Driving without TAX dilema...
Discussion
I have just bought a car off ebay. Just a cheapie MK2 golf 1.6 with loads of MOT but it has no tax.
I can't get down to pick the car up during post office opening hours and the previous owner doesn't have insurance anymore and so they can't tax it for me either.
I have looked into the online tax service BUT the new tax disk will be sent to the previous owner.
Bit of a no win situation here, and with lack of a trailer, I am planning to drive it back (dunstable - stoke) with no tax and then leave it off the road until my insurance certificate turns up, then tax it and drive.
Question is, is there actually any legal way I can get around this? obviously, the best way would be to tax the car but I can't see any way of actually doing that. Could I book it in for an MOT or something?
Other question is... If I get caught, what penalties will I face? Could they impound the car or loose my licence? Ban? Or would it just be a fine?
Thanks!
I can't get down to pick the car up during post office opening hours and the previous owner doesn't have insurance anymore and so they can't tax it for me either.
I have looked into the online tax service BUT the new tax disk will be sent to the previous owner.
Bit of a no win situation here, and with lack of a trailer, I am planning to drive it back (dunstable - stoke) with no tax and then leave it off the road until my insurance certificate turns up, then tax it and drive.
Question is, is there actually any legal way I can get around this? obviously, the best way would be to tax the car but I can't see any way of actually doing that. Could I book it in for an MOT or something?
Other question is... If I get caught, what penalties will I face? Could they impound the car or loose my licence? Ban? Or would it just be a fine?
Thanks!
Can you get the insurance company to fax a cover note to you? They usually do to car dealers so they can tax new cars. Still doesn't help with the actually purchase of the tax disc? Maybe early morning post office before work or luch hour? can you not nip out at lunch time.
Alternatively, I would consider taxing the vehicle online once it is insured. At least that way it is taxed, and also won't flag any ANPR cameras. It's probably illegal to drive without displaying a valid tax disc, but if it's actually taxed that's half the battle, and I'd hope you might get let off with a warning (though any offence that means the government gets less money is far more serious in the eyes of the law than robberies or violent crime...). If the tax disc is getting sent to the guys house then I'd just expalin to him what you're doing, and if need be hold back a few quid until he can send it to you recorded delivery.
Alternatively, I would consider taxing the vehicle online once it is insured. At least that way it is taxed, and also won't flag any ANPR cameras. It's probably illegal to drive without displaying a valid tax disc, but if it's actually taxed that's half the battle, and I'd hope you might get let off with a warning (though any offence that means the government gets less money is far more serious in the eyes of the law than robberies or violent crime...). If the tax disc is getting sent to the guys house then I'd just expalin to him what you're doing, and if need be hold back a few quid until he can send it to you recorded delivery.
The only way i can think of "getting round it" would be to book an mot test on the day you collect it, and drive straight there. Legally you are allowed to, there's no maximum distance you are allowed to travel to an MOT testing station. Cops might get pissy if its too far, but its what im going to have to do when i get my mini back on the road.
Rotary Madness said:
The only way i can think of "getting round it" would be to book an mot test on the day you collect it, and drive straight there. Legally you are allowed to, there's no maximum distance you are allowed to travel to an MOT testing station. Cops might get pissy if its too far, but its what im going to have to do when i get my mini back on the road.
hes got an MOT he needs tax!cappsy said:
Rotary Madness said:
The only way i can think of "getting round it" would be to book an mot test on the day you collect it, and drive straight there. Legally you are allowed to, there's no maximum distance you are allowed to travel to an MOT testing station. Cops might get pissy if its too far, but its what im going to have to do when i get my mini back on the road.
hes got an MOT he needs tax!I really don't understand why the OP can't just take a day off - there's no legal requirement to buy a car on eBay without tax; I've had to do that in the past, so the OP might as well do it as well. Or buy a different car
Merlot said:
Can't you just forward your insurance cert to the current owner, who will then tax the car for you on the green slip (subject to you wiring the money for this to him).
I've just done this for a chap who is coming to collect my car tomorrow.
This is what I'd do.I've just done this for a chap who is coming to collect my car tomorrow.
Forward insurance certificate/cover note to current owner and get them to tax it for you.
Booking for an MOT is the best solution in my opinion. Make sure the test centre is near you, and they know the reg number of the car. That way, if ANPR sees you, you have some recourse. (ditto insurance cover for the journey)
Mention to the MOT station that the car is not taxed and they will make a special note.
Mention to the MOT station that the car is not taxed and they will make a special note.
Don't drive it untaxed - it's not worth the hassle.
Can you not come to an arrangement with the vendor that when the tax disc arrives he will forward it on?? Is he a reasonable chap??
If he is reasonable, then leave him with a stamped addressed envelope and he will hopefully just whack it straight in the post. Job jobbed.
Good luck
Cheers
The Moose
Can you not come to an arrangement with the vendor that when the tax disc arrives he will forward it on?? Is he a reasonable chap??
If he is reasonable, then leave him with a stamped addressed envelope and he will hopefully just whack it straight in the post. Job jobbed.
Good luck
Cheers
The Moose
Firstly driving it untaxed is no good.
My solution to this would be that you need to get the certificate (V5C) from the previous owner. Fill in the form as you would but do this in your local DVLA office. While there, ask them to give you a temporary proof of ownership that is valid for 12 months; the cost is 3.00 GBP's. The form number is V379 and this will cover you until the proper non-handwriten document arrives.
I had to do this as I needed the V5C or its equivalent to allow me to take my car abroad shortly after purchase. PM me if you need further guidance and I hope that you have a DVLA office local to you.
Best,
Andy
My solution to this would be that you need to get the certificate (V5C) from the previous owner. Fill in the form as you would but do this in your local DVLA office. While there, ask them to give you a temporary proof of ownership that is valid for 12 months; the cost is 3.00 GBP's. The form number is V379 and this will cover you until the proper non-handwriten document arrives.
I had to do this as I needed the V5C or its equivalent to allow me to take my car abroad shortly after purchase. PM me if you need further guidance and I hope that you have a DVLA office local to you.
Best,
Andy
It's a pain in the ass I know and I can never work why idiots on ebay try to sell cars like this it just makes it all a pain in the ass and puts people off buying because of the hassle. Just sell it 2 weeks earlier you cretins!
Anyway, I was going to say just risk it (like I did) but I only had to drive 25 miles home wereas your trip is 128 miles so a bit to far.
I know you don't have a trailer but if you have a tow bar I'm sure you could hire a trailer pretty easily and solve the problem.
Anyway, I was going to say just risk it (like I did) but I only had to drive 25 miles home wereas your trip is 128 miles so a bit to far.
I know you don't have a trailer but if you have a tow bar I'm sure you could hire a trailer pretty easily and solve the problem.
Edited by T89 Preparation. on Monday 1st June 04:11
Having bought a SORN'd car on Saturday I looked into this extensively.
There are in fact two exemptions - one for the MOT as previously mentioned, the other is for the first five days of the month if you have already bought a disc online or by phone. This is to get around the fact that it's technically illegal to not -display- the disc, even if you bought one.
Anyway, I did it in the post office, but if you can't take a day off I suggest getting the owner to tax it online and send you the disc when it arrives. You'll need to sort the insurance out a few days before so there is time for it to show up on the DVLA database as being insured (I'm guessing the owner isn't covered). He always has the chance to rip you off (cash in the disc or just not do it at all) but that's life.
Of course, what you should actually be doing is trailering the car!
There are in fact two exemptions - one for the MOT as previously mentioned, the other is for the first five days of the month if you have already bought a disc online or by phone. This is to get around the fact that it's technically illegal to not -display- the disc, even if you bought one.
Anyway, I did it in the post office, but if you can't take a day off I suggest getting the owner to tax it online and send you the disc when it arrives. You'll need to sort the insurance out a few days before so there is time for it to show up on the DVLA database as being insured (I'm guessing the owner isn't covered). He always has the chance to rip you off (cash in the disc or just not do it at all) but that's life.
Of course, what you should actually be doing is trailering the car!
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff