Don't mess with the ANPR!

[lowdrag]

I posted this in general gassing and got a load of stupid criticism from I guess younger people with no idea as to how life was in days of yore.

On Wednesday last, after a visit to my solicitor in Basingstoke, I got pulled over while driving the E-type by plod in his unmarked Skoda Octavia. No chance to draw breath or say hallo before he whipped out his fines pad and launched into "anything you say may be used in evidence" etc. My crime was of course extreme and with no possibility of arguing the toss, so a fine had to be paid.

Oh, you want to know the reason and the heinous offense? My MOT was two days out of date! Nice day, not speeding, just at peace with the world - until then. So watch out you lot; there is no longer a friendly warning and a chance to produce within seven days. He even inferred that the car, being illegal, would need to be trailered back to the farm where I was staying. So I phoned my garage and two hours later the car had its shiny new MOT. That way he couldn't stop me driving away.

[lesstatt]

I know, i have done it as well, not sure they dont give you an MOT reminder in the post, my TVR was a month out couple years ago simply becuse i forgot

[2slo]

Perhaps the Cop was having a bad day. In the absence of any other offence, a recently lapsed MOT is usually dealt under the Vehicle Defect Rectification Scheme (VDRS) i.e. you get whatever is wrong sorted and confirmed by a stamp from an MOT testing station done within 7 days and the form must be received back to the Officer's central ticket office within 14 days. The matter would normally end there, no fine needed and your car is legal again. Bit harsh fining you for just that. Not endorsable though.

[spike ST500]

It is ceratinly something to watch for, as no reminder for MOT!

Also if you have a photocard driving licence, check its expiry date, as only lasts 10yrs.

[Old Merc]

I`ve been in the car business for 45 years and if I say I`ve never driven an illegal car I would be telling porkies!!but we all know the rules and must abide.If you have an accident and any of your docs are out of date your in the brown stuff,no matter how many hours/days its over due.It would be a good idea to get an MOT reminder the same way as road tax.I keep my own records, send out MOT reminders to my customers and most of them have a service carried out at the same time (its called business)

[spike ST500]

you can check your MOT here...

http://motinfo.direct.gov.uk/internet/jsp/ECSID-In...

and MOT history

http://motinfo.direct.gov.uk/internet/jsp/ECHID-In...

ironic thing is you need either your MOT ref number or your V5 ref number lol

[LordBretSinclair]

You do get a reminder for your MOT.

Look at the VT20 (MOT test Certificate). Bottom left is a bright blue sticker with these instructions "Apply sticker to inside of windscreen as a reminder".

It's not rocket science.

[Apache]

I wouldn't bother, the ink fades, I tried it. Just checked my docs...one runs out on the 2nd August and the other the 11th August.......bks

[jagracer]

Why not write a reminder on Windows Calendar or on your phone if it's capable, alternatively you can get a reminder by text from VOSA for £1.50p.

[spike ST500]

jagracer said:

Why not write a reminder on Windows Calendar or on your phone if it's capable, alternatively you can get a reminder by text from VOSA for £1.50p.

I have it written on my paper calendar the month before lol

[exkay]

Gutted for you Tony.......noticed there`s a couple of "Grown ups" saying on here your wrong for leting it expire, but hey, we all make mistakes,
Sorry to hear what happened mate.

[jagracer]

spike ST500 said:

I have it written on my paper calendar the month before lol

I hadn't thought of using old fashioned technology.

[nobodyknows]

spike ST500 said:

I have it written on my paper calendar the month before lol

Me too, I do this for services, Tax etc etc.

[spike ST500]

I just find the paper calendar so much easier to use, and can "syncronise" with my paper work diary easily too lol

[Apache]

and I work in Royston

[AndrewW-G]

Apache said:

and I work in Royston

I know I shouldn’t laugh, but the cameras around Royston are simply ludicrous and any claims that it's to prevent terrorism / crime, is simply ridiculous . . . . . all a terrorist or criminal needs to do, is to clone the number plates on any car they were using with the plates on an identical car thats owned by Mr / Mrs Average

Welcome to Airstrip 1

[vpr]

Plod never seemed too fussed about a lapsed MOT.

I work on the basis driving a nice old classic wouldn't get plod into a wobble, I guess thats not the case now.

I keep a spreadsheet of important car related anniversaries however I didn't used to get worried about a lapsed MOT....Oh well

[KMud]

Unlucky, somehow I've just driven around for 2 months with an expired MOT and didn't get pulled...passed more than one mobile speed trap too, thought those had ANPR!? For the record I blame too much car-swapping and a new baby...MOT sorted now.

[Globs]

The rozzers used to have to 'Protect and Serve' the public, until one of the criminal 'justice' bills said they didn't have to anymore.

Over a decade of totalitarian government has left it's mark - sorry to hear it has got so bad.

[Arthur Daley]

I try not to keep anything long enough to worry about this!
Daily is a company car that gets changed every 3 months anyway so no worries there.