Classic cars could face MOTs for the first time after the majority of a public consultation has backed the proposed moved.
More than two in five who responded to a Department for Transport (DfT) public consultation agreed that safety checks should be introduced for cars more than 40 years old.
Under current rules, any vehicle registered more than 40 years ago no longer needs to undergo the annual road worthiness check-up as the general consensus is that these motors are owned by enthusiasts who care for – and work on them – privately due to most being cherished assets.
No decision has been made yet but it is a sign that that older vehicles could be subject to the checks which include items such as belts, headlights, tyres and steering.
DfT officials asked whether cars over 40 years old should have ‘a new type of safety check which takes into account the age of a historic or classic vehicle’.
In a government response to the consultation published in December it said that ‘the majority of comments suggest that a new type of check is needed’.
In a government response to the consultation published in December it said that ‘the majority of comments suggest that a new type of check is needed’
Some 4% of the 1,083 responses said that classic or historic cars should undergo a full MOT or similar safety tests appropriate to its age
While 36 per cent said no change was needed, 41 per cent of the 1,083 responses said that classic or historic cars should undergo a full MOT or similar safety tests appropriate to its age.
Of those in favour, 18 per cent said tests the same as MOTs should be introduced with 10 per cent saying that ‘basic checks for road worthiness’ are needed.
Eight per cent said that there should be MOT style-tests appropriate to age of vehicle, for example, some not needing to be emissions checked.
And 5 per cent thought that there should be ad-hoc inspections when a vehicle is used on the road or following major restoration.
The Ferrari Testarossa – the poster supercar of the 1980s – turns 40 this year. That means some examples will start to qualify for historic vehicle exemptions
Of all the unlikely ‘classic’ cars turning 40 in 2024, the Montego is near the top of the list. It was a big volume seller in the UK, though few are still on the road today
Arguably the greatest hot hatch of the 1980s, Peugeot’s 205 GTi officially turns 40 in 2024. If you want to get your hands on one today, expect to pay a big price
A Government spokesman told the Telegraph that any plans for introducing new safety tests for classic cars would be announced in due course.
‘The safety of our roads is our utmost priority, and all car owners are responsible for ensuring their vehicle meets the road safety and environmental standards,’ said the spokesman.
‘While classic cars do not need an MOT test, there are still a number of safety checks recommended for owners to undertake.’
Amongst the cars turning 40 in 2024 and therefore some UK examples may start to qualify for MOT exemption include the Austin Montego, Ferrari Testatrossa and Peugeot 205 GTi.