuer]

Nice to know!

[1954Etype]

So, the MOT is passed and paperwork delivered (by hand) to the DVLA. Following day I received a phone call telling me the vehicle had to be inspected. Duly arrived for a young girl to come out with a clip board, asked me where the chassis number was and what the engine number was, filled in her form and said thank you very much.

Me? ?100 lighter to pay for man with trailer, wet interior (no hood and the cling film only kept out about 80% of the deluge) and very, very pissed off.

Must learn to get over it!

[Heuer]

Angus

When I changed my registration number they wanted an inspection. I explained to them I had ""no seats" so they very kindly agreed to send someone with a clip board around to my house. Car never left the garage.

Suggest Tippers for your new plates. Beg Mr Tipper Snr enough and he may be able to supply a rear plate with original 60's ACE characters (cast alloy) which look superb. He only has limited stock of some characters so needs convincing the plate is going on a worthwhile car. Not cheap though!