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Motorsport UK is pleased to share the latest Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency( DVLA) announcement confirming major changes to vehicle registration policies. Previous polices, unchanged since 1980s, hindered some classic car registrations and posed risk to the restoration industry, car owners clubs, and classic motorsport. The revised policy helps to safeguard the future of these UK historic vehicles, and came into effect on Tuesday 26th August.

The pragmatic DVLA policy changes bring some muchneeded clarity for the repair and restoration of the UK’ s historic and classic vehicles.

In May 2024 former Secretary of State for Transport, Mark Harper, announced a Call for Evidence while speaking at an Historic and Classic Vehicles Alliance( HCVA) event at Bicester Motion. This call encouraged the classic vehicle industry, owners, and enthusiasts to have their say on the previous DVLA system, and over 1,350 responses were received in less than eight weeks – with input classic car owners, motoring clubs and the historic vehicle industry.

“ Motorsport UK is happy to be affiliated with the HCVA” added Ian Smith, Technical Director at Motorsport UK.“ We share a number of common goals on behalf of our respective memberships. We have already seen great progress through collaboration in respect of DVLA policies and sustainable liquid fuels, and we look forward to working together into the future”.

Owners can now add some safety and other modifications to roadregistered vehicles without the need to sacrifice the original registration

Motorsport CEO Hugh Chambers also wrote to Mark Harper on behalf of the membership, and there was wider encouragement for members and Clubs to submit their own evidence and opinions.

Motorsport UK then took the strategic decision to align with the Historic & Classic Vehicles Alliance( HCVA) to ensure a consistent and aligned message on the best way for the DVLA to move forward. As the HCVA members were the most heavily impacted by the incumbent policy, it continued to work with the Department for Transport and the DVLA after the Call for Evidence closed, and was instrumental in shaping the new policies for the benefit of both the HCVA and Motorsport UK memberships.

Motorsport UK and the HCVA have agreed to build on this successful alignment, and have formed an affiliation between the two organisations. This affiliation will build upon the close connection between the world of motorsport, and historic and classic vehicles, an integration relevant to many members of both organisations.

The Rt Hon Mark Harper MP Vehicle Registration Policy Call for Evidence Team

Sent via email: cfe. vehicles @ dvla. gov. uk

2 July 2024

Dear Mark,

Motorsport UK Position: DVLA Call for Evidence

Many thanks for inviting Motorsport UK to contribute to the call for evidence views on the registration of historic, classic, and rebuilt vehicles as well as those converted to electric.

This call for evidence provides a great opportunity for motorists and enthusiasts to play a key role in preserving examples of British motoring and engineering excellence and it is with pleasure to outline Motorsport UK’ s position:

Motorsport UK, as the recognised national membership organisation and governing body of fourwheel motorsport in the UK( by act of parliament) and the National representative of the world governing body the Fédération Internationale de l’ Automobile( FIA), publishes and maintains technical and safety regulations, through a structured process of governance, that underpin all permitted competition in the UK.

Motorsport safety regulations( for vehicles that continue to be used on the road), do not invalidate vehicle type approval and should not invalidate individual vehicle’ s original registration details.

The Motorsport UK National Competition Regulations include a safety framework, governed by

Motorsport UK encouraged the members and clubs to participate in the Call for Evidence in 2024 committee, and are derived from the FIA International Sporting Code with full support from the Original Equipment Manufacturers( OEMs).

This regulatory framework is subject to continual review to ensure the highest level of safety, whilst maintaining a sport that is as accessible as possible to those who want to participate.

We look forward to seeing the results of the call for evidence and continuing our close relationship with the Department for Transport and the DVLA.

Yours sincerely,

Hugh Chambers Chief Executive Officer

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Revolution- September 2025