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Whenever the term "moped" has been used in the following text, it can be assumed that it also applies to cyclemotors. The regulations are the same for an 18cc Lohmann as for a Yamaha FS1E. Autocycles, having engines greater than 50cc, not only have to conform to all these regulations, but more besides.
In many countries the regulations that mopeds have to conform to are much less stringent than for full-sized motor cycles. However, this is not the case in the UK. Here a moped must be registered, MoT tested (if it is over three years old) and covered by 'third party' insurance. The rider must have an appropriate driving licence and must wear a BS-approved crash helmet. Mopeds are not allowed to use cycle lanes.
The only exception to this is for some electrically powered cycles. If they conform to the EAPC (Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle) regulations - which means having pedals, a 'dead-man' cut-out and being within specific weight, power and maximum speed limits - then they are exempted from most of these regulations.
Most of this is fairly straightforward; the bit that causes most problems with the historic machines that are the EACC's forté, is getting the moped registered in the first place.
When you buy an historic moped, the documentation that it comes with can range from a full set to nothing at all. Many cyclemotors even lost their registration plates when the original owner took the engine off so he could carry on using the bicycle. Occasionally lucky enthusiasts discover old mopeds that, for some reason, never got sold and languished for many years in the back of a shop; these would never have been registered. Similarly, an old moped bought in another country may have no documentation relevant to the UK.
The registration procedure will depend on just how much paperwork comes with the moped.
If there is a modern registration document (called a V5 or V5C) then all that needs to be done is to follow the instructions on the V5 for change of ownership. The procedures vary according to when the registration document was issued so we will not attempt to list them here, check the instructions on the form or visit the DVLA Web Site for more information. Before using the moped on the road, the moped must be insured, tested and taxed. It might already have a valid test certificate and tax disc when you buy it.
If there is no registration document but you believe it has had one (for instance: the vendor might tell you that he has lost the document) then you can apply for a replacement V5. Your local Post Office should have the correct forms to do this.
If the previous owner has given a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) instead of taxing the moped, the you must also declare SORN when you change the ownership.
If the moped has no registration document but does have some other form of documentation that shows the registration mark, then you can apply to have its registration re-instated. The appropriate form to fill in is called a V765 and is available from your local Vehicle Registration Office (VRO). The address of your nearest VRO is available from the DVLA Web Site. To reclaim the moped's original registration mark, you must have some documentary evidence that the mark belongs to your moped. A registration plate is not enough. The ideal piece of documentation is the card 'logbook'. These are green or buff in colour and are numbered VE60 or RF60. Failing that, an old tax disc or MoT certificate can be used as supporting documentation. However, if you have none of these but are prepared to do a bit of research work, it may be possible to turn up some documentation. Originally, County Councils and County Borough Councils (Burgh Councils in Scotland) were responsible for registering motor vehicles. When a centralised, computerised registration system was introduced, much of the old paper documentation was destroyed. However, many local authorities had the foresight to preserve their original documents in the county archives or record offices. If you can track down the original registration records for your moped, a certified copy of the records can be used as supporting evidence to retain the registration mark.
Having gathered your evidence, and completed the V765 form, your application has to be sent to an authorised enthusiasts club for verification. The EACC is authorised to do this.
Note: for vehicles outside the EACC's remit (cars, for example), a complete list of authorised clubs (called form V765/1 is be available from the VRO that supplied the V765 form.
If you have no suitable documentation, the moped can still be registered. It will be given an 'age-related' registration mark (ie: one that looks appropriate for the age of the moped) provided that you can supply evidence of its age. Again, the EACC can help here. We are able to certify the date of most makes of cyclemotor, autocycle and moped (and some other vehicles too) from details such as the frame and engine numbers.
Changing ownership on a registration document or applying to retain a mark using a V765 can be done when you buy a moped. An application for a 'age-related' mark should be made when the moped is ready for the road. It needs to be tested and insured (the matter of what registration mark to put on the MoT and Insurance certificates is overcome by using the frame number instead - these documents can later be endorsed with the new registration mark when it is issued).
Nowadays, many insurance companies are reluctant to insure a vehicle that has no registration mark because they now run a national database on all insured vehicles. However, it can be done. But it is likely that your insurance company will specify a time limit within which you must notify them of the registration mark. So, be sure that everything is ready for the MoT before you insure your machine.
This has been just a brief outline of the procedures. If you would like more information, need a dating certificate, or want a V765 form verified, then please get in touch us by e-mailing .
Please quote your membership number if you are an EACC member. The club makes a small charge for issuing dating certificates and verifying V765 forms. These services are also available to non-members of the club.
We have prepared a couple of information sheets about the process:
Age-related registration information sheet
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Last Modified 23 May 2008
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