Import question
Discussion
Sorry if I should have carried this on on my previous thread.
I have a 2010 Dodge RAM 1500 5.7 Hemi, I imported it from the US to Germany and put it on the BFG (British Forces Germany "Net"). To do this I needed a conversion to European standards type conversion at the end of it I recieved a TUV (equivalent to MOT) I know before anyone jumps on the bandwagon that this means nothing, BUT what it does mean is it has been converted from its original state, ALSO I received a type approval number, is there any other testing that I would need?
I have a 2010 Dodge RAM 1500 5.7 Hemi, I imported it from the US to Germany and put it on the BFG (British Forces Germany "Net"). To do this I needed a conversion to European standards type conversion at the end of it I recieved a TUV (equivalent to MOT) I know before anyone jumps on the bandwagon that this means nothing, BUT what it does mean is it has been converted from its original state, ALSO I received a type approval number, is there any other testing that I would need?
Yes I believe you're right, even though I've had a European one! I suppose I would be made to pay through the nose for this and all that I can see that would need changing is the indicator light and fog.
My dealer seems to think I may need to have side repeaters/indicators inserted above the wheel arch, although I am of the understanding that this won't be necessary as on the 2009 Ram onwards the indicators wrap round slightly, this seems to be backed up by the ones I see for sale?
Thanks for all of your input.
My dealer seems to think I may need to have side repeaters/indicators inserted above the wheel arch, although I am of the understanding that this won't be necessary as on the 2009 Ram onwards the indicators wrap round slightly, this seems to be backed up by the ones I see for sale?
Thanks for all of your input.
Just a quickie on side repeaters.
The MOT testers handbook states that indicators must be visible under the following condition.
"Stand level with the rear bumper and move 1 meter to the side. The indicator must be visible"
Obviously, the intent is that if somebody has already passed your rear indicator and then you make a signal, they can see it.
Now the fun part. A lot of MOT testers do not know this
First time I took my F150 for an MOT, the tester failed it on not having side repeaters in the wing and on the rear fog light.
I told him there was no requirement for this in the MOT manual as the truck had signal bulbs in the door mirrors which were visible under the rules.
This was a Ford garage and the tester said that the truck had to have side repeaters in the wings "just like the Ford Ranger".
The rules regarding the the fog light state "the light must be red, must be visible from a distance, must not flicker and has to have an illuminated switch.
I had done all of this with a strip of LED's under the tailgate and my man said that it needed a rear fog like the Ranger again. Basically, a crap caravan light hanging down under the bumper.
Again, argued the point, telling him that I couldn't give a f
k what Ford or any other import dealer did to make their life easy and that my truck was legal.
To cut this story short, VOSA got involved and ended up telling the tester that he could not interpret the rules. If it fit the criteria, then it was a pass.
The MOT testers handbook states that indicators must be visible under the following condition.
"Stand level with the rear bumper and move 1 meter to the side. The indicator must be visible"
Obviously, the intent is that if somebody has already passed your rear indicator and then you make a signal, they can see it.
Now the fun part. A lot of MOT testers do not know this
First time I took my F150 for an MOT, the tester failed it on not having side repeaters in the wing and on the rear fog light.
I told him there was no requirement for this in the MOT manual as the truck had signal bulbs in the door mirrors which were visible under the rules.
This was a Ford garage and the tester said that the truck had to have side repeaters in the wings "just like the Ford Ranger".
The rules regarding the the fog light state "the light must be red, must be visible from a distance, must not flicker and has to have an illuminated switch.
I had done all of this with a strip of LED's under the tailgate and my man said that it needed a rear fog like the Ranger again. Basically, a crap caravan light hanging down under the bumper.
Again, argued the point, telling him that I couldn't give a f
k what Ford or any other import dealer did to make their life easy and that my truck was legal.To cut this story short, VOSA got involved and ended up telling the tester that he could not interpret the rules. If it fit the criteria, then it was a pass.
Adam thanks, it does seem that there are some small holes in what they say. I was advised to get an SVA test done, so I applied and got the form sent back saying I needed a SVA 1 test. So I filled out this form and was contacted by VOSA asking for payment of £199 which I payed over the phone.
I tried them this evening to get an update, whilst finding their number I came across a section that said those on the IVA scheme (or words to that effect) they listed a number of criteria, the only one that could remotely apply to me was "import cars from outside the European Union - particularly the Far East and North America".
AS I'VE said previously (PSA) I've already had a Germany version of an IVA, cars within the European Union don't need an IVA, my RAM is in effect the same as a Audi coming from Paris or better as my speedo is in miles not Kph! I argued the case with VOSA, they said that they just do the test not the policing of it, I would need to speek to DVLA.
EVENTUALLY I speak to DVLA, the bloke speaks to his boss and his boss in turn speaks to his boss it seems that they are in agreement with me!!!
So I'll be getting a reembursment of £199 and just need to provide the BFG for 414 (export), insurance, ID, fill out a V55/5 and bobs your uncle get a tax disc done!!
I tried them this evening to get an update, whilst finding their number I came across a section that said those on the IVA scheme (or words to that effect) they listed a number of criteria, the only one that could remotely apply to me was "import cars from outside the European Union - particularly the Far East and North America".
AS I'VE said previously (PSA) I've already had a Germany version of an IVA, cars within the European Union don't need an IVA, my RAM is in effect the same as a Audi coming from Paris or better as my speedo is in miles not Kph! I argued the case with VOSA, they said that they just do the test not the policing of it, I would need to speek to DVLA.
EVENTUALLY I speak to DVLA, the bloke speaks to his boss and his boss in turn speaks to his boss it seems that they are in agreement with me!!!
So I'll be getting a reembursment of £199 and just need to provide the BFG for 414 (export), insurance, ID, fill out a V55/5 and bobs your uncle get a tax disc done!!
Roo,Its not VOSA that dictates the rules its DVLA, I'll ask in the DVLA in Bournemouth tomorrow.
Point to note is if you haven't had your car imported and converted to a EU country you would need to do it, if you have BFG'd your car and converted it in Germany or NL then you don't need to do it. Check the link.
Pay particular attention to, "Who can use the IVA scheme" section.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/BuyingAndSell...
Point to note is if you haven't had your car imported and converted to a EU country you would need to do it, if you have BFG'd your car and converted it in Germany or NL then you don't need to do it. Check the link.
Pay particular attention to, "Who can use the IVA scheme" section.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/BuyingAndSell...
I have NEVER bought a US vehicle from BFG that has been TUV tested that hasn't then needed to be IVA tested to get it registered in the UK.
It's the same as taking an IVA tested UK registered vehicle to anywhere in mainland Europe. It still needs testing to the new country of imports legislation as they don't come with a CoC. As I say, if you've got in writing from VOSA that a US registered vehicle without CoC, but with TUV, can be registered in the UK without having to go through an IVA test I'd love to have a copy of it.
It's the same as taking an IVA tested UK registered vehicle to anywhere in mainland Europe. It still needs testing to the new country of imports legislation as they don't come with a CoC. As I say, if you've got in writing from VOSA that a US registered vehicle without CoC, but with TUV, can be registered in the UK without having to go through an IVA test I'd love to have a copy of it.
Whatever route you go down to get your truck registered is fine by me.
Once it has a UK registration and MOT if needed, you are pretty home and dry.
One thing to watch out for is being "Road legal" for the UK with an MOT and what VOSA thinks you are if you get a roadside tug.
They will go with the construction & use regs which differ between European countries.
I know for a fact that in Germany, you are allowed to keep the red flashing indicators on the back but in the UK, they must be amber.
I've seen trucks here with red mirror side repeaters that have an MOT but if VOSA wanted to nick you, they could.
Arguing that you have an MOT means nothing to them so as long as you are aware, you should be ok.
Once it has a UK registration and MOT if needed, you are pretty home and dry.
One thing to watch out for is being "Road legal" for the UK with an MOT and what VOSA thinks you are if you get a roadside tug.
They will go with the construction & use regs which differ between European countries.
I know for a fact that in Germany, you are allowed to keep the red flashing indicators on the back but in the UK, they must be amber.
I've seen trucks here with red mirror side repeaters that have an MOT but if VOSA wanted to nick you, they could.
Arguing that you have an MOT means nothing to them so as long as you are aware, you should be ok.
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