MoT-Exemption Conundrum

Tony takes a look at the recent legislation exempting cars 40 years old or over from MoTs after May 2018…

Hello, and welcome to another column aimed at the muscle car enthusiast. This month is an open discussion regarding the Government’s decision to exempt any vehicle over 40 years old from taking the Ministry of Transport test (MoT). For a few years up to now, pre-1960 vehicles have been exempt from the MoT. I feel that this course of action is correct for cars and motorbikes of this era. But, for the Ministry of Transport to push back the date of manufacture with MoTs not being required to a rolling 40-year figure is quite something.

From May 20, 2018 most 40-year-old vehicles will not need a valid MoT certificate to be used on public roads. However you still need to keep the vehicle in a roadworthy condition and can voluntarily have a test, even though you don’t need one.

The Government recommends continued regular maintenance and checks on the vehicle. You must also have the car insured and taxed. Again, most taxes will be free, which is such a pointless exercise anyhow, or you should SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) the vehicle. Failure to do so will result in a hefty fine.