Riders’ rights group the National Motorcyclists Council has released information on the latest DVLA registration policies for repaired, modified and restored bikes. The agency has clarified its rules on what owners need to tell it about modifications to already-registered machines, following a call for evidence which NMC member the Vintage Motor Cycle Club responded to, along with other historic vehicle groups.
The key changes mean that like-for-like repairs and restorations will no longer require notification to DVLA, providing the vehicle’s appearance is the same as when it was originally manufactured and there are no changes to the log book (V5C). Vehicles that have been subject to significant structural modifications will be able to keep their original Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and registration number, and vehicles that have been converted to electric power will also retain their original identity, but the DVLA must be notified of the changes in both cases.
Under the previous rules, a range of modifications required notification and sometimes a complex and expensive inspection and re-registration. The new rules simplify those requirements, though bikes with replacement frames, frames with significant structural modifications, or where a VIN number changes, will still require notice to DVLA. Structural difference for motorcycles is defined as “including, but not limited to, any lengthening, shortening, or widening of a vehicle’s frame or changing its appearance.” There are separate rules for tricycle builds.
Neil Lewis, president of the VMCC, said: “The VMCC welcomes these headline changes as it will make the notification process for already registered, restored historic motorcycles much more straightforward than it is at present. On the issue of criteria for reconstructed classics, we will be seeking clarity from the DVLA in relation to what components are included in the 25-year rule. The VMCC will also continue discussions with DVLA and DfT on other areas related to historic motorcycle regulations”.
NMC executive director Craig Carey-Clinch added: “The revised regulations apply to motorcycles of all ages, and not all owners may have realised that certain types of repair or modification were previously supposed to be notified to DVLA. This new guidance will bring greater peace of mind.”
For more details on the DVLA guidance see: assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6899c2cf3080e72710b2e335/INF318_making_changes_to_a_vehicle.pdf.