Noob needs export advice.

[Bosco]

Background: I'm an Irishman permanently resident in France. I'm about to acquire my first Merc a 230E automatic. It will be MOTed but probably not taxed when I get it. I will be picking it up near Cheshunt.

My plan is to take it to Kwik-Fit for a full service, new radio and getting some beam deflectors. From there drive to Dover and onwards via Calais to the south of France. A permanent export.

I know what hoops I will have to jump through here in France but I'm not so sure about the British end. I intend to re-register it in France with a couple of months once I have done a few things to it such as changing the headlights to LHD etc.

Can I get my French address on the registration document / log book? If so what proof of address would be acceptable?

Alternatively can I use my name and a friends UK address?

Must I tax the car to drive it to the port or is there some exemption available for exports? If not is trailering it to the port my only option? Any ideas what that would set me back?

Is there an official export scheme of some sort that makes this process any easier?

I will have French insurance on the car before I pick it up so I'm covered to drive in UK for up to 30 days.

I know I have a bit of a cheek asking so many question so soon after joining but I don't know where else to ask.

Thanks for any help advice you many have.

 

[Mr. B]

Where did you say you were from again ?

 

[WOODYTHEWISE]

Things may have changed since I last did this. You must have a UK address to register the vehicle in the UK. If resident in the UK (Not the ROI)you can use the vehicle for six months prior to export without tax, must be insured and have an MOT.
You then notify the DVLA that the vehicle has been permanently exported with supporting documents.
As I said things may have changed. I would chack via the DVLA. Hope this helps.

 

[Bosco]

Background: I'm an Irishman permanently resident in France.

Where did you say you were from again ?

Have I confused you? I'm in France the car is in England. I live about 40mins north of St. Tropez. Do you need a lift or something brought down?

Woody that sounds very encouraging thanks.

 

[Dieselman]

I live about 40mins north of St. Tropez. Do you need a lift or something brought down?

No, but a couple of weeks run of your house would be good for a break.


I would just buy the car and high tail it to the ferry, the tax won't be an issue as long as it is insured.

 

[Bosco]

I would just buy the car and high tail it to the ferry, the tax won't be an issue as long as it is insured.

That's what I'm coming around to thinking myself. I'm sure any half decent copper who stopped me with a purchase receipt and ferry ticket for the same day in my hand would let my go with just a bit of a lecture. It's the sneaky ANPR yokes that have me concerned.

 

[Dieselman]

You won't get stopped for no tax and the cameras only notify DVLA. I bought a car and drove it home 200 miles and even then didn't tax it until the following month and never heard a peep from DVLA.

More importantly. Can I use your house while the Feds have you locked up?

 

[Bosco]

If the Feds catch me and lock me up you have a deal.

 

[mejermy]

I think you will find that France allows 2 months to register an imporetd used car, and during this period you can use the car under French insurance, although on foreign but EEC plates. Since there's no vignette in France, and you're a French resident with either a ROI or French licence, then provided it's insured as above I suggest DVLA and the peelers can whislte, since any points wouldn't be transferrable onto a French licence. Not certain about ROI, but think the same situation. The likelihood of them pursuing you for a no RFT fine is close to zero.

 

[Mr. B]

If sighted by the Police you will get stopped for no tax.

Failing to display a current VEL can be the tip of the iceberg and may reveal other offences ie. no insurance / disq driving etc. Not in your case I would like to add.

ANPR cameras do not notify DVLA if your vehicle passes one.

You say you are sailing from one of the ports.

All the UK ports use ANPR technology for vehicles entering and leaving the UK.

I wouldn't be too concerned about using your vehicle without a current VEL.

If you do get stopped and have all the necessary paper work I'm sure you will get a 'Scarborough warning'.

Worse case scenario the Police will submit a CLE/26 form notifying DVLA that your vehicle has been seen on a public road without a current VEL.

DVLA will then attempt to contact you. If the vehicle is a permanent export / registered overseas and you are a permanent resident of France that will be the end of it.

To be honest I wouldn't be too worried about the tax issue but obviously I'm not recommending that you should use it without a current VEL.

It's not ANPR technology you should be worried about it's the DVLA enforcement team who work up and down the UK.

If your vehicle is parked at the side of the road without a current VEL they will clamp it and get it recovered.

If you do make a run for the ports don't leave it unattended on route.

Hope this helps.

 

[Bosco]

Ok. I've re-evaluated the deal and tbh it's not worth the effort.

I have found a garage close to me selling a 260E (235km) for €2200. That is in line with the Argus price for that car/year/milage. It's reasonably well speced - auto, c/locking, alarm, black leather seats, aircon, nice alloys, fsh. It's dark gray, body work unblemished.

I intend to take it for an independent CT/MOT.
What should I look out for?

Pica attached - ignore the reg, they change on transfer of ownership.