Engine/Chassis numbers: Don't get caught out!
 

I'm pretty sure that this has been said loads of times on this site, but I will say it again anyway:

VERY IMPORTANT: Before you apply for a carnet or set off on your trip, check that your chassis and engine numbers on the bike match those on your Registration Certificate!!! I stupidly trusted that the number on my Registration Certificate is correct, supplied that number to the RAC for my Carnet and now, with a week before we leave, I am sitting with a Registration Certificate and Carnet that has a different number to those on my bike. It is only a P instead of a D, but some border officials might just use it to get a hefty fine/bribe out of you, or worse, sent you back!

The good people of the RAC will charge you £150 for issuing a new Carnet, as it wasn't their fault they got the wrong number. However, they will give you letter with the official letterhead and stamps, saying that the number on the carnet is wrong, without charge. I would be interested to hear if anybody has used this in the past with success.

The DVLA however, takes between two to four weeks to issue a new Registration Certificate with the right number. So, the only option we have is to risk it and see if we can get into Tunisia without them spotting the difference. I would also be interested to know other travellers experience at the Tunis harbour, and any information on how thoroughly they check chassiss/engine numbers.

Regards,

Namsa.

A solution.
 

It seems that a possible solution for having a Vehicle Registration Document chassis/engine number that doesn't match the numbers on your bike is to get an International Certificate for Motor Vehicles from the RAC for about a fiver. Obviously with the correct numbers!

Since I've done my carnet through them, they've known me and the problem I have with the incorrect numbers, and were more than willing to issue this document for me with the right numbers. Plus it is available next day as well!

I just hope now that it works and that some border official doesn't insist on seeing the original Vehicle Registration Certificate. If anybody experienced this in the past, please let me know.

Namsa.

hi ...

I don't think they care at-all about matching VIN and engine Numbers . In most of Africa/Asia/SouthAmerica , they change engines more often than we do spark plugs. A car with matching VIN/Engine numbers is a rarity nowdays over there .

as long as the number is not grossly different .. they will understand it .

Javier

I don't know about Tunisia, but my chassis number has been checked several times at border crossings. Perhaps you can "fudge" the chassis number on the bike? A scratch, perhaps?