New registration rules Aug 2025 on
Discussion
Hi All,
I could do with a little help understanding this recent publication has anyone got into this?
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/making-...
There are two areas
1. The definition of a component
2, How that applies to a kit car build
In the header, the document helpfully defines a component as:
"Component definitions
Chassis: the load-bearing framework of a motor vehicle that is constructed with a separate non-load bearing bodyshell. Typically, it takes the form of a ladder-like frame upon which the body, powertrain and suspension are mounted.
Monocoque bodyshell: a type of vehicle construction where the body and chassis are integrated into a single, cohesive structure.
Motorcycle frame: a vehicle’s core structure and supports the engine and other components as well as the rider, passenger, and luggage."
Then later in part 2, it states (underlined statement):
Part 2 – kit-builds, kit-conversions and reconstructed vehicles
Kit-built vehicles
If all the parts of a vehicle are supplied new by the manufacturer, the vehicle will be allocated a current registration number as long as satisfactory receipts and a certificate of newness are provided.
Kit cars which have been built using no more than one reconditioned component will also be registered under a current registration number, as long as satisfactory evidence that the component has been reconditioned to an ‘as new’ standard has been provided. The vehicle must have IVA or MSVA.
Whats not clear is what a component referred to in Section 2 is. From the way it reads, it seems to relate to an engine or gearbox rather than a chassis or monocoque, as given in the official definition at the start of the document?
So, in short, to register a kit car as a new car aka no Q plate, it can only use, say, an engine that is reconditioned and everything else must be new?
thanks in advance.
I could do with a little help understanding this recent publication has anyone got into this?
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/making-...
There are two areas
1. The definition of a component
2, How that applies to a kit car build
In the header, the document helpfully defines a component as:
"Component definitions
Chassis: the load-bearing framework of a motor vehicle that is constructed with a separate non-load bearing bodyshell. Typically, it takes the form of a ladder-like frame upon which the body, powertrain and suspension are mounted.
Monocoque bodyshell: a type of vehicle construction where the body and chassis are integrated into a single, cohesive structure.
Motorcycle frame: a vehicle’s core structure and supports the engine and other components as well as the rider, passenger, and luggage."
Then later in part 2, it states (underlined statement):
Part 2 – kit-builds, kit-conversions and reconstructed vehicles
Kit-built vehicles
If all the parts of a vehicle are supplied new by the manufacturer, the vehicle will be allocated a current registration number as long as satisfactory receipts and a certificate of newness are provided.
Kit cars which have been built using no more than one reconditioned component will also be registered under a current registration number, as long as satisfactory evidence that the component has been reconditioned to an ‘as new’ standard has been provided. The vehicle must have IVA or MSVA.
Whats not clear is what a component referred to in Section 2 is. From the way it reads, it seems to relate to an engine or gearbox rather than a chassis or monocoque, as given in the official definition at the start of the document?
So, in short, to register a kit car as a new car aka no Q plate, it can only use, say, an engine that is reconditioned and everything else must be new?
thanks in advance.
Most kit cars are intended to be built from an existing donor vehicle so retain the registration number of that donor.
Some like Caterham offered new cars in kit form using all new components (e.g. a brand new crate engine) rather than old donors, allowing them to be registered as new vehicles following an IVA.
So depends on the kit and options for state they're supplied in.
Some like Caterham offered new cars in kit form using all new components (e.g. a brand new crate engine) rather than old donors, allowing them to be registered as new vehicles following an IVA.
So depends on the kit and options for state they're supplied in.
Hi Shard,
Yes, your understanding is correct. In a lot of cases it will be the engine that is the reconditioned part. However people building Cobra replicas, etc, will often use a new engine, i.e. Chevvy LS3, LS7, etc. That means they can choose for the reconditioned part to be the gearbox for example.
The important aspect of all this is to have receipts for every part that is used in the build.
As a point of detail, if using stainless braided brake lines, it is important to have paperwork that clearly states the lines were produced for the purpose for which they are being used.
Also don't loose sight of the fact that under current legislation there are only 4 years remaining whereby the vehicle can be fitted with an internal combustion engine. As from 2030 (in the UK) you will NO longer be able to register a NEW vehicle fitted with an ICE.
Best regards
Steve.
Yes, your understanding is correct. In a lot of cases it will be the engine that is the reconditioned part. However people building Cobra replicas, etc, will often use a new engine, i.e. Chevvy LS3, LS7, etc. That means they can choose for the reconditioned part to be the gearbox for example.
The important aspect of all this is to have receipts for every part that is used in the build.
As a point of detail, if using stainless braided brake lines, it is important to have paperwork that clearly states the lines were produced for the purpose for which they are being used.
Also don't loose sight of the fact that under current legislation there are only 4 years remaining whereby the vehicle can be fitted with an internal combustion engine. As from 2030 (in the UK) you will NO longer be able to register a NEW vehicle fitted with an ICE.
Best regards
Steve.
Steve Dean said:
Hi Shard,
Yes, your understanding is correct. In a lot of cases it will be the engine that is the reconditioned part. However people building Cobra replicas, etc, will often use a new engine, i.e. Chevvy LS3, LS7, etc. That means they can choose for the reconditioned part to be the gearbox for example.
The important aspect of all this is to have receipts for every part that is used in the build.
As a point of detail, if using stainless braided brake lines, it is important to have paperwork that clearly states the lines were produced for the purpose for which they are being used.
Also don't loose sight of the fact that under current legislation there are only 4 years remaining whereby the vehicle can be fitted with an internal combustion engine. As from 2030 (in the UK) you will NO longer be able to register a NEW vehicle fitted with an ICE.
Best regards
Steve.
Is that true for all manufacturers, even 'low volume' ones? Yes, your understanding is correct. In a lot of cases it will be the engine that is the reconditioned part. However people building Cobra replicas, etc, will often use a new engine, i.e. Chevvy LS3, LS7, etc. That means they can choose for the reconditioned part to be the gearbox for example.
The important aspect of all this is to have receipts for every part that is used in the build.
As a point of detail, if using stainless braided brake lines, it is important to have paperwork that clearly states the lines were produced for the purpose for which they are being used.
Also don't loose sight of the fact that under current legislation there are only 4 years remaining whereby the vehicle can be fitted with an internal combustion engine. As from 2030 (in the UK) you will NO longer be able to register a NEW vehicle fitted with an ICE.
Best regards
Steve.
(And isn't it 'only an ICE as the form of propulsion', as hybrids will be permitted?)
Arguably DIY kit car building must surely be 'low volume'... lol
Edited by RSTurboPaul on Thursday 2nd October 15:02
My kit was registered almost 20 years ago. So the recent rule changes clearly didn't apply. However, the human factors won't have changed. The conversation I had was along the lines of:
UnregisteredButWorkingSkunk said:
I'd like to register my kit as new please.
VOSA guy behind the counter said:
Did you use all new parts?
UnregisteredButWorkingSkunk said:
Yup.
VOSA guy behind the counter said:
Do you have the receipts?
UnregisteredButWorkingSkunk said:
<Dumps a 3" thick wad of A4 receipts on the counter>
Of course. What would you like to see?
Of course. What would you like to see?
VOSA guy behind the counter said:
Erm, no... it's OK.
In reply to RSturboPaul,
Yes, new hybrids will be able to be registered until 2035. However that's not really applicable to kit cars.
With regard to 'Low Volume Manufacturers' ...... myself and a number of people are tracking all the changes being proposed to legislation and whilst there has been talk (gossip) regarding definition of 'low volume' with numbers of less than 1,000 vehicles per annum (and even 500 or 300), the situation currently is that no one has received any official communication from Government.
During the next four years there is potential for there to be changes to the current position. It is well reported that the sales of fully electric cars is substantially behind the targets set by governments (throughout Europe) and there have been a number of statements by manufacturers that unless governments move the targets there will be large layoffs in car industry.
This whole saga has a long way to run,
Yes, new hybrids will be able to be registered until 2035. However that's not really applicable to kit cars.
With regard to 'Low Volume Manufacturers' ...... myself and a number of people are tracking all the changes being proposed to legislation and whilst there has been talk (gossip) regarding definition of 'low volume' with numbers of less than 1,000 vehicles per annum (and even 500 or 300), the situation currently is that no one has received any official communication from Government.
During the next four years there is potential for there to be changes to the current position. It is well reported that the sales of fully electric cars is substantially behind the targets set by governments (throughout Europe) and there have been a number of statements by manufacturers that unless governments move the targets there will be large layoffs in car industry.
This whole saga has a long way to run,
shard said:
So, in short, to register a kit car as a new car aka no Q plate, it can only use, say, an engine that is reconditioned and everything else must be new?
I think you're thinking of a kit car in a different understanding. It also depends on what your definition of a "new car" is.As someone who successfully registered a "kit car" 2 years ago, the wording was similar then.
A kit car is a complete car that comes in a kit of components and is built up to a finished car from that kit. In this kit you can have 1 refurbished main component, usually an engine or a gearbox. In this case, you get a brand new 2025 registration.
What we think of as a "kit car", the DVLA refer to as a kit converted car. Where you take one donor car, add a kit to it and covert it into a new car. For example you take a 2002 mk2 MX5, add a GBS Zero kit and you convert the original mx5 into a GBS Zero car. You destroy the original car to build the new one. You need proof of this in the form of the V5C of the dead car, chassis plate cut from the shell and photos of the build etc to submit during the registration process. In this case you get a registration year of the same year as the 2002 donor vehicle, but the date of first registration on the V5C will be 2025. It is not the same VRN as the donor though.
If you can't provide evidence that you destroyed one car to build another, or its a "bitsa", you get a Q plate.
So "new car" could mean different things to different people. To some a "new car" means a current year registration. To some its a car thats just been built (using some older reconditioned parts).
If you want the latter, then yes, it's very possible to do this without a Q registration.
Edited by Ambleton on Friday 3rd October 00:14
Edited by Ambleton on Friday 3rd October 00:15
Steve Dean said:
Hi Shard,
Also don't loose sight of the fact that under current legislation there are only 4 years remaining whereby the vehicle can be fitted with an internal combustion engine. As from 2030 (in the UK) you will NO longer be able to register a NEW vehicle fitted with an ICE.
Best regards
Steve.
Here's a thought...Also don't loose sight of the fact that under current legislation there are only 4 years remaining whereby the vehicle can be fitted with an internal combustion engine. As from 2030 (in the UK) you will NO longer be able to register a NEW vehicle fitted with an ICE.
Best regards
Steve.
Is a BEC fitted with an electric reverse a hybrid (and therefore register-able after 2030)?
BrokenSkunk said:
Steve Dean said:
Hi Shard,
Also don't loose sight of the fact that under current legislation there are only 4 years remaining whereby the vehicle can be fitted with an internal combustion engine. As from 2030 (in the UK) you will NO longer be able to register a NEW vehicle fitted with an ICE.
Best regards
Steve.
Here's a thought...Also don't loose sight of the fact that under current legislation there are only 4 years remaining whereby the vehicle can be fitted with an internal combustion engine. As from 2030 (in the UK) you will NO longer be able to register a NEW vehicle fitted with an ICE.
Best regards
Steve.
Is a BEC fitted with an electric reverse a hybrid (and therefore register-able after 2030)?
Having been issued with a new V5c for my 'kitcar' just yesterday; for what I did there was no change from the old V627.
Mine is a 'rebody' only (as far as the DVLA are concerned); the car was structurally untouched.
As the DVLA (and anything Government TBH) like to make forms as complicated as they possibly can, I couldn't quite understand what they wanted from me, even with the 'notes' form read.
So I gave them everything I had and wrote a letter of explanation. The 'kits and rebuilds' department of the DVLA uses real people still, which helps. I got the V5c changed with no quibbles in around two weeks.
Mine is a 'rebody' only (as far as the DVLA are concerned); the car was structurally untouched.
As the DVLA (and anything Government TBH) like to make forms as complicated as they possibly can, I couldn't quite understand what they wanted from me, even with the 'notes' form read.
So I gave them everything I had and wrote a letter of explanation. The 'kits and rebuilds' department of the DVLA uses real people still, which helps. I got the V5c changed with no quibbles in around two weeks.
Pond-erous said:
Having been issued with a new V5c for my 'kitcar' just yesterday; for what I did there was no change from the old V627.
Mine is a 'rebody' only (as far as the DVLA are concerned); the car was structurally untouched.
As the DVLA (and anything Government TBH) like to make forms as complicated as they possibly can, I couldn't quite understand what they wanted from me, even with the 'notes' form read.
So I gave them everything I had and wrote a letter of explanation. The 'kits and rebuilds' department of the DVLA uses real people still, which helps. I got the V5c changed with no quibbles in around two weeks.
Do you have a different registration mark, or has it retained the old one. In 2019 I used 1987 Fiesta parts to build a Quantum (new Monocoque GRP Chassis/body unit), and although it still has an 'old E-reg' which appears to be 1987, it is a different reg to the donor and has a new car registration 2109, with a note stating 'some or all of the parts may not be new'Mine is a 'rebody' only (as far as the DVLA are concerned); the car was structurally untouched.
As the DVLA (and anything Government TBH) like to make forms as complicated as they possibly can, I couldn't quite understand what they wanted from me, even with the 'notes' form read.
So I gave them everything I had and wrote a letter of explanation. The 'kits and rebuilds' department of the DVLA uses real people still, which helps. I got the V5c changed with no quibbles in around two weeks.
An update ...... having been round the loop again over the last few days, checking on the subject of Small Volume Manufacturers and a possible dispensation for the continuation of ICE powered vehicles after 31st December 2029.
The situation is still the same (despite some publications & forums suggesting that the volume will be 1,000, 500 or even 300 per annum) .... no one has received any formal communication from the Department of Transport (DfT).
Since the last time I wrote the current government has stated that it intends to follow all safety systems adopted in Europe. This would mean Lane Assist, Parking Assist and Emergency Dialling, etc, etc, would be mandatory as from 2030 on all vehicles registered as New.
No one in the Kit Car industry is any the wiser and they are hoping that the representations made by manufacturers such as Aston Martin and McLaren will prove to be a salvation for them. The problem is that most kit cars take between 1 - 3 years to build and get through the IVA Test (in its current form). Clearly with less than 4 years now remaining we are approaching the point whereby purchasers/builders will doubt they can complete the car in time and will not proceed with a purchase. This is a cliff edge situation.
As I have stated on other forums, if anyone is made aware of any factual information please share it. With respect, please don't make statements that you hear down the pub!
The situation is still the same (despite some publications & forums suggesting that the volume will be 1,000, 500 or even 300 per annum) .... no one has received any formal communication from the Department of Transport (DfT).
Since the last time I wrote the current government has stated that it intends to follow all safety systems adopted in Europe. This would mean Lane Assist, Parking Assist and Emergency Dialling, etc, etc, would be mandatory as from 2030 on all vehicles registered as New.
No one in the Kit Car industry is any the wiser and they are hoping that the representations made by manufacturers such as Aston Martin and McLaren will prove to be a salvation for them. The problem is that most kit cars take between 1 - 3 years to build and get through the IVA Test (in its current form). Clearly with less than 4 years now remaining we are approaching the point whereby purchasers/builders will doubt they can complete the car in time and will not proceed with a purchase. This is a cliff edge situation.
As I have stated on other forums, if anyone is made aware of any factual information please share it. With respect, please don't make statements that you hear down the pub!
I assume you're only talking about brand new vehicles, where every component (except one) is brand new, rather than kit converted vehicles using a single or multiple donor vehicles.
I cant see how there wont be special treatment for low volume manufacturers, that range includes Westfield and Caterham, right through Morgan, Wells and on to things like the AM Valkyrie.
I cant see how there wont be special treatment for low volume manufacturers, that range includes Westfield and Caterham, right through Morgan, Wells and on to things like the AM Valkyrie.
Steve Dean said:
An update ...... having been round the loop again over the last few days, checking on the subject of Small Volume Manufacturers and a possible dispensation for the continuation of ICE powered vehicles after 31st December 2029.
The situation is still the same (despite some publications & forums suggesting that the volume will be 1,000, 500 or even 300 per annum) .... no one has received any formal communication from the Department of Transport (DfT).
Since the last time I wrote the current government has stated that it intends to follow all safety systems adopted in Europe. This would mean Lane Assist, Parking Assist and Emergency Dialling, etc, etc, would be mandatory as from 2030 on all vehicles registered as New.
No one in the Kit Car industry is any the wiser and they are hoping that the representations made by manufacturers such as Aston Martin and McLaren will prove to be a salvation for them. The problem is that most kit cars take between 1 - 3 years to build and get through the IVA Test (in its current form). Clearly with less than 4 years now remaining we are approaching the point whereby purchasers/builders will doubt they can complete the car in time and will not proceed with a purchase. This is a cliff edge situation.
As I have stated on other forums, if anyone is made aware of any factual information please share it. With respect, please don't make statements that you hear down the pub!
Kit cars and kit conversions have never had to comply with the same regulations as production vehicles.The situation is still the same (despite some publications & forums suggesting that the volume will be 1,000, 500 or even 300 per annum) .... no one has received any formal communication from the Department of Transport (DfT).
Since the last time I wrote the current government has stated that it intends to follow all safety systems adopted in Europe. This would mean Lane Assist, Parking Assist and Emergency Dialling, etc, etc, would be mandatory as from 2030 on all vehicles registered as New.
No one in the Kit Car industry is any the wiser and they are hoping that the representations made by manufacturers such as Aston Martin and McLaren will prove to be a salvation for them. The problem is that most kit cars take between 1 - 3 years to build and get through the IVA Test (in its current form). Clearly with less than 4 years now remaining we are approaching the point whereby purchasers/builders will doubt they can complete the car in time and will not proceed with a purchase. This is a cliff edge situation.
As I have stated on other forums, if anyone is made aware of any factual information please share it. With respect, please don't make statements that you hear down the pub!
It is for this reason that IVA exists for the home builder, low volume type approval for the likes of Westfield and Caterham and then full type approval for Ford etc.
Each legislative system has its own specific rules and regulations that car builders must adhere to.
At the upper end manufacturers have strict safety standards and crash testing which they must pass to be allowed on the road, and likewise fitting of airbags, speed limiters and lane assist systems. These must also meet the strict emissions standards.
At the other end of the scale home car builders don’t have to comply with any of that and can bolt in an engine from a rusty old cortina and be tested for visible smoke only with no emissions limits to worry about.
When the government has previously introduced new regulation for the safety or emissions of new vehicles, this has never previously affected kit cars and there’s no suggestion that it would be any different now.
If you follow groups such as the federation of historic vehicle clubs you will have seen how hard the niche vehicle manufacturers have lobbied the government on such matters.
Whilst you demand that we provide factual statements, I can’t, but likewise you also can’t provide facts that the future changes will impact the kit cars industry as you think they will. Neither of us can do this with certainly as the final legislation has not yet been written.
What we can however do is look at what has gone before and how changes were implemented differently depending on whether cars were type approved, low volume or home built.
Hi Ambleton and smokey mow.
Thank you both for your contributions.
Yes Ambleton, I am referring to a Kit Car being registered as a New vehicle (you clearly understand what is required to achieve this).
Hi smokey mow ...... I did not 'demand', I respectfully asked people to not post statements based on rumour and gossip.
Like many others I strongly hope that a dispensation that makes sense is achieved. Obviously manufacturers like Aston Martin and McLaren would like a figure (probably greater than 1,000) whereas the Kit Car industry could cope with a much lower figure. The problem currently is that the clock is ticking and no formal outcome has been announced.
If you put yourself in the position of Tornado (GT40 replica), AK Sportscars (Cobra, GT40 & Jaguar D Type replicas) and Ultima to name just three ...... then clarity is needed asap to consider their business model. Obviously these kit manufacturers can continue to export (particularly to the USA but unfortunately it is now impossible to register a Kit built car in a number of European countries).
Do I have skin in the game? Not financially and I don't work for anyone in the industry but I have been involved for many years and have a love of the 'hobby'. I talk regularly to people involved and it is the uncertainty that is concerning.
Thank you both for your contributions.
Yes Ambleton, I am referring to a Kit Car being registered as a New vehicle (you clearly understand what is required to achieve this).
Hi smokey mow ...... I did not 'demand', I respectfully asked people to not post statements based on rumour and gossip.
Like many others I strongly hope that a dispensation that makes sense is achieved. Obviously manufacturers like Aston Martin and McLaren would like a figure (probably greater than 1,000) whereas the Kit Car industry could cope with a much lower figure. The problem currently is that the clock is ticking and no formal outcome has been announced.
If you put yourself in the position of Tornado (GT40 replica), AK Sportscars (Cobra, GT40 & Jaguar D Type replicas) and Ultima to name just three ...... then clarity is needed asap to consider their business model. Obviously these kit manufacturers can continue to export (particularly to the USA but unfortunately it is now impossible to register a Kit built car in a number of European countries).
Do I have skin in the game? Not financially and I don't work for anyone in the industry but I have been involved for many years and have a love of the 'hobby'. I talk regularly to people involved and it is the uncertainty that is concerning.
I guess having all new parts is the best definition of New car, but there is possibly a grey area........ A kit built using the parts from a donor has a current registration date with the keeper as the 1st keeper. Although I agree it's unlikely for DVLA to classify it as new, it's not out of the question, but goes against common sense.
Steve Dean said:
Like many others I strongly hope that a dispensation that makes sense is achieved. Obviously manufacturers like Aston Martin and McLaren would like a figure (probably greater than 1,000) whereas the Kit Car industry could cope with a much lower figure. The problem currently is that the clock is ticking and no formal outcome has been announced.
Numbers for the different approval routes are already defined in legislation and have been in use for years. Any proposed changes would need to fit within these current bandings.Individual approval (IVA) = 1
Small series type approval = less than 250
Medium series type approval = less than 1500
Type approval = over 1500
The proposal for mandating vehicle safety technologies for example specifically excluded IVA, small and medium series type approval from the scope of this requirement.
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