LolaRose

Hi,
Can anyone tell me please if it is possible to drive a UK registered car back to the UK when the tax and mot has expired? The tax expired last december. We are moving back and wish to use the car to transport our stuff. We will be getting the ferry in santander so won't be driving through france.
Thanks

snikpoh

You can .....

BUT it is quite illegal!

You may be stopped and the car impounded or crushed.

missile

... and you will be prosecuted if caught in Spain.

You may be prosecuted by HM customs and excise on arrival in the UK. Most (if not all?) ferry terminals have number plate recognition cameras.

You don't mention insurance. Presumably that has also lapsed?

LolaRose

We will insure the car for the trip

missile

It seems you intend to risk driving, despite our advice. In the event of an accident, I hope your insurance pays out.

cymruambyth

Most (if not all) UK Ports of entry now have ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras, linked to the DVLA database. As soon as you arrive your vehicle could be flagged up as untaxed and therefore not road legal in the UK. See; http://www.rac.co.uk/forum/showthrea...d-ANPR-cameras

LolaRose

well that's quite presumptuous, considering my initial post was asking for advice and no-one has really offered any yet. You mentioned the status of insurance and I replied saying that it will be insured if the trip is possible.

missile

Presumptuous - I think not!

You stated the car will be insured for the trip after you were advised

LolaRose

I stated it because you questioned the status of the insurance so if the trip is possible ie. book an mot in a test centre in the town of the port and tax there once MOT'd or similar then yes the car would be insured and driven. Jeez, guess you can only post here if you are whiter than white and already know the answer to your own question. If not then it looks like all we should expect is judgemental replies.

EMR

As you car is NOT road legal, your insurance may be invalid if not doubtfull.
No insurance company is going to pay out on an illegal car.
At the very best all you may have is basic third party cover.

LolaRose

Im sure for a 3hr drive once we arrive in the UK 3rd party would be sufficient, the risk to my vehicle would be all my own and should there be an accident as long as the other party are covered, i'm happy. Obviously, the car would be made road legal immediately upon our arrival

andyrich666

In the UK yes you can drive without a MOT to a MOT station, also regarding the TAX phone the DVLA you can pay the back tax and £80 fine which will have already been issued to the address on the V5, when you get to Dover or whereever you can TAX it,

Driving without a MOT is not a major issue in the UK, unless the car is dangerous, if it is the MOT Station will possibly not let you drive it away.

HTH

LolaRose

Thanks Andyrich666 for a non-judgemental and helpful reply.

andyrich666

If you were really really worried I guess you could drive to Calais and then conveniently break down, the car would be recovered to a UK garage which would avoid any ANPR Cameras

Or legally you could call a recovery firm from Dover to collect the car, I dont think the cost would be that excessive,

personally if you pay the back tax say upto now will be 30/10/2013 if you did it on the 4th then the car would effectivley be taxed, and you have your reasons so the chances of siezure of the car is minimal.

EMR

You are off course forgetting the rules of driving in the country that will make up 90% of the journey.
Andy you seem to be unaware of the purge on illegal vehicles now taking place in many UK cities.
Cars without MOT/TAX/insurance are now being stopped at roadsides and taken off the road. If not legalised within a specified time turned into razor blades.