Registering radically altered vehicles

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Guidelines on how you can register radically altered vehicles (Rods)

Information taken from the INF 26 leaflet, Government web pages, NSRA Forum, UK Hot Rods and ACE

For more information go to www.direct.gov.uk/vehiclereg (http://www.direct.gov.uk/vehiclereg)


1. Introduction

A vehicle must be properly taxed, insured and registered before it can be used or kept on the public road. When a vehicle is first registered, it is given a registration number which must be properly displayed on the vehicle's number plate. The registration number stays with the vehicle until it is broken up, destroyed, permanently exported or transferred to another vehicle by what is known as a 'cherished transfer'.

However, sometimes a vehicle needs to be rebuilt or it is radically altered and this can affect the identity of the vehicle - is it the original vehicle which has been repaired, or have so many new or different parts been used that the original vehicle no longer exists?

When giving a registration number to a rebuilt vehicle or radically altered vehicle the main priority is to decide whether or not the vehicle is newly built with no previously registered identity (in its present form). Vehicles which have been substantially rebuilt or altered from the manufacturer's original specification need to be examined at a DVLA local office who will check the vehicle record and history. Checks will be made to establish if the donor vehicle or major component parts have been subject to a Vehicle Identification Check (VIC) or Certificate of Destruction (CoD).

Vehicle Identity Check (VIC)

The VIC has been introduced to put criminals off disguising stolen cars with the identity of written-off or scrapped ones. The check is designed to help confirm that the vehicle being returned to the road has been repaired following accident damage and has not been stolen. For further information go to www.direct.gov.uk/vic (http://www.direct.gov.uk/vic).

Since April 2003, DVLA is notified of all cars that are written off by an insurance company or declared scrapped by their owners due to accident damage are notified to DVLA.

Any vehicle, which has failed a VIC, will not be entitled to keep its original registration number. A DVLA local office will allocate a 'Q' registration number and Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA), Single Vehicle Approval (SVA) or Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval (MSVA) will be needed before the vehicle is registered.

If a VIC application is rejected by Vehicle Operator and Services Agency (VOSA) because the vehicle has been rebuilt, the DVLA local office will need to assess the vehicle in line with our rebuild guidelines.

Certificate of Destruction (CoD)

Since 2003, cars, light vans and some tricycles (for example Reliant Robin) can only be scrapped at an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF) who will issue a CoD certifying that the vehicle has been or will be dismantled in line with strict environmental standards. For further information go to www.direct.gov.uk/scrappingyourcar (http://www.direct.gov.uk/scrappingyourcar) or refer to 'Certificate of Destruction' (INF156).

These vehicles must never re-appear as 'complete' vehicles or be presented for registration under these guidelines. Some minor components from a vehicle issued with a CoD may be recycled. The original CoD vehicle identity cannot be kept under any circumstances.

Vehicles with personalised registration numbers

Not all registration numbers are transferable. Check your Registration Certificate (V5C) first. You may want to arrange to transfer or retain the registration number before you carry out any alterations or conversions. For more information, see the 'Application to transfer or retain a vehicle registration number' (V317), or our booklet 'Registration Numbers and You' (INF46). You can get these from www.direct.gov.uk/motoringforms (http://www.direct.gov.uk/motoringforms), www.direct.gov.uk/motoring (http://www.direct.gov.uk/motoring) leaflets or DVLA local offices.

Important - It is the responsibility of the vehicle keeper to ensure that their vehicle meets the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 (as amended) if used on the road


2. Vehicles that have been rebuilt using a mix of new and/or used parts

To keep the original registration number:

Cars and light vans must use:
The original unaltered chassis or unaltered monocoque bodyshell (that is, the body and chassis as one unit);
or
A new chassis or monocoque bodyshell of the same specification as the original. A receipt from the dealer or manufacturer is required.
AND the vehicle must have two other major components - as listed below - from the original vehicle.

i. Suspension (front and back)
ii. Axles (both)
iii. Transmission
iv. Steering assembly
v. Engine

If a second-hand chassis or monocoque bodyshell is used, the vehicle must have Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) (see section 11). A 'Q' registration number will then be issued.


3. Vehicles that have been radically altered

This covers vehicles which are radically altered from their original specification, but which are not kit conversions.

In these cases, the vehicle components from the original vehicle will be given a number of points. To keep the original registration number, the vehicle must have eight or more points, which must include the original or new unmodified chassis or monocoque bodyshell.

If the vehicle has less than eight points, a second-hand or altered chassis, frame or monocoque bodyshell is used, the vehicle must have IVA, so that it can be registered. A 'Q' registration number will then be issued,

The following points will be given to the original major components used.

i. Chassis or monocoque bodyshell (body and chassis as one unit) (original or new)
Direct replacement from the manufacturers - 5 points
ii. Suspension (front & back) - 2 points
iii. Axles (both) - 2 points
iv. Transmission - 2 points
v. Steering assembly - 2 points
vi. Engine - 1 point


4. Kit built

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 you provide satisfactory receipts and a Certificate of Newness.

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 you provide satisfactory evidence that the component has been reconditioned to an 'as new' standard. The vehicle must have IVA.


5. Kit Conversions (Rod built using new chassis/glass body)

This is where a kit of new parts is added to an existing vehicle, or old parts are added to a kit of a manufactured body, chassis or monocoque bodyshell. The general appearance of the vehicle will change and result in a different description being put on the Registration
Certificate (V5C).

A vehicle will keep the registration number of the original vehicle if the original unaltered chassis/monocoque bodyshell has been used along with two other major components from the original vehicle.

If a new monocoque bodyshell or chassis from a specialist kit manufacturer (or an altered chassis or bodyshell from an existing vehicle) is used with two original major components from the donor vehicle, a replacement registration number will be issued based on the age of the donor vehicle.

The vehicle must have IVA. The date of manufacture for the vehicle will be taken from the IVA certificate.

Where insufficient parts from a donor vehicle are used or in cases where the original registration is unknown IVA will be required to register the vehicle and a 'Q' prefix registration number will be allocated.

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6. Reconstructed Classics

The reconstructed classic category is intended to support the restoration of unregistered classic vehicles. Reconstructed vehicles must comprise of genuine period components all over 25 years old, and of the same specification. The appropriate vehicle enthusiasts club for the marque (make) must confirm in writing that following inspection, they authenticate that the vehicle is a true reflection of that marque and that it meets the above criteria. This written confirmation must support an application to the local office. An age related registration number will be issued based on the age of the youngest component used.
Reconstructed classics or replica classic vehicles built to original specifications using a mixture of new and used components, will be issued a Q registration number. The vehicle must have an IVA.


7. Q Registration Numbers

'Q' registration numbers are issued where the age or identity of the vehicle is not known. Although seen by many enthusiasts as a seal of disapproval, they have proved to be a useful consumer protection aid. The display of a 'Q' registration number is a visible sign to a prospective purchaser that the age or identity of the vehicle is in doubt. The vehicle must have IVA before a 'Q' registration number can be used.


8. Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

By law, all vehicles used on the public road must have a VIN. This may be lost when a vehicle is substantially rebuilt, particularly in the case of kit vehicles where the chassis or bodyshell may not have been stamped by the manufacturer. In these circumstances, the DVLA local office will issue a replacement VIN and an authorisation letter.

The vehicle cannot be registered until we receive confirmation that the vehicle has been stamped with a VIN.


9. Registering unidentified vehicles

The following procedures must be followed when making an application to tax and register a vehicle without identity for the first time:

You should apply to your nearest DVLA local office which you can find at www.direct.gov.uk/dvlalocal (http://www.direct.gov.uk/dvlalocal) or by phoning 0300 123 1277 (you will have to give your postcode). Applications from outside a DVLA local office's catchment area will be refused.

You will be asked to produce a photocard driving licence as proof of name and address. If you do not have one, you must produce one original document (not a copy) from each of the two lists below.

Documentation confirming your name


Current DVLA driving licence
UK/EU Passport
Marriage Certificate
Decree nisi/absolute
Birth Certificate

Documentation confirming your address


A gas, electricity, water, landline phone bill issued within the last three months
Council tax bill for the current year
Bank/building society statement issued within the last three months
Medical card

You must produce official receipts, from identifiable suppliers, for the components used in a rebuild.

All vehicles without a VIN and registration number will be inspected at the DVLA local office and referred to the police.

These arrangements have been introduced in an effort to combat vehicle crime. If you rebuild vehicles and can prove where the components came from, you do not need to worry about this procedure. However, if the police believe a vehicle has been stolen, we will not register the vehicle and it may be seized.

If you are considering buying a vehicle without a VIN or registration number you should beware. If the police suspect that the vehicle has been stolen, you may lose it and the money you paid for it. You can get more advice about buying a vehicle on www.direct.gov.uk/buyingacar (http://www.direct.gov.uk/buyingacar) which includes a checklist to help avoid buying stolen vehicles.


10. Documents needed to register a vehicle


Application for a first tax disc and registration of a used motor vehicle' (V55/5) or 'Application for a first tax disc and registration of a new motor vehicle' (V55/4) (for new kit built vehicles)
Vehicle tax (where appropriate)
Form 'Built up Vehicle Inspection Report' (V627/1) (to be filled in before inspection)
IVA certificate (if required)
MoT certificate (if required)
Insurance certificate
Certificate of Newness (kit cars)
Registration Fee (if required)
Receipts
Documentation confirming your name and address (see section 9)
Registration Certificate (V5C) (if a donor vehicle is used)
For kit converted, radically altered and rebuilt vehicles, the V5C must be presented with the other paperwork.


11. Vehicles that are given alternative registration numbers

If registered vehicles are given alternative numbers, they will have to pass IVA, in order to register. The level and type of test required will depend on the vehicle. Further information on type approval is available from VOSA on 0300 123 9000 or www.direct.gov.uk/motoring (http://www.direct.gov.uk/motoring)

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12. Re-bodied Vehicles

Please see Rodbuilder's thread here:

http://www.nsra.org.uk/newforum/showthread.php?t=52476


13. Importing a Modified Vehicle

Used with permission of the UK Hot Rods site:

The ability to source vehicles via the Internet means that many are choosing to import ready built modified vehicles at realistic prices. Many may be spurred on by the statement that BIVA ( Basic Individual Vehicle Assessment ) only applies to post 1998 vehicles and that an older vehicle won’t be a problem .

Well, if anything that appears to be too good to be true ever true? Well it’s a mixed answer on this question and scenario.

If it were a stock pre 1998 motor no problems at all but once it’s modified the approach all changes. “Well how would they know”, I can hear you all shouting in frustration? Simple answer is that they don’t need to know. If they feel in the slightest doubt they ask for confirmation of the vehicles identity from a recognized source, generally the Owners Clubs as listed on their V756 list.

Bear in mind that in the past the person looking at your vehicle from the local DRO wasn’t likely to have much knowledge of old vehicles, had little specialist training, and so, if the paperwork and patina looked good, you were usually fine.

The current approach appears to be that you make an application to register your vehicle at the local office, you trailer the car to them for inspection of chassis and engine details, and if they feel concerned they then ask for confirmation of it’s integrity as above. Generally the clubs on the V756 lists are restorers and unlikely to be modified vehicle friendly though some will accept ‘Coeval modifications’. This is as laid down by FIVA,

http://www.fiva.org/EN/Downloads/Technical%20Code%20%202010%20ENG%2001012010.pdf

This means that the car doesn’t have to be standard as long as it meets the following laid down criteria it should still receive an age related plate without needing BIVA.

Following quote is taken from :-

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/BuyingAndSellingAVehicle/RegisteringAVehicle/DG_4022486

"Vehicles that have been rebuilt using a mix of new/used parts:

In order to retain the original registration mark:

Cars and Car-Derived Vans must use:
The original unmodified chassis or unaltered bodyshell (i.e. body and chassis as one unit - monocoque); or
A new chassis or monocoque bodyshell of the same specification as the original supported by evidence from the dealer/manufacturer (e.g. receipt)
And two other major components from the original vehicle - see list below
Suspension (front & back)
Axles (both)
Transmission
Steering Assembly"

If the inspector looks at the car and agrees that it is a vehicle built before 1998, and that it is standard, you will receive an age related plate.

If he looks at it and feels it has been modified but within the above criteria it should still receive an age related plate.

If he looks at it and feels it has been modified, but does not meet the above criteria, but you have documentation that all work was carried prior to 98 you MAY still get an age related plate OR a Q plate.

If he looks at it and decides that the work must have been done AFTER 1998, and you have no acceptable proof to the contrary it WILL be sent for test before registration is allowed.

If the vehicle has been modified prior to importation it will be sent for NIVA (Normal Individual Vehicle Assessment ) and will have to meet FULL modern safety specifications as if it was a new car. This can create issues for certain vehicles, dependent on the age of the base vehicle and type of modifications. The first areas of concern will be the inability for the vehicle to meet the glass markings standards as well as full modern emission specifications.

If the vehicle is imported and modified in this country, with a full photographic history and performed mainly by the owner then it should be allowable for BIVA. This is a test that applies to Amateur built cars with many exemptions from full NIVA Type Approval but the glass specifications, and markings, will create issues for certain vehicles especially those for which no suitable glass is available.

We would suggest careful investigation of the vehicles history and documentation to ensure that it is possible to register in this country before purchase.

Register an imported vehicle
http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/detail?itemId=1082155244&r.l1=1081597476&r.l2=1082103262&r.l3=1084755560&r.l4=1082154955&r.s=sc&type=RESOURCES


14. More Links

IVA links:

IVA - Introduction
http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/layer?r.i=1081997083&r.l1=1081597476&r.l2=1082103262&r.l3=1084755856&r.l4=1081996775&r.s=m&r.t=RESOURCES&topicId=1081996775

IVA - Manual for Vehicle Categories M1 - Cars
http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/Transport_files/124_IVA_M1_Inspection_Manual_Version_1111.pdf

IVA - Manual for Vehicle Categories N1 - Commercial Vehicles / pickups
http://www.dft.gov.uk/vosa/repository/IVA%20N1%20Inspection%20Manual.pdf

IVA - What vehicles are subject to Individual Vehicle Approval?
http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/detail?itemId=1081996837&r.l1=1081597476&r.l2=1082103262&r.l3=1084755856&r.l4=1081996775&r.s=m&type=RESOURCES

The IVA technical requirements
http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/detail?itemId=1081997083&type=RESOURCES#

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15. Information with regard to Chassis obtained by ACE

ACE have attempted to clarify certain areas that go to the very root of a car's identity, and how much you are allowed to modify the chassis or monococque, before you lose the 5 points it represents.
We have been liaising with both DVLA and VOSA to clarify this area.

Initially we received this reply from DVLA:

"When assessing a modified/rebuilt vehicle, DVLA's main interest is to establish whether the original identity has been compromised by the changes made. If a vehicle has been modified from the original manufacturer's specification or if not enough of the original components have been retained in the build, the vehicle identity will change and IVA will be required to register with an alternative registration number.
Due to the very nature of rebuilding or modifying vehicles from their original manufacturer's specification, DVLA assesses each vehicle on its own merits based on the documentary evidence provided and a physical inspection of the vehicle.

The INF 26 information leaflet, and the information given on the website, is issued as a guideline to the registration of rebuilt, radically altered or kit converted vehicles. They are not meant as technical guides. However, both clearly indicate that if modifications are made to the chassis or monocoque bodyshell, or if the build does not include enough original, major components (as listed) the identity of the vehicle will change.
The information on www.direct.gov.uk (http://www.direct.gov.uk/) is regularly reviewed to reflect changes in legislation

VOSA have provided the following response to your questions;
Chassis.

Q) What is classed as chassis? Is it purely the outer longitudinal rails or are the crossmembers between these also a part of the chassis?
A) Chassis should be taken to include crossmembers.

Q) We know that cutting or shortening a chassis is classed as modification but is this relative to the vehicle wheelbase i.e. the chassis must remain uncut between the 2 axles but anything forward of front or aft of rear suspension mounts can be removed?
A) Chassis includes the full original length of the longitudinal members including to the front of the front axle and to the rear of the rear axle.

Q) Is it acceptable to remove bodymounts, which contribute no strength to the chassis when changing a body to a different style /make?
A) Yes, providing they are additional to and are not an integral part of the chassis structure.

Q) Is it acceptable to strengthen a chassis by the addition of boxing plates a process that involves turning a 3-sided open chassis rail into a fully enclosed 'box' chassis?
A) Yes, providing the original structure remains unchanged.

Monococque.

Q) What is the definition of a monococque ?
A) A design in which body and chassis are all one unit.

Q) Why does cutting into a monococque affect the vehicle identity if it retains the same shape /profile as before?
A) Cutting is considered to be modifying the vehicle from its original specification. Any modification to the chassis/monocoque body is considered to render the vehicle no longer original specification or of original identity.

Q) Is it acceptable to modify a vehicle bulkhead and/or transmission tunnel when performing an engine change or fitting another make?
A) No, Assuming this is in relation to a monocoque structure. This would be considered a modification to the structure.

Q) Is it acceptable to fully weld sections that are spot-welded as part of the original construction methods, to increase the strength of the body?
A) Yes, providing the original structure is retained."

ACE felt that further clarification was needed from VOSA so we sent more questions. The following responses are from the VOSA Press Office:-

The answers to our chassied vehicle rules queries seem mainly straightforward, However, we have further questions based on the answers supplied.

Q) As chassis strengthening is allowed, are we correct in assuming that additional crossmembers would also be allowed?
A) It is important that the original chassis structure is retained unmodified, and while it is acceptable to strengthen areas and include additional brackets or crossmembers, It would be limited to additions within the existing chassis frame structure. Additional chassis structures, i.e. extending the outward parameters of the original chassis structure would be considered a modification.

Q) It is the monococque rules that need the most clarification.
Your reply states that any cutting of the monococque" is considered to render the vehicle identity no longer original specification or of original identity ". This would suggest that any crash repairs necessitating cutting and removal of panels or chassis sections, or restoration work would call the vehicle's identity into question?
We presume that the point should really be that any cutting... other than in factory designed joining areas...would be the actual criteria?
A) In this respect it is necessary to differentiate between modification and repair. Any repair process that is in line with manufacturer's recommendations and that returns the structure to its original specification would not be considered to be a modification.

Q) Would the modification of wings to allow clearance for larger wheels fall foul of the regulations? We presume not as the common fitment of sunroofs does not create issues as this is a non stressed item of the monococque, the same as wings?"
A) When considering a monocoque structure, it is necessary to consider what constitutes cosmetic panels that do not significantly add to the structural strength and which panels provide structural integrity. In general front wings modified in this way would not constitute a modification to the monocoque structure.

With reference to the further query, VOSA have advised that they would prefer the following statement:

What constitutes a monocoque is that of how an OEM manufacturer would view it. The chassis or `cage` assembly and all components that form it, less any cosmetic panels or infills that make no structural consideration to the monocoque or its component parts.

However, we must emphasis that this information is given for general guidance and each case will be judged on its merits.

Whilst none of this is definitive, and it contains the usual 'Judged on its own merits' criteria, it does answer a lot of questions where the modifier has only been able to speculate in the past.

It means we are aware of what we can or cannot do and still retain the 5 points from the start of any modification process.

So, to summarise the above information:

Chassis

It is acceptable to box original chassis and also to add additional crossmembers but not to alter the existing chassis in any way to allow for their installation.

It is acceptable to remove NON STRUCTURAL body mounts and engine / gearbox mounts.

It is NOT acceptable to shorten, or lengthen the chassis, either in between standard suspension points or fore and aft of these.

Any additional items welded creating a longer overall chassis are classed as modifications. It would however be acceptable to bolt a reasonably sized additional subframe to existing mounting holes.

Any outriggers (as opposed to continuous chassis frame) fore or aft from the chassis would need clarification from VOSA as to their purpose before removal or alteration was accepted. This would be based on their purpose and whether they formed part of the vehicles original Type Approval.

Monococques

It is NOT acceptable for the bulkhead, or transmission tunnel area, to be modified.

The specification for a monococque will vary with each manufacturer and the decision on what are acceptable modifications will be based on those criteria for each vehicle.

It is acceptable for additional seam welding to be carried out.

Should there be any further questions relating the above information on specific vehicles ACE would be willing to assist in further clarification on an individual basis.

The above information relates to only 5 points (awarded for original unmodified chassis / monococque) of the 8 points system for retaining vehicle identity and we will be clarifying other sections in the future.

15/02/2010 Update - VW Beetle Floorpans
We have received a further update from DVLA that they have firmed up their rules and, contrary to previous belief that a VW Beetle's identity lay in it's backbone alone, the floorpans are, in fact, now needed to retain the 5 points.
As before, the requirement that the backbone remains unaltered still applies.