SDB

Hi All

Sorry to bring this crappy subject up again.

I've tried searching but can't find a definative answer.

I am in the process of buying an imported scoob. It has cleared customs and has the alarm fitted and conversions done. But no SVA test as yet.

The test IS booked though.

I have rang the indurance company and told them the EXACT score (I beleive in telling them EVERYTHING!). They say it is fine.

But a few people have said that you can't legally drive on the Jap plates.

Does anybody know for absolute difinate if I can or not?

Thanks in advance.

Simon

Stupot

My mate has been driving around in a conspicuous EVO 5 black with blacked out windows since January with no problems at all on Jap plates. He too is awaiting an SVA. Just think of the fun the police will have if u get flashed by a gatso and try tracking you down in Japan
Stu

Ian Cook

I beleive you can get 6 months grace on the plates, but am not sure of the circumstances.

sourob

I imported a shogun from Cyprus and was stopped whilst driving it with cypriot plates on.After spending 1 hr in the back of a police car just off the m69( whilst they decided if it was an offence) they said if it isnt registered it cant be taxed therefore it should not be driven on public roads. I eventually recieved aletter saying no charges would be brought against me but it was a right pain.

harj

I have improted cars from Japan in the past, and it is completely illegal to drive with Jap Plates, the only excuse you can give to the fuz is Im taking it for an MOT or SVA. I had to use Trade Plates to drive it arround, Im suprised that your Insurance company has insured you without a registraion number!

Best of luck

Harj..

Kennington_Rick

Yes - you're right - when I imported my car I spent a long time getting the answer to this - there's a lot of people who think they know the law......

It's illegal to drive around on Japanese plates other than to take the car home and to the SVA test. From the horse's mouth:

SDB

Thanks a million guys! I'm really grateful.

That was a close one. I was due to pick it up today!

Rick
Thanks for providing documented proof, so many people have their own idea, it is great to have it in black and white.

Harj
Is it OK to drive it around on trade plates then? If I wanted to take it for a couple of days or something?

Thanks again

Simon

suba

isn't driving on a jap plate like a french tourist driving into UK? (so maybe you can say you drove from japan into UK???)

harj

Simon,

It's fine to drive it around on Trade Plates, I never got stopped even when the police kept staring and looking at the exhaust pipe! WOW! for 2 weeks.

Just be careful and check that you are covered under the Trade plates that you borrow, some of these may only be Third Party Only. Memorise who the plates belong to who you are working for while driving the car

Happy motoring

Harj....

harj

Suba,

You can drive a Jap plated car over here, if it's still registed in japan and you are the registered Japanese Owner. When Jap imports come over here they are de-registered and not all of the official documentation comes with them, ie Official Jap Logbook and japanese Insurance Certs, these should be kept by Jap De-reg officials or there is something suss about the cars history.

Harj...

Ian Cook

My gaff, i got mixed up with european number plate things, freind of mine has a Dutch car that is going to be here for a few months and then be re-exported to europe, you get 6 months leeway with registering those, sorry for the confusion. Well thats what he was told by the DVLA anyway ?

ianlove

I have it on good authority that you definitely cannot.
But they never stopped me.

Greg115

Simon
Nice to see that you have got over your short term hormonal imbalance with the Lotus.

Welcome back!!

Regards
Greg