Exemption on MOT's for HGV's
Understanding MOT exemptions for Heavy Goods Vehicles and annual testing requirements
An MOT is an annual inspection of cars, motorcycles, trailers, large passenger carrying vehicles, heavy good vehicles, buses and taxis. MOT's are required by law for all vehicles to ensure that they are roadworthy. However, there are exemptions in place for some vehicles and an exemption form is to be filled out and sent to the DVLA.
For every MOT test conducted, an electronic record is created. This record is checked when a vehicle is taxed. The Police and certain enforcement agencies can also access this information directly from the electronic record and may use it for on road enforcement to check that a vehicle has an MOT.
The MOT Test
When you book your vehicle in for an MOT test, it is vital to have some background knowledge on what the MOT tester inspects on the vehicle. In the UK, MOT tests check that your vehicle meets road safety and environmental standards. It is a criminal offence to use a vehicle that doesn't have a valid MOT test certificate on a public road, unless you have a exemption certificate.
Exemptions for an MOT
To get MOT exemption Certificates for Heavy Goods Vehicles, there are some requirements that need to be met. If the HGV is more than one year old and weighs over 3,500kgs in gross weight then an MOT will be required by law, this is to ensure that the vehicle is roadworthy.
Requirements for MOT Exemption Certificate for HGVs:
The vehicle was manufactured or registered before 1960, providing that the vehicle has not been changed a lot since their first registration
If the HGV is powered by electricity and registered before 1st March 2015, an MOT exemption Certificate can also be applied for
Important: When these vehicles are being used for commercial purposes they will be required to undergo an annual roadworthiness test.
What Happens if Your MOT Expires Whilst Out of the UK?
If the MOT expires on your Heavy Goods Vehicle whilst you are out of the UK, this will also mean that the tax may have expired.
Owner Responsibility
It is the responsibility of the owner or the company of the vehicle to ensure that the MOT does not expire during the duration of being in another country, as an MOT certificate given by another country for a British vehicle will not be valid.
Extra Tips for HGV's
It is advisable that, if your Heavy Goods Vehicle has an MOT exemption Certificate, you continue to test the vehicle on a voluntarily basis, to ensure that the vehicle maintains to be in a roadworthy condition.
If you decide to sell your HGV vehicle, a voluntary test may be needed to transfer a registration number off a vehicle, as this scheme sometimes requires a test certificate.
Government Form Available
Moreover, there is a form on the government website where you can apply for this exemption: Exemption from heavy goods vehicle (HGV) annual testing (form V112G), this is to be presented at the Post Office when applying for your Road Tax.
Key Points to Remember
- HGVs over 3,500kg require annual MOT if more than one year old
- Vehicles manufactured before 1960 may qualify for exemption
- Electric HGVs registered before 1st March 2015 can apply for exemption
- Commercial vehicles still need annual roadworthiness tests
- Foreign MOT certificates are not valid for British vehicles
- Voluntary testing recommended even with exemption certificate
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