Practically Classics Forum

Hi, hope you are well!

I'm looking at an imported car that has not been registered with DVLA. If I buy it & HMRC aren't aware of the car being in the UK, will there be penalties due, I have read £5 per day for late notification of import!

Once the current owner has sold it, obviously they won't want to know!

Has anyone had a similar experience & how did the situation resolve itself?

Thanks in anticipation

Ian

Your best bet is to ask HMRC. Officialdom are often very helpful if they think you are being up front and honest with them. There is also information on the DVLA website about registering vehicles, it will depend on the age and whether it is imported from the EU or not.

The car is from Texas & originally manufactured in 1973. I believe it was imported last year

Ian

good luck!! can we have pics please?

Ian, actually importing a car yourself is straightforward enough, you are right about the time limit, it's actually 14 days, although it might be longer from an EU country. Your fly in the oinment is that you are buying it from someone else who hasn't jumped through all the hoops, and again you are right, you will pick up the tab for that someone else's incompetence.

You can look at all the details on this government website Importing Vehicles into the UK. Take Pete's advice before you part with your cash, HMRC can be woefully slow, but better that than to be fined and possibly the car ending up in the crusher. It could be a seriously painful experience if you were to take a chance.

Thanks for the feedback!

I have seen documentation so that I can relax on import duties. There is still registration with DVLA to do.

I appreciate your time & insight

Ian