Selling a car that is SORN, uninsured and unroadworthy?
I have a car which is an MOT failure. I want to get rid of it, either to a scrapyard or private buyer. Given some of the issues with it, I believe I have to sell the car as "unroadworthy" and intend to do so. The car is currently SORN'd and uninsured. Despite all this, it would be physically possible for the car to be driven away, as opposed to being taken on a trailer, as it still drives - although this would obviously be illegal.
Even if tax and insurance were arranged, it would still be MOT-less. If a potential buyer indicates that they would like to do so, and I were to let them, am I guilty of an offence? Or would all responsibility lie on the buyer? I'd just like to know exactly where I stand, so that I can properly explain and back up a refusal to let somebody drive away in it, if it has to come to that.
Even if tax and insurance were arranged, it would still be MOT-less. If a potential buyer indicates that they would like to do so, and I were to let them, am I guilty of an offence? Or would all responsibility lie on the buyer? I'd just like to know exactly where I stand, so that I can properly explain and back up a refusal to let somebody drive away in it, if it has to come to that.
Asked on 3 November 2016 by Peter
Answered by
Honest John
If a trader buys it, then it becomes entirely his responsibility. If a private individual buys it, then he cannot insure and tax it without an MoT, but does appear to be allowed to take ownership and drive the car to a pre-booked appointment at the nearest MoT station. Otherwise, the car has to be trailered or flatbedded away. If the car has little value, you could give it away for charity via www.giveacar.co.uk/
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