Government announces that cars over 40 years old will no longer need an MOT from May 2018. The previous deadline had been cars made before 1960, but this move brings the 40 year rolling exemption in line with the Vehicle Excise Duty. 40 is now the magic number for classic cars.
5 years ago the Government introduced the ruling for pre-1960 cars making them exempt from statutory MOT testing. There was a fear that this would lead to all manner of unsuitable vehicles ending up on the road and accident rates rising. There has been no substantial evidence to back these claims up, so in an effort to reduce the strain on how you manage so many different rules and regulations aimed at newer cars, the government have introduced a 40 rolling MOT exemption. From 20th May 2018 this will come into effect.
Are there exceptions?
This is not a blanket free for all, there are exceptions to the rule, but it will come down to interpretation. Cars that have been “substantially altered” in the eyes of the authorities will still need to be MOT’d, details of which will be released in November. The guidelines currently suggests a car with a 15% increase in power to weight ratio counts as “substantially altered”. “Q” plate or kit cars will also not be exempt from the need for an MOT.
If you are concerned about any of these changes or the impact on you or your car then do not hesitate to contact the Club. We work alongside the FHBVC and DVLA to ensure that all our members stay safe and on the right side of the changes.
