DOC related MOT info from VOSA

[Guinney1971]

dear all,

I had a bit of a ruck with an MOT garage last year when they tried to fail #6772
on the rear numberplate - its had the same plate for over 6 years now, and this was
the first time a garage had tried to fail it.

I argued that the car was an import from the US, with a non standard apeture,
and that a normal plate wouldnt fit in the hole in the bezel. The tester was
having none of it, so when I brought the car home, I rang VOSA and explained
the situation, the design of the rear bezel, that it was an import from the USA
and was built in 1981.

VOSA said that their guidelines clearly state that if an imported vehicle would
have to have its body work modified to take a UK standard plate, then basically
any sized numberplate (as long as it is clear and legible) is allowed. I rang the
garage back, and the manager said he'd give the tester a b***cking for not
knowing better lol.

I hope this helps any of you who have had/may have issues with MOT testers
over your rear numberplates.

Here is #6772 on wedding duty at Newstead Abbey last December, complete
with VOSA compliant rear numberplate

[bjbrownie]

I'm surprised that the tester didnt give you any crap over letter/number height and spacing etc! (always a good 'un for police traffic stops) 8)

[Guinney1971]

well he was trying to say it didnt conform, but a quick phone call to VOSA sorted it

[frostrobo]

Good news! I think would be useful to find out the exact VOSA guideline/regulation that allows that, to have printed out and put in the car for future reference.

In fact I think I found it here (took a bit of digging to find out...)
Regulation 14A on page 2 - basically allows for smaller lettering on imported cars.

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2002 ... 687_en.pdf

[Guinney1971]

excellent find that Simon, well done !


I'm going to shortly be researching VOSA's take on emission tests for DeLoreans,
as they dont appear on MOT computers, and technically speaking they shouldnt
be tested as a Volvo 760/Renault 30 (B28E) as it has the B28F version of the engine.

I will report back once I've found out more information, as it would be interesting
to know if they do have to have a proper emissions test, or whether they should
just have a visual smoke test, as per other older classic cars (my old 1968 Sunbeam
Rapier and 1958 Ford Prefect had visual tests).

[Guinney1971]

Hi all,

just spoken to VOSA ref emissions test for the DeLorean. I didnt say I was
ringing about a Delorean, but an 'imported vehicle built in 1981.

'David' at VOSA said that for emissions tests, vehicles built between 1st August
1976 and 31st July 1986* have a standard 'non catalyst' test, which basically
means they have to have less then 4.5% CO and less then 1200ppmm of hydrocarbons.

*I think those were the dates, it was deffo 1976-86 tho.

Hope this clarifies for anyone who has an MOT station asking people what they
should be testing their car as (for comparison).

regards,