In an interesting twist to the ongoing MoT exemption story, historic vehicles in Alderney, Guernsey and Jersey might need to undergo roadworthiness testing after Brexit.
Concerns were voiced in the Guernsey Press newspaper after it revealed that holidaying Islanders could need a roadworthiness certificate in order to take their car or classic vehicle abroad.
“I believe that the European Union is looking to introduce legislation this year where cars driving in the EU will need to have some sort of safety certificate from the jurisdiction in which they’re registered,” Guernsey Motor Trade Association president Robert Cornelius told Guernsey Press.
“Anyone driving in the EU from the UK will already have their MoT certificate. There’s nothing [an Islander] would have with them saying that their car is roadworthy,” he added.
Cars in the Channel Islands do not currently need any compulsory roadworthiness inspections once purchased – although roadworthiness penalties still apply. Vehicles imported into Jersey from the mainland by residents need to pass a Driving and Vehicle Standards (DVS) inspection before they can be issued number plates. Herm and Sark do not allow cars or motorcycles on their roads, preferring horse-drawn carriages.
Of course, by Sunday, May 20 any car aged 40 years old or more can be an MoT-exempt Vehicle of Historic Interest (VHI) in the UK – provided no ‘substantial alterations’ have taken place. Although the UK differs from the rest of Europe in what age it defines a vehicle as ‘historic’ (40 years versus 30 years), it remains unclear how the new regulations would apply to a Channel Island classic supplied there from new and then driven abroad.
Channel Island officials told Guernsey Press that they would monitor the situation regarding access to roads in EU Member States before and after Brexit.
