Registering Your Scooter / Wheelchair with DVLA

It has emerged recently that many Class 3 scooter/buggy users, and some Shopmobility schemes, are unaware that this type of vehicle must be registered with DVLA. A Form V55/5 is necessary, which requests details of the vehicle concerned, and this should be completed and sent to DVLA. They will issue a registration disc which should be displayed on the vehicle. There is no charge for this and there is currently no need to produce evidence of insurance.

There has recently been a review commissioned by Department for Transport, covering ‘Class 2 and Class 3 vehicles. Its main recommendations are that:-

Third Party insurance be made compulsory for both Class 2 and Class 3 vehicles.
they suggest a re-evaluation of the effectiveness of registration, whilst keeping the present Vehicle Excise Duty exemption.
better training and advice be given to potential users, particularly at the point of any sale of powered scooters or wheelchairs.

Full details of the review can be accessed on the DfT website:-

http://www.dft.gov.uk/ > Access for Disabled People > Transport Infrastructure, Pedestrians, Wheelchair and Scooter Users > Review of Class 2 and Class 3 Powered Wheelchairs and Powered Scooters (Invalid Carriages).

Minibus Speed Limiter Legislation

Many people seem unaware of this legislation which has, in fact, been on the cards for some time.

The general rules are:

For minibuses used only in UK, under 5000kg gvw:

Registered since 01/01/05 - must have a speed limiter fitted by 1st January 2008 (regulated to 100 km/h).

Registered between 01/10/01 and 31/12/04 - operator must identify the type of diesel engine fitted (by checking engine code) Those minibuses compliant to Euro 3 and above must have a limiter fitted by 1st January 2007.
Apart from Mercedes and Iveco/Irisbus vehicles, many makes (eg all Ford Transits and LDVs) are exempt as they do not have Euro 3 diesel engines. A full list can be obtained from VOSA.

Registered before 01/10/01 – not affected. No limiter required.

In looking to have speed limiters installed, it is safest to contact the vehicle manufacturer, and check with VOSA who keep a list of authorised suppliers. Many large garages may not be registered. If your limiter is not set precisely to the new regulations and legally compliant, you could face MOT failure and even prosecution!

MOTs currently look for a limiter on Class VI vehicles (and a Class V minibus exceeding 7500kg). However, it is very likely that this will be extended to lighter Class V minibuses and all Class IV before too long, so it is very important to make sure that any road speed limiter fitted to any of your minibuses is legally compliant.

Advance Warning – it is likely that, once all the changes requiring road speed limiters have taken place (after 1st January 2008), the national motorway speed limit for buses will be lowered. Watch this space!

For full information and advice, visit the VOSA website.