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4 wheel Overland Travel NON-technical 4 wheel forum, for subjects specific to TRAVEL with 4 (or more!) wheeled vehicles. e.g. Driving Techniques, Shipping etc.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



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  #1  
Old 27 May 2008
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returning to the uk
when we return to the uk our tax and mot will have expired, the vehicle will be insured,what are the implications of driving it home from the ferry?

steve/m
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  #2  
Old 27 May 2008
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Book an MOT Test before you arrive here (and preferably have written proof of that fact to show if you're stopped) then you will be allowed to drive to the test. I'm not sure what is the position so far as the road tax though. If you have proof that the vehicle has been out of the country since the last tax disc expired, they can't do you for back tax and provided you back date the tax to cover the date you entered the UK you should be fine. Strictly you could be done for not displaying an up to date disc but I doubt they'd bother.
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  #3  
Old 27 May 2008
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Sorn
Hi Steve, don't forget to sorn your car when the tax runs out.
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  #4  
Old 27 May 2008
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As Quintin says, you can use an unMOTed and untaxed vehicle for driving to and from a pre-booked MOT test. There is nothing that says it has to be near anywhere so it can be near the ferry, or near your home or anywhere that suits you. As long as you can show you are en-route to or from the test.
I have heard of a car driving from Liverpool to Kent being stopped for no Tax and MOT. The driver proved it was pre-booked for the MOT in Kent - and the Police had to accept this was OK when they checked up on the appointment!

You should have SORNed it when the tax expired. That is a declaration it is off the roads (UK roads). If you failed to do this you will get an automatic penalty - even if you can show the car was out of the UK (or even out of the EU).
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  #5  
Old 27 May 2008
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Although when you do come back, you'll probably be run off the road by the hoards of people leaving the UK...


i wouldn't bother coming back! much better in europe..at least the fuel is cheaper (and the booze)
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  #6  
Old 28 May 2008
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As Tony mentions your vehicle has to be either road taxed OR on a sorn - regardless of being out of country

The MOT booking does work a treat when you get back to Blighty.

Ive just flown back after 2 years in Canada to see the folks and do some work on the 90.....

£1.30 for a litre of diesel ???? its a joke - 65p for diesel in Canada and petrol is 55p !!!!!!


I miss the UK - (well Real Ale, Cornish Pasties and Sausages actually) - but I dont miss being taxed to death...... Luckily I fly back home to Canada in 3 weeks !
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  #7  
Old 28 May 2008
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tax & MOT
I too was concerned about this when I was away for a year in Africa with a Land Rover 110.

I booked an MOT back in the UK for my return. I also got a 12 month disc so it was valid for when I returned even though it did mean an overlap. I felt for me this was better then the potential hassle. However it wasnt necessary. I have never heard of anyone having a problem.
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  #8  
Old 28 May 2008
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return to uk
thanks for all the replies i forgot to mention that as the car has been out of the uk for more than a year its offically been exported
steve/m
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  #9  
Old 28 May 2008
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Quote:
Originally Posted by steve/m View Post
its offically been exported
steve/m
As you cancelled the UK registration it should have a valid 'live' registration elsewhere, and therefore carry that country's plates. ????

As such it is allowed into the UK without Tax and MOT for up to 6 months as a normal Visiting Vehicle - under the Geneva Convention.

You can transfer that registration back to UK at your leisure, once home.
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  #10  
Old 29 May 2008
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Originally Posted by Tony P View Post
You can transfer that registration back to UK at your leisure, once home.
Tony - I've been trying to confirm this with the DVLA but havn't had a reply yet . . . . so you don't have to import when you first return? - I exported my 110 from the UK and imported it to NZ but would like to bring it back. My carnet situation is complicated by the fact the vehcile is not returning to its home country and if your point above is true it will certainly make life easier.
I know in Australia you have to EITHER import or enter with carnet on first arrival, and if you enter on a carnet you cannot then import.

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  #11  
Old 29 May 2008
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Providing you can prove you have only just re-entered the UK you will be Okay driving on the highway. Your Insurance will NOT be void as some people often think. I say that with confidence as I am a retired Traffic Cop of 18 years. I remember seeing a guidance paper on this very matter and official policy allows motor vehicles to enter the UK and drive directly to their home address.

Hundreds of motor vehicles enter the UK every week that are over 3 years old and require an MOT. Becuse of this the Home Office has issued official guidance for law enforcement officers (Police, DVLA, Customs).

Obviously you will need to arrange an MOT as soon as possible.
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  #12  
Old 29 May 2008
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Hello Kentfallen,

I am out of the UK at present, in Norway, and don't expect to be back for a good 9 months.

My vehicle is here with me, and will be 3 years old in July, So will need MOT when I return, and the Tax disc will expire end of June 2008.

Insurance is, and will always be valid, as it is paid for by my company.

What do you suggest I do?
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