Evening all,
My BDR had it's MOT today and failed, quite comprehensively, on emissions.
The tester used the analyser and 1990 levels, but checking back can I appeal this as;
Kit or amateur built cars used before 1998 must be inspected , for emissions alone, as "Registered before jan 1975"
The test for cars built pre 1975 is a visual assessment of exhaust smoke only.
I have the build sheet and sales invoice from Martin Phipps showing is was supplied as a component car in April 1990.
Does that sound like a valid argument?
Yes you are correct and the MOT tester should know it - but most don't. I took to printing off the relevant section from the on-line MOT manual and showing the tester. I've had a few testers insist on doing the basic emissions test which my car miraculously passed!
there's a clear note in the emissions listing that directs the test to identify the correctly using the VIN... I will find and post links here for you,
On line MOT manual
Emissions testing
You must inspect vehicles with spark ignition engines first used on or after 1 August 1975.
You do not need to check:
If an engine has been modified in any way, it still must meet the exhaust emission requirements according to the age of the vehicle.
For emissions purposes only you should treat the following as first used before 1 August 1975:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/676700/in-service-exhaust-emission-standards-for-road-vehicles-19th-edition.pdf
Scroll to page 23 Read the bote at the beginning of the Caterham section
Current testing regs:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/mot-inspection-manual-for-private-passenger-and-light-commercial-vehicles/8-nuisance#section-8-2-1
What's the official "first used" date for this Seven?
Thanks
Jonathan
My 98 car is visual only, registered in April.
Interesting about the Q plate vehicles - some people are put off these but the emission rules are a positive (albeit they're fairly old anyway)
Nigel, where are you based now?
If near north London, take it to G & M Reed Motors Ltd
46, St. Albans Road, Barnet, EN5 4LA
Tel: 0208 449 7100
This is where Rob Morley, who you know well, takes Sevens. I have used them for about 20 years.
Stephen
Democratic dissent is not disloyalty, it is a positive civic duty
This is the intro section to the document referred to at #5:
"CATERHAM CARS
The VIN Code consists of the 6th letter of the VIN, then engine code is the 8th and 9th digit. Where the 6th digit is 'C'
or 'K' and the 10th digit (year code) letter W or before the vehicle concerned should be considered as 'amateur built'
and as such should receive a visual smoke test only. Note that '?' can be any figure."
Mine is 1999 registered, but my relevant VIN letters are K and W. I'll report back after my MoT once the rebuild is finished...
mine was a factory built 1999 car which no has a different engine so according to the regs should be tested to the standards of the engine originally fitted - which is actually slightly more lenient than the normal cat test limits.
All new test stations and those installing new equipment are linked directly to DVLA and once the reg is inputted it directs the tester to the correct test limits
Wow! Thanks all.
to answer a few points raised:
Thanks Shaun, that's the section I am using, I'm on the right track.
Seven Wonders and JP, thanks but mine predates that. Vin is an old style on 5LC 5181 HPRD, so not enough numbers.
Jonathan, July 4th 1990
Stephen, good idea, I'll give Rob a shout.
7 wonders, as a Jersey car it isn't on th3 list so doesn't show up.
I have my data and details and will go back in the morning. Report back soon.