New Vehicle Identification Numbers, Q-plates and even demands for historic cars to pass Vehicle Approval anew have long been demanded by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency.
Recently, however, its reach has stretched beyond even imported and highly modified cars, and increasing numbers of enthusiasts are finding themselves powerless against its unilateral decisions.
While trying to comply, some classic car owners have found themselves at the mercy of muddled DVLA policy © Getty
Often, it begins with a letter that reads something like this: I am writing to inform you that your historic vehicle must be re-registered with a new Vehicle Identification Number stamped into it, Individual Vehicle Approval and a ‘Q’ registration number.
The vehicle record has been voided and you are not to use the vehicle on the road until re-registration takes place.
We have come to this decision because the vehicle no longer retains the original component where the manufacturer’s stamped-in number was found.
This component has been replaced at some point in the history of your vehicle.
As this original stamped identification number is no longer present, there is significant doubt over the vehicle’s identity.
