MOT legalities (uk) for 40yr old bikes since registration

[ukjules]

My GS was registered 40yrs ago by few months now.

Now does this mean that on that date
(after 40 years old in registration) it no longer
needs a mot ? The dvla site says that is so.

The reason I ask is that I did try to
get it classed as historic on the log book
but I was told i have to wait till April
to do so , even though it is 40yrs old.
A quirk of the new legislation.

so basically it is taxed , insured but I
have no mot as I think I dont need one .
what's think is that right ?
it seems so bar it not being historic on log book

[I have a 1977 rd250d which needs no mot
and no tax cost and is historic ]

[steveb922]

Next time you go to tax it, you declare it as tax and MoT exempt. It can be done online or at a Post Office, free of charge, but the paperwork still has to be done.

[ukjules]

Yes got that.
the question is , do I need to mot it now ?

is regardless of all other paperwork is
it due to being +40yrs old not require an mot ?

P.s like your bike .... a fellow 550 et owner !!!

[tomo]

My understanding is that it will need an MOT at the moment if it is taxed but the log book has`nt yet been changed to show tax class as historic vehicle. With the tax exemption, once that is declared then you don`t pay vehicle tax. Once the bike is confirmed tax exempt as a historical vehicle by the DVLA and the log book changed, you can declare it as MOT exempt too. But still need to be cautious with MOT exemption, still need to ensure the vehicle is in roadworthy condition, could be problems with insurers in the event of a claim if there was anything they could use to avoid paying up. My bike is tax exempt, but I still get it MOT`d for peace of mind really.

[steveb922]

Short answer = MoT it now, next time tax is due get it changed to 'historical', then declare Mot exemption. What Tomo said basically - and I agree with him re continuing to get MoT. Peace of mind, and a bit of 'cover your arse' as well.

[ukjules]

OK. It is just that is not what the gov site says.
It states that a bike 40 years old does not need a mot.
It does not say about making it historic etc.
I have taken the mot form to the post office .. but
cant make it historic until april. why god knows.

Tax is separate in this matter (I think).

I have been through this with my rd250d.
but I did that 42 years after it was registered
so no issue with the tax (for some mad reason
being slightly more than 40 years).

I really do desire the absolute legal truth in this.
Good practice is not the question. (although I agree and
if went abroad would get an mot)

[steveb922]

The other way is to fill in form V112, and take that to the Post Office along with your V5C and V11. You will then have your V5C marked as 'historic'. There is an anomaly in that the rules relating to 40-year old vehicles and MoTs, and 40-year old vehicles and road tax are slightly out of kilter. If you were stopped today and asked to produce an MoT, then you should produce your V5 to demonstrate that your vehicle is 40+ years old. Or just carry a completed V112 with you. Then be prepared for a confused policeman who doesn't know the rules himself. My bike (same age as yours) is on SORN at the moment - if it wasn't, I would just get it tested now, and then do both exemptions next April.

[tomo]

Like Steve said, basically a taxed bike not yet with the V5C changed to historic, has to have an MOT. Once the V5C is changed to have the tax class "historic vehicle" then it qualifies for MOT exemption. But you still need to fill in a form to notify the DVLA. Tax is`nt a seperate matter really, as you can`t apply for tax without a current MOT for newer vehicles anyway. I would play it safe, as I mentioned I still get my 750 MOT`d even though the V5C was changed. £25 is not a lot to pay for that peace of mind at the end of the day.

[ukjules]

Good explanation Steve!!! and what I was getting too !
I carry the v112 as pdf on phone etc and
the log book.
i agree there is risk with the policeman scenario
but hell I live with risk through necessity.

yes i could get it mot'd .... expense stops me.
(take as said it never fails and I know what I'm doing )

Car gets the mot and my bikes bar one are
by next april tax exempt and will be historic.

- I wander why even though log book confirms 40 yr age
when I sent it off as you described a while ago I
got a letter saying I can only do it in april 2021.

thanks for confirmation and dont worry I know there is still
legal risk even though there shouldn't be.

as I said if I do a europe tour I'd get it mot'd
just in case.

[ukjules]

@ tomo.
what you say is not quite correct!!!
what Steve says is !

https://www.gov.uk/historic-vehicles

Screenshot_20201126-232545_Firefox.jpg

[tomo]

I thought what I said was basically the same as Steve, but never mind. You asked for advice and I was only trying to help by offering my understanding of how it all works.

[zed1015]

In reality the tax and MOT exemption can actually work out at nearly 41 years depending on what month the bike was declared manufactured due to the fixed yearly April application date.
My early 78 wasn't exempt till April 2019 and you can't declare the V112 MOT exemption until you have registered the bike as Historic at which point you will get a refund of any remaining full months of paid road tax after that point .
Once done you still have to apply yearly for road tax but not pay and there's a box to tick online at the same time to roll on the MOT exempt declaration.

[ukjules]

Yes BUT ...

The day after 40yrs since registered you do not
need you mot the bike....... regardless of whether it is historic or not.

Just trying to be exact.

Taxing and being historic can be thought of as separate...
and some admin at a post office

[zed1015]

Yes BUT ...

The day after 40yrs since registered you do not
need you mot the bike....... regardless of whether it is historic or not.

Just trying to be exact.

Taxing and being historic can be thought of as separate...
and some admin at a post office

Done this five times on my own bikes and unless the law has changed in the last month you can't declare MOT exemption until the vehicle is registered as historic first.

[tatu]

you can't declare MOT exemption until the vehicle is registered as historic first.

This is correct, unless it's redefined as 'Historic' then it must be taxed and MOT'd as usual. Also I'm sure you know this already, but to be sure.. If you do not tax and mot even though it's free, and don't SORN it, you will receive hate mail in the form of a fixed penalty. So the procedure remains the same except you don't need to get the MOT or pay for the road fund license.