djandyg

iTrader: (2)

Not heard anything through at work yet, but just seen this on another forum after someone made some enquiries to VOSA, thought it might be of some interest.

letter from vosa

Thank you for your e-mail enquiry dated 4th December 2011, concerning new MOT regulations.

We are aware that the inspection of many of the new testable components may adversely impact modified vehicles. We have therefore made provision for most modifications to be accepted, provided that the vehicle is in fact extensively modified to meet a particular purpose, rather than simply modified on a whim and a fancy.

The Introduction of the 2012 MOT Inspection Manual will therefore be amended at the end of April to coincide with the commencement of testing the new components. It will state:

Modified Vehicles

Where a vehicle has been extensively modified or converted, Reasons for Rejection for components missing where fitted as standard should not be applied, for example:
a car converted for rally use (i.e. rear seats removed and fitted with a roll cage and full harness seat belts etc.) may have been converted so as not to require a brake servo or power steering
a car converted to a stretch limousine may no longer be fitted with curtain airbags

Additionally, Section 5.1 of the Manual will be amended to state: "An adult harness belt comprising a lap belt and shoulder straps bearing an FIA, British Standard or European approval marking (an upper case ’E’ or lower case ‘e’ and a number) is an acceptable alternative to any of the seat belt types listed"

It is also worth pointing out that Section 6.2 of the Manual, on Seats and Doors, already contains a note in the Information Column which states: "Original design characteristics and specialised modifications (e.g. to enable wheelchair access) are to be accepted"

It must be remembered however, that modifications can only be accepted so long as they comply with the Road Vehicles (Construction & Use) Regulations 1986 and the Road Vehicles (Lighting) Regulations 1989 as amended. In this regard a hydraulic parking brake is not permitted on vehicles first used on or after 1 January 1968 and will therefore remain an MOT failure.

I hope this information has assisted you with your enquiry, but if you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact us again.

Kind Regards,

scooby546

iTrader: (1)

Interesting that - I guess they have to keep up with the times, and many out there will have a track car that's also used on the road sometimes, even if all it does is drive to and from the track.

djandyg

iTrader: (2)

not sure what the criteria really is though, as their response is a bit vague! Maybe it has to have proof its used it official rallying? Otherwise every saxo and fiesta 'track weapon' will be claiming its modded for purpose lol