Drivers can be fined £1,000 for not telling DVLA about 'harmless passion'

26 February 2024 , 16:58

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Traffic jam on motorway [file image] (Image: Getty Images)

Drivers who forget to tell the DVLA about changes to their cars have been warned that they could be hit with a whopping £1,000 fine.

Only 62 per cent of drivers who made changes to their vehicles told the DVLA, according to new statistics. A study of 2,000 drivers found that one in 25 people have changed something on their car that they should have told the Government about. But only 62 per cent actually did, which means lots of drivers could get fined for falling foul of the rules.

John Woosey, founder of Ripe Insurance, said: "For many people, personalising their car with custom modifications is a harmless passion. And the good news is the majority of mods are completely safe and legal. However, amidst the excitement of making upgrades, you must not forget about the necessary admin that goes along with it." Mr Woosey added: "Our research suggests that there are thousands of drivers on the road right now who are at risk of serious fines because of this relatively minor oversight."

"So, we would urge all modified car owners to double check their paperwork and complete the relevant forms to avoid a potentially significant financial blow." Your vehicle must comply with the road vehicles regulations if you use it on the road.

Radically altered vehicles are vehicles that have been altered from their original specification, but are not kit conversions, the DVLA explains. You must follow all the instructions for registering a new vehicle and you'll need to include the following with your application, reports Birmingham Live.

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You'll need the form V627/1 - 'Built up vehicle inspection report' and evidence of type approval, if necessary, as well as the vehicle log book (V5C), official receipts for any parts used and photographs of the vehicle. Contact the DVLA if you're not sure about what you need to provide. Send your application to 'Kits and Rebuilds' at DVLA.

Rom Preston-Ellis