Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Trip Paperwork
Trip Paperwork Covers all documentation, carnets, customs and country requirements, how to deal with insurance etc.
Photo by Ellen Delis, Lagunas Ojos del Campo, Antofalla, Catamarca

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Ellen Delis,
Lagunas Ojos del Campo,
Antofalla, Catamarca



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 23 Jan 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 37
Uk road tax who needs it!!!

Hi guys just a quicky
going away for 12 months so do i need to keep road tax on the 4x4 whilst im away as it will have run out by the time we return and besides we all hate paying it so why should i ????
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 23 Jan 2006
Matt Cartney's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland
Posts: 1,350
Theoretically I see no reason why you should have to. However, you'll have to get a 'Statutory Off Road Notice' or SORN for the vehicle to avoid an automatic fine. Just take your old tax disc along with V25 into post office, obtain a refund for the left over time on your tax disc and get your car 'sorned'. (and hope you don't get nicked between your house and the ferry!) I've never done this myself but I'd guess theres no reason why you shouldn't.
Matt
__________________
http://adventure-writing.blogspot.com

http://scotlandnepal.blogspot.com/

*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 25 Jan 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London
Posts: 88
The road tax refund covers unexpired months only so I guess you are covered up to the end of the month anyway. I suppose you might get done for not displaying a valid tax disc, but since the boys in blue have ANPR a check should show your vehicle is taxed on the computer system. Best keep copies of the documents - I think they would be lenient but that's just personal opinion.
Les
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 25 Jan 2006
Bill Holland's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Stoke, UK
Posts: 210
I seem to remember a similar thread a couple of months ago, the problem there was being away from the UK for over a year, seems you can only declare SORN for 12 months, so if you are away after the first 12 month period of SORN, you may get fined in your absence. Has anyone found an answer to this ?
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 25 Jan 2006
Jake's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Northumberland, uk
Posts: 761
How about telling DVLA that you will be out of the country with the vehicle for over a year and get some written documents off them to provide you with a temporary tax disc till you leave the uk. When you re-enter I do not think a court in the land would convict you if you had just got off a ferry and MOT and taxed your vehicle as soon as Practicable as they say in the legal system.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 25 Jan 2006
Sime66's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Wild West (of Crete)
Posts: 283
I filled in the "exported" section of the logbook and posted it off when I left the UK because I knew it was going to be more than a year. Dunno if I'm going to get stiffed when I get back in 10 days though...


------------------
Simon

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tstories/fitzpatrick
__________________
Simon

London-Cape Town 2004-06
Buenos Aires-Vancouver 2008-10:
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tstories/fitzpatrick
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 7 Feb 2006
mustaphapint's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Brittany, France
Posts: 401
Technically, your UK registered vehicle is only legal when abroad if it is road legal in the UK. ie MOT'd, taxed and insured. This is certainly the case in Europe. I doubt very much if a foreign police force would be interested in your road tax but it may be an issue if you have an accident and your insurance company use it as an excuse to avoid paying out. Having said that I'd probably be along with you taking the risk anyway. By the way you can now declare SORN or retax your vehicle via the DVLA website.
And no I don't know how you would comply with the law if your MOT runs out when you are half-way round the world!
__________________
If you think you are too small to make a difference you have never spent the night with a mosquito.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 7 Feb 2006
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia
Posts: 1,362
On the MOT.

I've enquired here in Australia - they said over the phone (took some time to get the answer);
Have the vehicle inspected by someone who normally does that function in that country
Post it to us (have it interperted if it is not in English) together with the fees due and a covering letter.

Seems reasonable. Probably a good idea to take a blank inspection form with you - so the person doing the inspection has an idea of what would be required in your country? Maybe get them to fill out both their form and yours?


__________________
---
Regards Frank Warner
motorcycles BMW R80 G/S 1981, BMW K11LT 1993, BMW K75 G/S
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 20 Feb 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 602
I'm planning on leaving for well over a year. When I return. I don't expect my vehicle will pass an MOT....

UK law, as I understand it, allows you to drive without MOT / tax if you have an arranged MOT at a garage. So maybe the answer is to book an MOT in the UK from France or wherever and drive there straight from the ferry! You'd certainly have plenty to chat about with the mechanic while you waited...

[This message has been edited by danielsprague (edited 20 February 2006).]
__________________
4.5 years around Eurasia in a Toyota Hilux|http://eurasiaoverland.wordpress.com/
Pictures Here|https://picasaweb.google.com/113619413612674951960
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 26 Feb 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: UK
Posts: 1,232
Quote:
Originally posted by moggy 1968:
Your only covered for driving to and from the garage to undertake a prebooked mot or after an mot to a garage to have mot work done on the vehicle that is prebooked. You could still get nicked for a dangerous vehicle though. You would have a hard time persuading them that driving 200 miles to your local garage was 'reasonable'. Although there are no specified distance limites (50 miles in scotland may be reasonable, in london it isn't) it should be somewhere local. Maybe the garages in dover do a roaring trade in this! My tax runs out when I am away, but I don't think you can get a new one more than a month before the old one runs out so I shall just go to the Post Office in Dover when I get back and get one, thats assuming customs let me off the port! Fortunately my mot will still be valid so I will have all the documentation I need with me.

evidently those in suits hadn't thought about this 'cos it is beyond their sphere of conscious thought!

Andy
Landy 101 ambie/camper
TLC H60 x2!
1968 morris minor traveller

of <BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="">quote:</font><HR><font face="" size="2">Originally posted by danielsprague:
I'm planning on leaving for well over a year. When I return. I don't expect my vehicle will pass an MOT....

UK law, as I understand it, allows you to drive without MOT / tax if you have an arranged MOT at a garage. So maybe the answer is to book an MOT in the UK from France or wherever and drive there straight from the ferry! You'd certainly have plenty to chat about with the mechanic while you waited...

[This message has been edited by danielsprague (edited 20 February 2006).]


</font><HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

__________________
1990 Landcruiser H60. Full rebuild completed 2014
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 26 Feb 2006
mustaphapint's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Brittany, France
Posts: 401
Andy.
You are still leaving yourself open to an automatic fine for not either renewing your road fund licence on time or declaring the vehicle off-road. There appears to be no dialogue over this, if your vehicle comes up on the database for not being either taxed or declared off-road a fixed penalty notice is automatically sent to the registered keeper. You can renew your road tax over the internet if you have the new computerised MOT. It means the tax disc will be sent to your home, but at least you're covered from being fined for avoiding the tax.
It used to be that you had to do something against the law to commit an offence. Now you can be made a criminal just by doing nothing.

[This message has been edited by harleyrider (edited 26 February 2006).]
__________________
If you think you are too small to make a difference you have never spent the night with a mosquito.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 27 Feb 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: UK
Posts: 1,232
hmm, yes good point, maybe the answer is to get it on the internet while you are away. then your only offence is not displaying a tax disc, which under the circumstances you would probably get away with.

Andy
__________________
1990 Landcruiser H60. Full rebuild completed 2014
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 4 Mar 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 602
I've just read some rules regarding declaring a vehicle off the road (SORN), which states that... 'you should not declare SORN if the vehicle is being temporarily exported'. Usefully however, they do not suggest what to do under these circumstances. No doubt it will involve some forking out of tax...
__________________
4.5 years around Eurasia in a Toyota Hilux|http://eurasiaoverland.wordpress.com/
Pictures Here|https://picasaweb.google.com/113619413612674951960
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 5 Mar 2006
mustaphapint's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Brittany, France
Posts: 401
The alternative is to declare the vehicle as exported , however you are then supposed to import it to another country which is probably not very practical on a round the world tour. I wonder what would happen if you declared your bike exported, but never competed an import and then returned with it to the UK a couple of years later and tried to re-register it. I guess you would be illegal as soon as you rode off the ferry.
__________________
If you think you are too small to make a difference you have never spent the night with a mosquito.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 5 Mar 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,598
Maybe it would be easier to export your bike to France ? I have mine registered in france, as I only use it in the summer and keep it there. There is no MOT for motorcycles in france which removes that worry. you would of course have to insure it in France, and that is what I do.. probably outside of the eec you would need 'auxilary' insurance.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 22:42.