Change in MOT exemption for 223's

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SafetyPete
Posts: 9
Joined: Mon Jun 17, 2024 10:16 pm
Country: United Kingdom
Region: Somerset

Change in MOT exemption for 223's

Post by SafetyPete » Mon Mar 16, 2026 9:30 pm

Hi

Following a chat on facebook today, I took a look at the latest changes to mot exemptions on the dvla website.

The 30 years since major modification exemption is gone, which puts us into the realms of all 223's needing an annual mot.

There is a somewhat vague 10 years from when the vehicle was last in production exemption, but no real explanation of what this means.

Interestingly, my 223 now shows red for mot and says it has expired.

Pete

Rocketman1955
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Joined: Wed Aug 08, 2018 4:31 pm
CSC Membership Number: 2163
Country: UK
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Re: Change in MOT exemption for 223's

Post by Rocketman1955 » Mon Apr 13, 2026 2:01 pm

Glad I read your post!
I too had relied on MOT exemption under the 'no major modifications for 30 years rule'.
Rules clearly different now stating built or registered over 40years ago with no major modifications.
My MOT status is expired!
Interestingly I had signed up for MOT renewal reminders and have not had one since the rule change!!

Rocketman1955
Posts: 80
Joined: Wed Aug 08, 2018 4:31 pm
CSC Membership Number: 2163
Country: UK
Region: Essex

Re: Change in MOT exemption for 223's

Post by Rocketman1955 » Tue Jul 21, 2026 8:02 pm

I have been looking into this again!
Firstly, I assume a status of MOT expired is not a problem if you do not need one.

Secondly, the Gov web site was confusing at the time of the post.
As stated below it did say MOT exemption was for vehicles registered over 40 years with no substantial changes.
However, it also still said historic vehicles were exempt if they were first registered more than 40 years ago with no substantial changes in the last 30!

So apparently 2 rules!

I questioned this with the DVSA and they told me to consult an expert - I though DVSA made the rules!

Looking at the GOV site today I can only find reference to the Historical vehicle rule.
The over 40yrs without changes seems to have disappeared.......

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