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how to register an imported vespa

PostPosted: Sat May 30, 2009 8:09 pm
by rcm64
hi,just want to say hello.recently bought myself a spanish vespa px125 import,no doc + no plate.how do i register the scooter? :?: :idea:

Re: how to register an imported vespa

PostPosted: Sun May 31, 2009 9:55 am
by Gooner47
Hi

First thing is to see if you can get a date cert from Vespa Club of Britain but it doesn't matter if you can't.
It's simple but a pain. You're have to get an MOT. They're do that on the chassis number. Then get it insured, also on the chassis number. Take all your documents (licence, Import docs, etc........) to your local DVLA centre and they should have the paperwork and help you fill in the forms properly. If all ok they will give you a date to return with the scooter for an inspection (usually making sure the Chassis and Engine numbers are same as on docs). Once that's all done they will send you your new documents in the post. In it will be a certificate to take with your licence to get number plates made up.
YOU will NOT be able to ride the scooter to the inspection. I strapped mine down in the back of a van and inspection took 30 seconds lol. Also don't forget to take MONEY. I think it was around £55 for registering and £15 road tax, unless of course it's exempt from Road tax.

Good Luck

Re: how to register an imported vespa

PostPosted: Sun May 31, 2009 10:02 pm
by rcm64
thanks,there was no import docs as it was bought privately.i done a vin check using the chassis and engine numbers and it came up that it is a 1982 px125e.

Re: how to register an imported vespa

PostPosted: Mon Jun 01, 2009 11:34 am
by P2 Stu
Gooner47's post pretty much covers it but to add a little from my own experience.

You don't need import docs as it was bought in the UK but you will need a dating certificate from an approved organisation/individual, VCB, Vintage Motor Scooter Club, British Lambretta Archive (They also do Vespa), print outs from webpages of serial numbers won't be accepted.

Without a date cert they cannot issue an age related number plate and you'll end up with a nasty Q plate. Get the date cert first before doing anything that costs money.

Get the scoot ready for the MOT, if you intend riding it there (which is allowed) you'll need insurance which as Gooner47 says you can get on the chassis number but be warned some companies only let you do that for a couple of weeks so get your timing right. And make sure you have a booked MOT appointment in case you are pulled en route.

Once you have an MOT it's off to your local DVLA. You'll need a completed V55/5 form which main post offices hold, your date cert, your insurance, MOT cert and your licence (only to prove your name and address). Don't forget £55 fees and £15 road tax, take cash, they don't do cards.

I have been told some DVLA offices do make you fill in an import doc but it's a box ticking excercise, they aren't concerned about collecting import tax and duties.

You'll get a date for a physical inspection where they check frame and engine number matches your docs so if you are doing a respray make sure you spray lightly over the frame number or they will make you scrape it off. You can't ride to this one, so it's take it in a van/on a trailer.

They'll then send you a plating cert, tax disc and later your V5 from Swansea will arrive.

Get a plate made up and it's happy days, ride it till the tank runs dry

Re: how to register an imported vespa

PostPosted: Mon Jun 01, 2009 12:48 pm
by BrynO
Couple of things worth knowing, the DVLA don't always inspect (my local office apparently do a random like 1 in 10, or if there are any funnies in the papers, or if they think you are a dealer).

You can't guarantee to avoid the inspection, but I'd suggest take all your docs up personally rather than posting and let them go through there and then to be sure you have not missed anything. Also, take some photos with you including the chassis number.

You can request a V55 via the DVLA web site if no post office near you.

Cheque is fine as an alternative to cash.

I did this the other week and got my plate through 2 days after visiting the office.

Re: how to register an imported vespa

PostPosted: Tue Jun 02, 2009 10:06 pm
by 50spesh
Does anybody know whether when you register a scooter whether you have to pay any duty or tax to HMRC?

I am about to purchase a 50 special and I called DVLA to se what I would need to register it and she mentioned something about a form from customs and excise, I asked her if there would be anything to pay but she said no (But in hindsight she may have thought I meant to obtain a form) My dad said a few years ago when he imported a truck from the states there was tax to pay.

Any ideas?

Thanks

Re: how to register an imported vespa

PostPosted: Wed Jun 03, 2009 9:02 am
by BrynO
No tax to pay if it's imported from an EU country..

Re: how to register an imported vespa

PostPosted: Thu Jun 04, 2009 9:43 am
by P2 Stu
Slightly off topic

But I can never get my head round why you can't ride your scoot to the inspection.

You can ride an untaxed, just dragged out of a shed, possible death trap, with possibly no documents/insurance/licence to the MOT and that's fine.

But get it MOT'd, show your insurance at the local DVLA, pay your road tax, basically have everything you need except a plate on a road worthy scoot...and you can't ride it to the inspection place where they just look at it :?:

Re: how to register an imported vespa

PostPosted: Mon Jul 27, 2009 8:58 am
by jules2
HI
I HAVE A FRAME WITH JUST 5 DIGITS AS THE FRAME NUMBER , NO PART OF THE FRAME HAS BEEN CUST OFF OR GROUND OFF, HOW DO I REGISTER IT ?

Re: how to register an imported vespa

PostPosted: Mon Jul 27, 2009 9:19 am
by BrynO
^ see the other thread!

Re: how to register an imported vespa

PostPosted: Mon Jul 27, 2009 8:07 pm
by geedee
this seems to be pretty much covered, but i would look into riding your scoot to mot centre as from my understanding
if your REGISTERED vehicke is due an mot and you haven't got tax, you are allowed to drive/ride to a pre appointed test.

but as regarding an UNREGISTERED vehcle, there is nothing to prove what, who's, etc etc about the vehicle , hence the same reason you can't ride to dvla center, and the coppers would most likely confiscate scoot and you get done aswell. this was a result of asking 3 different center's with all saying the same.

regards
graham.

Re: how to register an imported vespa

PostPosted: Mon Jul 27, 2009 8:08 pm
by geedee
this seems to be pretty much covered, but i would look into riding your scoot to mot centre as from my understanding
if your REGISTERED vehicke is due an mot and you haven't got tax, you are allowed to drive/ride to a pre appointed test.

but as regarding an UNREGISTERED vehcle, there is nothing to prove what, who's, etc etc about the vehicle , hence the same reason you can't ride to dvla center, and the coppers would most likely confiscate scoot and you get done aswell. this was a result of asking 3 different center's with all saying the same.

regards
graham.

Re: how to register an imported vespa

PostPosted: Wed Jul 29, 2009 12:20 pm
by BrynO
You can ride an unregistered scooter for it's MOT as long as it is booked in, a reasonable distance (i.e. nearest test station) and you are insured on the frame number - FACT

Re riding for inspection, seems this is a bit of a grey areas as the Northampton centre just told someone they could ride it to the inspection again, so long as it was for a pre agreed appointment and you take a direct route there and back. They said they would confirm the booking with the Police in the event of getting pulled over.

So, worth checking with local office before hand.

Re: how to register an imported vespa

PostPosted: Mon Aug 31, 2009 4:13 pm
by flat cap man
kin ell talk about hello