Towing a car with no tax or MOT

[Gayno]

Where does the law stand?

I need to move my Honda Prelude to the bodyshop but it has no MOT or tax.

Can I tow it with another car on a rope or bar and will the plod take an interest should they drive past? The route is mainly rural so the chance of running into them is slim.

The other option is the bodyshop also organises MOTs, so I could drive it under this premise, but does it apply to an MOT being performed in a few weeks after the bodywork has been done?!

[m8internet]

Providing the front wheels are clear of the ground, it is acceptable

Providing it is on its way to or from a pre-arranged MoT, it is acceptable

[Gayno]

I'm aware of the pre-arranged MOT rule, but does it apply if the MOT is arranged for say 3 weeks time and I'm dropping it off to have bodywork done first?!

And I take it regular tow with all 4 wheels on the ground but engine not running isn't allowed?!

[bangty 1]

m8 book it in for an mot THE DAY YOU ARE GOIN TO TOW IT THERE then when you get there cancel it done hows that for useing your head

[John LE]

Do the garage not have trade plates that they could come and pick the car up with for a small fee? Either that or is there no way of hiring a car trailer to trailer it to them.

Not worth the hassle of getting caught in my opinion and you are only covered to drive without an mot to a pre-arranged MOT and the test station has to be the closest one to your address.

Whatever you do don't take any risks with it.

[m8internet]

you are only covered to drive without an mot to a pre-arranged MOT and the test station has to be the closest one to your address

Not strictly true, so long as the nominated MoT test station is within a reasonable distance
This is generally accepted as "up to 15 miles"
This can also be increased for specific vehicle types

However, it has been known for someone to drive from London to Lancashire, claim they were driving to a MoT test
It transpired it was the case, but they only just made it!
Ironically, Cumbria Police were not impressed, but turned up when the vehicle was halfway through the test, checking the appointment book it had been made a few weeks earlier...
It was never disclosed if the vehicle actually passed or failed

[Gayno]

Trailer is my other option as Siggy has a towbar, BUT I've only got a B licence, and I think it may tip over the allowed weight I'm allowed to tow.

I know it has to be under 3.5 tonnes, but the Siggy and Prelude probably weigh close to 3 on their own.....

[kentish_bloke]

from watching one of those 'traffic cop' programmes a short while ago, the rozzers stopped some guy who was having his car towed with all 4 wheels on the ground, but the rope snapped & they couldnt re-attach it, so the guy drove the formerly towed car, whereupon plod happened upon him & promptly did their usual stuff, roadside checks etc, but cant remember if they impounded the vehicle or allowed him to continue once a new rope was purchased.

basically, you should be able to tow a car without an mot or tax, so long as it isnt moving under its own power, i.e. it MUST be attached to a towing car with a rope or tow pole.

& do what bangty 1 suggests above

[rjw]

i believe using a pole should be ok, as that shows you were prepared to tow, and planned towing it to the place, but trailer would be safest option i'd say, am i right in assuming you have a signum to tow? weight of a signum is approx 1.6tonnes, and prelude is around 1.3 tonnes so well under the 3.5 tonnes your limited to, dont see a problem

[Gayno]

Not forgetting the weight of the trailer!!

Besides, I have zero towing experience, so I'd be quite aprehensive putting my pride and joy onto a trailer and taking it myself.

I think a twing bar or recovery company is the way forward.

Thanks to all who put their thoughts in.