Costly Fines Classic Car Drivers Should Watch Out For

Owning a classic car is a source of pride, a hobby steeped in nostalgia, and a symbol of timeless craftsmanship. However, when it comes to driving your beloved motor on UK roads, even seasoned enthusiasts can fall foul of regulations. From obscure rules to overlooked details, here are eight common fines for breaking laws that classic car owners should be aware of—along with some hefty potential penalties.

1. Driving without MOT or Tax

While vehicles over 40 years old are exempt from MOT (subject to no major changes made to the car in the past 30 years) and road tax in many cases, the exemption isn't automatic. You must apply for a vehicle tax exemption, register the vehicle as ‘historic,’ and ensure it meets the requirements. You do not need to apply to stop having an MOT, but you do need to keep your car in a roadworthy condition. Driving without valid tax or MOT when needed could result in a fine of up to £2,500 and potentially a 6–8-point endorsement on your licence. - Don’t forget you still need Classic Car Insurance

2. Faulty or obscured number plates

Many classic car owners opt for vintage-style plates to maintain authenticity, but these must comply with DVLA regulations. Plates that don’t meet visibility standards or use an incorrect font/design can land you a £1,000 fine, and in worst-case scenarios, your vehicle could fail an MOT or be deemed unroadworthy.

You can check the DVLA's INF104 information booklet for specific rules and regulations on number plates.

3. Incorrect tyres

Classic cars often use specialist tyres, but they must adhere to legal requirements for tread depth (1.6mm minimum across the central three-quarters). Driving on unsafe tyres could result in a fine of £2,500 per tyre and 3 penalty points per offence.

4. Overloading your vehicle

If you’re carrying a little too much luggage to a weekend show or on your European trip to the Alps, you could unknowingly exceed your classic car’s weight limits. Overloading is a common reason people tend to get caught out, attracting fines of up to £300, 3 penalty points, and a possible prohibition notice.

Misuse of fuel or emissions exemptions

Classic cars are often exempt from certain emissions charges or Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) fees. However, falsely claiming exemptions or failing to register your vehicle as exempt could lead to fines ranging from £160 for ULEZ to £1,000 for fraudulent declarations.

6. Not Updating Vehicle Details on the V5C Logbook

If you’ve made modifications to your classic car—such as changing the engine size or colour—you must update your V5C (vehicle logbook) to reflect these changes. Failure to do so could lead to a £1,000 fine. This often catches out owners of modified or restored vehicles.

7. Illegal Window Tinting

Some classic car owners who love their modifications sometimes install tinted windows for privacy, aesthetics, or to reduce glare. However, UK law requires a minimum of 75% light transmission for the front windscreen and 70% for front side windows for vehicles first used on 1 April 1985 or after. For cars first used before 1 April 1985 the front windscreen and front side windows must both let at least 70% of light through. Exceeding these limits can result in a penalty notice and/or a prohibition notice preventing further use of the vehicle until corrected.

8. Seatbelts

Cars made before 1968 are unlikely to have seatbelts. If the car does not have seatbelts, then you are not required to wear one, however it is illegal to carry children under the age of 3 in a car without seatbelts and any children over the age of three must sit in the back. You can be faced with a fine of £500 for not complying.

A real-life example: Richard's costly oversight

Richard, a long-time classic car enthusiast, was over the moon when he finally acquired his dream car: a 1981 Mk3 Ford Capri. The vehicle had been lovingly restored, and he couldn’t wait to take it to his first show. However, while driving to the event, Richard was pulled over by police conducting routine checks.

The issue? The black-and-silver-style number plates didn’t comply with DVLA standards. Since the 1st January 2021, black and silver number plates are not allowed to be displayed on cars registered after 1 January 1980, despite being recorded in the DVLA’s historic tax class. To make matters worse, a quick inspection revealed his rear tyres were just below the legal tread depth.

Richard faced a £1,000 fine for the plates and a £5,000 fine for the tyres (£2,500 per tyre), along with six penalty points. It was an expensive day out, but also an eye-opener.

How Richard could have avoided this costly mistake

Richard’s fines could have been prevented with a quick car readiness check:

• Verify number plate legality: Check DVLA regulations on Black and Silver number plates and keep up to date with regulation changes
• Inspect tyre tread depth:A simple gauge tool costs less than £5 and could have saved him thousands.
• Book a vehicle inspection: Many classic car specialists offer quick check-ups to ensure your pride and joy is roadworthy. This is recommended for cars that are MOT-exempt.

Conclusion

Classic cars may have charm, but the law doesn’t make exceptions for nostalgia. Stay informed and take proactive steps to avoid unwanted fines. After all, every pound saved on fines is another pound to spend on your next restoration project!