Legal issues concerning classic car ownership

Owning a classic car is an experience from which thousands of people in the UK derive enjoyment. However, there are many legal aspects of classic car ownership which differ from those of modern day vehicles. It is important that anyone intent on keeping a classic for any considerable duration takes their time in choosing their vehicle and in considering the following legal aspects.

One of the most desirable differences between some classic cars and modern cars is the amount you pay for UK road tax. Vehicles registered before 1st January 1973 are considered to be of `Historic Status` and are subject to zero road tax. However, you will still have to apply for a tax disc regardless as to whether your tax is zero or not to prove that the car is insured and has an MOT. For vehicles registered after this time, you will have to pay for road tax much like a modern car. This is often an important factor in buying a classic car, so check those registration dates!

In conjunction with road tax, insurance for classic vehicles is often cheaper than that of their modern day counterparts. There are many insurance companies which offer insurance only for classic vehicles, however, the age of a car that is considered to be `classic` varies substantially from insurer to insurer, so check first. It is also important to be aware that classic insurers might only insure your vehicle if it is a second vehicle, with limited mileage. Thus, if you plan to use a classic as your first car, you might be better off using a general insurer.

If you do plan to use your classic car as a second vehicle, you may indeed want to store it for the winter, to eradicate the wear and tear endured by vehicles during this time, particularly the deadly combination of salt and grit on our roads. Remember, as with modern cars, it is important to declare `SORN` (Statutory Off Road Notification) to the DVLA if you take your car off the road and do not wish to renew your tax disc. If your tax disc is still valid when you do this and you had to pay for your tax, you can claim back the money for any whole months in the remaining duration of your tax disc.

It is always wise to keep your car insured during the time it is off the road, in case of theft, fire or other possible dangers.

When returning to the road in your classic car, you may have to take it for an MOT test, as you would with any modern car of 3 years of age or greater. Whilst your car may be old, this doesn`t mean it is exempt from being safe. Classic cars are of course prone to corrosion and any excessive rust on a classic will mean that it won`t pass an MOT. Any car built before 1st August 1975 will not, however, have to undergo an emission test. That said, this is no reason to think that a car built before said date should not be maintained and serviced as much as any other. Indeed a rigorous maintenance regime is vital for any classic.

The rules may be difficult, but the rewards of driving a classic car make it all worthwhile. There are many different places in which classics may be found, ranging from the cheapest car sales through to specialised vintage restorers.