are already aware
, news is circulating that an EU draft regulation proposal is apparently aiming to ban all modified cars.
Stemming from an article published by the Association of Car Enthusiasts , the supposition is that any car fitted with a part that's contrary to its original type approval would effectively be outlawed under the proposed legislation.
Aftermarket 'enhancements' could be banned
Given the implications of this you're right to worry - but we don't think you need to panic just yet.
For starters, nothing has been set in stone - the ruling on the law is still six weeks away - and as some of you are quite sensibly pointing out in the PH forum, the draft proposal can be interpreted in a number of ways.
Take a look at it yourself before you start stripping the car and heading for eBay; it's been dubbed the "Roadworthiness Package" and can be viewed in PDF form here.
Its chief concern seems - and we don't say that lightly, the proposal is rather vaguely worded - to be with safety and environmental worthiness, and how this can be tested for consistently across the EU. However, there are indeed references to vehicles meeting the specification of their original type approval - raising eyebrows and requiring further investigation.
We've put a call in to the Department for Transport for clarification on how this really is likely to impact the UK, and are waiting for a response.
Perhaps contrary to your expectations, the DfT is generally well up to speed on this kind of thing, and we were assured that it was already aware of the issue and looking into it.