The UK government has launched a call for evidence to ensure classic cars can be preserved for decades to come. The initiative aims to make re-registering an older vehicle easier – if it has been converted to electric power, for example.
The Department for Transport says policies on how classic cars are registered after modifications are carried out ‘have largely remained the same’ since the 1980s and ‘do not account for improving historic vehicles with modern technology.’
Now the government is looking for proposals from the industry and car enthusiasts that prioritise road safety and assist with keeping accurate vehicle records.
Changes could make it easier to re-register vehicles and also protect prospective buyers. They may also reduce the red tape around modifying classic cars to improve their performance and retro-fitting them with electric powertrains. The call for evidence asks for input in relation to kit-built cars, too.
What does the law say now?
The law currently states that every car owner must notify the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) of any changes made to their vehicle – regardless of its age – that result in the information in the vehicle registration certificate (V5C) becoming incorrect.
The process allows for updates to be made to the vehicle record held by the DVLA, which is then transferred to the V5C and shared with agencies such as the police.
The DVLA requires notifications of changes made to vehicles that have been rebuilt, converted to electric power or radically altered to such an extent that it affects the identity of the car.
How can I give my feedback?
The call for evidence period will run from 9 May until 4 July 2024. You can click here to view the full details, including the questions that are being asked.
“As evolving technologies continue to improve the way classic, historic and rebuilt vehicles can be modified and restored, we want to ensure that we keep the policies and registration processes for these vehicles up to date,” said Julie Lennard, CEO at the DVLA.
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