Historic vehicle as daily ride?

[OJCar]

I emailed the DVLA yesterday asking if they interpreted using my classic bike for travel between offices and claiming the HMRC mileage allowance for motorcycles would class as use commercially for a trade or business and so require tax.

Their strange response: "Upon checking the record I can confirm the vehicle is registered under the Historic Tax Class.

It may help if I explain regarding Commercial Use for the vehicle this will matter will need to be discussed with your Insurance.

I hope this information helps."

Looks like someone in the DVLA is planning on a career in politics

That "It may help if I explain " sentence,
was the e-mail signed Yoda

 

[Greeves246]

As I have no need or desire to go to London, it is not really relevant to me , but Historic vehicles along with military and agricultural are exempt from the ULEZ charges. Whether it will push prices up I don't know, but certainly makes a good argument for owning one if you needed to go into London, and I suspect other city centres before long. Greeves 246

 

[clift_d]

Regarding the question of mileage limits on classic vehicles, not sure if this helps: https://assets.publishing.service.g...f-historical-interest-from-roadworthiness.pdf

Page 11 section 31 confirms no option on mileage limit was imposed.

I also see under https://www.gov.uk/historic-vehicles/vehicles-exempt-from-vehicle-tax

that "
Your vehicle will not be exempt from vehicle tax if:

• it’s used for hire or reward (for example, it’s used as a taxi for paying customers)
• it’s used commercially for a trade or business"

Am not sure if that includes just travelling for business as I do, between business locations....ouch if that means I need to buy road tax, hope not.

I do not see any mention of business use in the MOT exemption section:https://www.gov.uk/government/publi...c-vehicles-mot-exemption-criteria#eligibility

If you're getting reimbursed for the miles travelling between meetings, or claiming them against tax, then my guess would be that this usage would count as being for business.

 

[Rannsachair]

If you're getting reimbursed for the miles travelling between meetings, or claiming them against tax, then my guess would be that this usage would count as being for business.

I read used commercially as for profit: getting paid the HMRC rates for mileage has no profit element, it just reimburses me for my expenses. I have my bikes insured for business use but have not paid tax on them as they are classed as historic.....hence the question to the DVLA.

I see the risk as the insurance company could use it as an excuse to not pay out in the event of a claim, I will ask them.

 

[earthman]

Basically if you are earning some money via using the vehicle, they want a cut of that in the way of some road fund tax.

Am I right in thinking that??

 

[Rannsachair]

Basically if you are earning some money via using the vehicle, they want a cut of that in the way of some road fund tax.

Am I right in thinking that??

That is my reading of it, though the answer I got from the DVLA makes me wonder if they understand it....

 

[slim_boy_fat]

I sometimes think I'd like to run a classic, simple and straightforward to maintain etc.

But I realise it'd not take long for me to miss the comfort, speed, convenience etc of what I currently have and regret the move.
And sadly, I have no garage or off-street space/place to have one as a 'garage queen/weekend run around' to work on.....

 

[Tommytiptip]

Mine will have an injected 130bhp engine out of a cavalier, mated to a manta 5 speed box

You, ll be having fun on wet roundabouts in that! Even in 5th!

 

[Allthegearnoidea]

So far been out Twice in my 53 Chevy. Broke down twice so not a great start.

Regards Chris

 

[earthman]

So far been out Twice in my 53 Chevy. Broke down twice so not a great start.

Regards Chris

Oh, sorry to hear that, what were the cause of the breakdown(s)?

 

[Allthegearnoidea]

First time it would drive fine on the flat but died on the first hill. Annoying as every direction from my house is up hill. I think it was a fuel problem combination of clogged fuel lines filter and poor electric fuel pump. Replaced all the above and installed new mechanical fuel pump Feeling very smug went out for a drive and it cut out on a hill and blind bend totally wouldn’t start. Diagnosis poor spark, coil felt hotter than the engine. Replace coil and started right up.

Next new old problem black smoke when starting and when reving between gear change . Plugs sooted up black. Think it’s over fueling. Could be idle mixture screw or float or float seat, or worn main jet. Carb rebuild kit now on order

First outing could have gone better