SCRAPPAGE SCHEME FAQs

Your Questions answered by the Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR)…

YOUR OLD VEHICLE

PASSENGER CAR OR SMALL VAN NOT EXCEEDING 3.5 TONNES

Does the scheme only apply to cars?

No. Cars and vans not exceeding 3.5 tonnes are eligible (vehicle categories M1 and N1 respectively).

What about my Reliant Robin, motor home or motorcycle?

No, only cars and light vans qualify.

Are electric vehicles included under the terms of the scheme?

Yes, providing the vehicle is a car or light van.

Can you trade an old car for a new van?

Yes. There is no restriction on a car being traded in to get a discount for a van or vice versa.

Is there a limit to the number of cars/vans that a business or individual can scrap as part of the scheme?

No, there is no limit to the number of times a business or individual can take advantage of the scheme. However, only one scrappage subsidy can be given per new vehicle, regardless of how many old vehicles are traded in each time.

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REGISTERED IN THE UK ON OR BEFORE 31 AUGUST 1999

How do I know whether my car was registered before 31 August 1999?

The date of first registration in the UK is shown in section 4 (B1) of the vehicle’s registration certificate (V5C).

My car was manufactured before 31 August 1999 – is it eligible?

No. The vehicle must have been registered in the UK on or before 29 February 2000.

Will the age criterion for the trade-in vehicle change?

No, it will remain the same for the duration of the scheme – vehicles registered in the UK on or before 29 February 2000.

My car was imported or is a left-hand drive model – is it eligible?

If the car was registered in the UK on or before 29 February 2000 then it is eligible, provided all the other conditions of the scheme are met.

My car is registered in this country, I went to another country and then came back to UK, is it valid?

If the car was registered in the UK on or before 29 February 2000 and is registered in the UK now, then it is eligible, provided all the other conditions of the scheme are met.

Are vehicles registered in Northern Ireland eligible?

Vehicles registered in Northern Ireland are UK registered vehicles and qualify for the scrappage scheme, provided all the other conditions of the scheme are met.

My vehicle was registered in Northern Ireland and subsequently re-registered in Great Britain

For vehicles originally registered in Northern Ireland which are subsequently re-registered in Great Britain (GB) it may not be apparent from the V5C how long the vehicle has been registered in the UK, as the DVLA record only relates to the period of registration in GB. The dealer will need to satisfy themselves that the vehicle meets the rules of the schemes by contacting the DVA enquiry line in Northern Ireland (Tel: 0906 5161666) to confirm the date of first registration.

Are vehicles registered in the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man eligible?

No. The Channel Islands and Isle of Man are not covered by the scheme.

The vehicle has been registered to the British Armed Forces prior to the 29 February 2000 eligibility and re-registered as a private vehicle in the UK after the 29 February 2000 – Is it eligible for the scheme?

The BIS Scrappage Team will check the registration with MOD – please email scrappage@bis.gsi.gov.uk

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REGISTERED WITH THE DRIVER AND VEHICLE LICENSING AGENCY (DVLA) OR DRIVER VEHICLE AGENCY (DVA) IN YOUR NAME

I have a V5 log book – do I need a new style V5C?

Yes, you do. The old style log book has been invalid since 1 July 2005.

Are vehicles registered to businesses eligible?

There is no distinction between commercial or private buyers. Car dealers and vehicle manufacturers are not eligible.

The name on my V5C vehicle registration certificate has an incorrect initial, a typing error. Must I get a new V5C before I can collect my new car?

No, if it is only a minor error and you can provide supplementary ID such as a photocard driving licence, gas or electricity bill, or council tax bill, which will satisfy the dealer that you are who you say you are, and that your address is correct then there is no need to get a replacement V5C.If the dealer is any doubt, they will ask you to correct the relevant documentation

I married within the last 12 months, does the fact I changed my name on the V5C document mean that I do not qualify?

No. The V5C document should only show a change of name, but not a change of keeper, and so is still valid under the terms of the scheme.

I’ve married recently and changed my name but haven’t changed my name on the V5C?

You must ensure that all information on the registration certificate (V5C) is correct and up-to-date and will need to apply to DVLA for a replacement showing the correct details. DVLA aims to deliver a V5C to you within four weeks of receiving your application.

I am married but continue to use my maiden name?

The old and new vehicles will need to be registered in the same name.

What do I do with the old V5C registration certificate?

When you trade in your old vehicle you should complete part 9 of the V5C and return it to DVLA to notify them that you are no longer responsible for the vehicle. The dealer will then keep a copy of the V5C. The original of the V5C goes with your car to the Authorised Treatment Facility where it will be scrapped.

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REGISTERED TO THE CUSTOMER CONTINUOUSLY FOR 12 CALENDAR MONTHS BEFORE THE ORDER DATE OF THE NEW VEHICLE

What happens if the scrappage vehicle has been in the same family, at the same address for over 1 year but the registered keeper has changed from parent to child or husband to wife or vice versa, within the last 12 months?

If the name of the registered keeper has changed in the last 12 months then the old vehicle would not be eligible under the scheme.

What happens if the vehicle to be scrapped is registered in my spouse’s name and they have died?

The terms of the scheme are that the registered keeper of the old and new vehicle must be one and the same, and that the old vehicle has been registered to the keeper continuously for 12 months before the order date of the new vehicle.

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UK ADDRESS ON THE V5C REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE

I’ve moved recently but haven’t changed the address on the registration  certificate?

You must ensure that all information on the registration certificate (V5C) is correct and up-to-date and will need to apply to DVLA for a replacement showing the correct details. DVLA aims to deliver a V5C to you within four weeks of receiving your application.

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CURRENT MOT TEST CERTIFICATE

Are cars with MOT test certificates which have recently expired eligible for the scheme?

Yes, provided the MOT certificate has expired no more than 14 days from the order date of the new vehicle. In such cases, you will need to make arrangements with the dealer for the collection of the old vehicle (as it could not be driven on the public highway). The dealer will also need to satisfy themselves that the paperwork and the vehicle match, and are in order.

Why do I need an MOT if the car will be scrapped?

One of aims of the scheme is to get old cars off the road. If your car does not have an MOT it is already off the road and is therefore not eligible.

My old vehicle is a licensed taxi and is exempt from MOT testing?

The dealer will ask you to provide documentation issued by licensing authorities who are authorised to certify a Hackney Carriage vehicle’s roadworthiness in lieu of a MOT certificate.

What happens if my old vehicle is only used on an offshore island and is exempt from MOT testing?

Vehicles do not need an MOT if they are only used on GB islands that have no road connection to the mainland. This exemption does not apply to vehicles used on the Isle of Wight, the islands of Arran, Bute, Great Cumbrae, Islay, Lewis, Mainland (Orkney), Mainland (Shetland), Mull, North Uist and Skye.

Vehicles that fall within this exemption will be eligible for the scrappage scheme, providing the address of the registered keeper shown on the V5C is within an exempt area, the registered keeper has made a declaration that the vehicle is MOT exempt and is taxed and insured. As the vehicle cannot be legally driven outside the island, arrangements will need to be made to transport the car to the dealer so they can satisfy themselves that the paperwork and the vehicle match are in order.

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TAXED AND INSURED

Does the tax disc (VED) have to be valid when the order for the new vehicle is placed?

The vehicle tax requirement, like the MOT requirement relates to the date you order your new vehicle, not the date of delivery. Your old car is still eligible for the scheme if it has a current MOT, or the MOT for your old car has expired within 14 days of the order. Similarly, it must have a valid tax disc or one that has expired within 14 days of the order.

If you are retaining your old vehicle, you must SORN your vehicle, or buy a new tax disc within 14 days of the tax disc running out or you will be committing an offence. Also, if you have neither a MOT or road tax you cannot legally use or park the vehicle on the public road and you will need to make arrangements with the dealer for the vehicle to be collected.

Does the dealer need to keep the tax disc when I trade in my old vehicle?

No, the tax disc should be returned to you so that you can claim a refund if appropriate. To get a refund you’ll need to complete a V14 ‘Application for a refund of vehicle tax’. Send the form and the tax disc to Refund Section, DVLA, Swansea SA99 1AL.

There is no need for the dealer to retain your tax disc. It is not a requirement of the scrappage scheme. The dealer may wish to keep a copy.

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WRITE-OFF

My car is a write-off; does it still qualify for the scheme?

Category A & B write-offs are not eligible.

Category D write-offs are eligible, provided it meets the registration, tax, insurance and MOT criteria.

Category C write-offs before April 2003 are eligible, provided it meets the registration, tax, insurance and MOT criteria.

What happens if my car is a Category C write-off after April 2003?

For cars designated category C write-offs after April 2003, if the car has a Vehicle Identity Check (VIC) marker on it, it will need to pass a VIC test, and have a replacement V5C issued, before it can be eligible for the scheme.

The Dealer will need to contact VOSA (Vehicle and Operator Services Agency) on 0300 123 9000 to find out whether there is a VIC marker on the car. If there is, then you will need to arrange to have VIC test carried out on the car. This can be done at one of VOSA’s 57 VIC testing stations nationwide. The charge for the test is £41 or £50 if the test is carried out of hours.

If the vehicle passes the test, a VIC Pass Certificate (VIC20) will be issued. You should then apply to DVLA for a replacement V5C using a V62 application form. All V5Cs issued following a VIC pass are annotated Accident damaged and/or substantially repaired; identity checked on dd/mm/yyyy

The VIC scheme only applies to vehicles in vehicle category M1.

What happens if my car is a Category C write-off after April 2003 but a VIC marker has not been set?

The dealer will need to check with VOSA that a VIC Marker has not been set. If the dealer is satisfied that there is no VIC Marker, the vehicle is eligible providing all the other criteria of the scheme are met.

How can I check the write-off category of my vehicle?

You will need to use a commercial vehicle check company such as Experian; HPI; Carweb and CDL Vehicle Information Services. These companies obtain vehicle information from a variety of different sources and charge for their services. DVLA is unable to provide any information on the write-off category of a vehicle.

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STATUTORY OFF ROAD NOTIFICATION (SORN)

My vehicle has been declared SORN, is it eligible?

No, one of aims of the scheme is to get old cars off the road. If a SORN has been made then the vehicle, by definition, is already off the road, and is not therefore eligible.

My vehicle has been declared SORN, can I still qualify?

Yes, you have the option of getting it taxed, MOT’d and insured in order to qualify.

I have to wait 2 months for my new car, and the MOT on my old car expires next week, should I get a SORN while I wait for my new car?
Once you have ordered your car, you should SORN your vehicle if it is going to be more than 14 days between the expiry of the MOT and the delivery of the new vehicle or buy a new tax disc. Once you make a SORN you must keep your vehicle off the public road as you will be committing an offence if it is used or parked on the public road. You will need to make arrangements with the dealer for your old car to be collected once the new one is delivered.

If I keep my old car off the road without a SORN, who will pay if I am fined?
While you remain the registered keeper of the vehicle you are responsible for any fines.

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CHERISHED NUMBER PLATES

What do I do if I have a cherished number plate?
You should not sell or otherwise dispose of a vehicle until the cherished registration number has been transferred to another vehicle, or placed on retention, and a replacement V5C has been received. If you dispose of your vehicle prior to this, entitlement to display the registration number will be lost.

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THE SCRAPPED VEHICLE

Can I scrap my old vehicle before ordering a new vehicle from the dealer?

No. The old vehicle must be disposed of by the dealer

Should the scrapped vehicle be shown as a part exchange on the invoice?

The scrapped vehicle should have no financial value and does not need to be shown on the invoice.

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NEW VEHICLE

Are there any restrictions on what consumers can buy?
The new vehicle must be a brand new UK-specification vehicle only ie not previously registered and/or grey import, but can include left-hand drive vehicles that meet UK specifications. There are no models of car or van excluded from the scheme as long as they are below 3.5 tonnes, and supplied by a manufacturer participating in the scheme.

Can manufacturers/dealers decide which cars are exempt from the scheme?
No they cannot exclude models. There is nothing to stop them from providing additional incentives for models they particularly want to sell.

Is there any limit on how long a motorist has to own the new car after they’ve traded their old one in?
No, there is no limit.

Are their restrictions on the time allowed from ordering the vehicle to taking delivery?
Yes, the new vehicle has to be delivered within four months of the order being placed. This is because the scheme is time limited with a fixed budget. Dealers will let you know if the required vehicle cannot be delivered within this timeframe and discuss alternatives with you.

How are financing deals covered under the scheme?
Financing deals are eligible where the customer will ultimately own the new vehicle and appears as the registered keeper on the new vehicle registration certificate. The scrappage incentive should not form part of financing arrangements or be used as a deposit. Leasing and contract hire packages are ineligible.

Are motability customers eligible?
The same rules apply to motability customers as for other financing deals under the scheme. Motability customers are eligible where they are buying the vehicle on Hire Purchase terms and appearing as the registered keeper on the new vehicle registration certificate.