We’ve all heard about the new rolling 40-year MOT rules due to come into force on May 20th 2018 but what do these changes mean for us classic scooter riders, especially the ones who don’t like to keep things standard?
How old is your scooter?
- If your machine was built before 1978 then it’ll (in theory) be exempt from an MOT from May this year. This will be on a rolling 40-year basis.
- This rule also applies to vehicle road tax so from May you’ll only need to insure your historic vehicle to keep it road legal.
Will my insurance be affected?
- Each individual insurer/underwriter will have their own interpretation of the rules, some may stipulate that your vehicle still has to have an annual MOT, regardless of age. Others may stipulate that it ‘Has to be in a roadworthy condition’. Check your small print or ask for clarification from your insurer. We asked specialist scooter insurer, Lexham what their thoughts were, MD, Andy Goodson told us…
We feel it will make no difference here as it is always a condition in any policy that the client ensures the vehicle is roadworthy so currently the client has an obligation in between MOTs.”
Is it really a problem?
The reason historic vehicles are being made exempt is to fall in line with Europe (the first time we’ve benefitted from a positive EU motoring law) and because most classic vehicle owners love and cherish their machines so they’re well looked after. Many owners will still happily MOT their scooters no matter if they need one or not, it gives them peace of mind and also ensures they don’t risk falling foul of any insurance/legal small print. For £20-30 a year it’s a small price to pay to have your pride and joy looked over independently.
The future?
With rules regarding emissions getting ever tighter and certain cities and countries banning the use of two-strokes (and some four-strokes) could this be a stealth way of flushing out modified historic vehicles in the future? Declare modifications now to the DVSA and they’ll know to send it to the crusher once your particular configuration is outlawed in the future…
Will you MOT yours?
Let us know in the comments below if you’ll still MOT your historic scooters…
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We’ve all heard about the new rolling 40-year MOT rules due to come into force on May 20th 2018 but what do these changes mean for us classic scooter riders, especially the ones who don’t like to keep things standard?
How old is your scooter?
- If your machine was built before 1978 then it’ll (in theory) be exempt from an MOT from May this year. This will be on a rolling 40-year basis.
- This rule also applies to vehicle road tax so from May you’ll only need to insure your historic vehicle to keep it road legal.
Will my insurance be affected?
- Each individual insurer/underwriter will have their own interpretation of the rules, some may stipulate that your vehicle still has to have an annual MOT, regardless of age. Others may stipulate that it ‘Has to be in a roadworthy condition’. Check your small print or ask for clarification from your insurer. We asked specialist scooter insurer, Lexham what their thoughts were, MD, Andy Goodson told us…
We feel it will make no difference here as it is always a condition in any policy that the client ensures the vehicle is roadworthy so currently the client has an obligation in between MOTs.”
Is it really a problem?
The reason historic vehicles are being made exempt is to fall in line with Europe (the first time we’ve benefitted from a positive EU motoring law) and because most classic vehicle owners love and cherish their machines so they’re well looked after. Many owners will still happily MOT their scooters no matter if they need one or not, it gives them peace of mind and also ensures they don’t risk falling foul of any insurance/legal small print. For £20-30 a year it’s a small price to pay to have your pride and joy looked over independently.
The future?
With rules regarding emissions getting ever tighter and certain cities and countries banning the use of two-strokes (and some four-strokes) could this be a stealth way of flushing out modified historic vehicles in the future? Declare modifications now to the DVSA and they’ll know to send it to the crusher once your particular configuration is outlawed in the future…
Will you MOT yours?
Let us know in the comments below if you’ll still MOT your historic scooters…
New products always in development…
When you refer 15% “power” increase, do you mean CC as per your example and what is stated on your V5 or do you actually mean power as in Bhp?
As I understand things it’s 15% of the original capacity, which isn’t a lot of scope.
Very interesting, I thought I had 3 that won’t legally require an MOT but after reading this regarding “modifications” I think all 3 will need an MOT, thanks
My 1959 Series 1 has been MOT exempt for a number of years however as it was originally an Li150 but is fitted with a 240TS1 does that mean I’ll now need to start MOTing it again?
how will this effect registering an imported scooter for a uk reg plate as currently need to be MOT’d on frame . ive got a 65 Winter model an a 64 TV 3 in restoration
15% increase in power isnt much 1.5 bhp on some models max .
ive got a GT 240 / GT casing , for my winter if i trundle around on the original 150 CC
engine then put the 240 in for rallies do need an MOT between each installation .
im thinking cans of worms stuck in minefields
has SLUK thought about providing registration assistance /dating certsf mot cert advice as saw a newplace on facebook doing them think advertised in printed scooter press recently seems a nice earner with the amount of imports an resorations going on
Personally I think it’s the most stupid law to have ever come out. We all ride 40-70 year scooters of which a high percentage have been modified for speed. We then ride all over the UK and Europe a long side every other road user. Why would you not get that second opinion at an MOT to make sure you are safe. I will always invest my £30 in making sure my life is as safe a possible.
Rob Skipsey does registrations for people through the SLUK Shop:https://archive.scooterlab.uk/product/dvla-scooter-registration-assistance-rob-skipsey/
Its a good idea as how many of us have a scooter we dont ride much and 12 months comes around pretty damn quick .Back down to the garage for a pointless MOT when nothings changed from the last test.Maybe the new MOT should be based on millage .If you have covered more than say 3000 miles then a new test is required .That should maybe apply to all old vechicles.
I’ll keep MOTing my S type 225 as it’s declared on the insurance as such, the 125 special and Lui 50 are bog standard so they can go without MOT’s.