VIC (Vehicle Identity Check) Tests

Does anyone know anything about the above.

I bought an old Fiesta today and before I bought it checked the MOT history and tax etc and all seemed in order although the guy didn't have the tax disc but the Direct.gov website says it is taxed till August 2014.

I checked again later and noticed right at the bottom it said 'VIC marker, VIC test required'

I panicked and I have checked all 3 chassis numbers on the car and they all mathc and match the MOT and V5 but I know that without the VIC the DVLA won't issue a new V5 for me.

My main question are can I legally drive the car as it is taxed, tested and insured and will it make it more noticeable to the police and would they seize it?

I need to know ASAP, I know I have no legal right as it was a private sale.

HELP!!

The plot thickens, just done a HPI check and it says there is no VIC outstanding and the VIN number matches the reg and vehicle record.

It was recorded as a Cat C in Nov 11 but that must mean he's taxed it twice with the VIC in place which shouldn't be possible. It had some work done at a garage in January replacing the brakes so he's been driving it until recently. It has had the same owner since new.

Strange, I'm so confused. Apparently the DVLA won't issue a V5 until the VIC marker is removed but it was taxed in August 2012 and 2013, I assume the VIC was in place after the write off in Nov 2011. Also it was MOT'd in July and passed with a couple of advisories.

Directgov website says tax isn't due till August 2014 but the disc is missing and I can't apply for a replacement until I have a V5 which I theoretically cannot get.

Any advice?

[Jason H]

VIC only required after its been written off. Insurance and Tax cannot be renewed until this has been complete.

Request the new V5C and then try to get a new tax disc to replace the lost one.

You'll soon find out if there is something amiss

J

I called the fella I bought it from and he wants to help but says he bought it from an auction so wasn't aware of the VIC marker. He says he posted the V5 off today so I supppse we'll see, but it was taxed last year so I think there may be a mistake. It says record of the VIC stays on the V5 could this be what I'm seeing online?

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[Jason H]

Can't remember about a record of the passed VIC remaining on the V5 as when I had to jump through these hoops it was about 3yrs ago. Sounds about right though.

J

[jonny.boyd]

Not sure if this an answer or of any help but we recently had a car pass through us - sold on to someone and it ended up that that car needed a VIC test, after a lot of confusion it turned out that the previous owner had written off the car but gone through a third party company to prevent loosing his NCB, so although never marked as a write off etc DVLA obviously knew it'd been in a bend and put the VIC marker on it.

It went straight through the VIC test, as a VIC test only checks that the car hasn't been "frankensteined" together from other bits & that it is in road worthy condition, and if I'm right a VIC test only costs something like £35 - same as an MOT.

You should get a letter in the post from DVLA stating it needs to be taken to a specified test centre to be VIC tested.

Hope this is of some help!

Ah I see it is £41 but the bit I dont understand is it was a Cat C in 2011 coz it needed a new bumper. I have all receipts and it looks like it was done outside the insurers. But he shouldn't have been able to tax it that's where im confused.

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So spoke to VOSA and DVLA. VOSA confirm it does have a VIC marker and a VIC test is required, however sya its legal to drive as long as it is taxed, tested and insured.

DVLA say it is showing tax until end of July but I cannot get a duplicate tax disc with out the V5 which I cannot get till the VIC test is done. After the VIC test the advisor told me it takes 4-6 weeks to get a V5, she also said I will need to re-tax it. But i questioned if I could just get a duplicate once I received the V5 as there is 5 months still left and she said I could but couldn't drive without a valid disc. What are the chances of being pulled for not displaying a valid disc as any PNC check would show it as taxed.

I need it to commute to work every day and don't know how long this whole VIC test is going to take.

After October DVLA are no longer issuing paper tax discs - apparently the Police and Traffic wardens that used to pick non taxed vehicles this way don't do this now. After October they will rely on ANPR cameras - So in theory , currently it is an offence to not display your tax disc. - but not after October... So can you risk it ? ie chances of you being stopped by the boys in blue? ANPR camera will show you as being taxed... For me being where I live and the places I drive to and leave my car i'd probably be ok... however if the car looks like it could do with a "pull" ie looks a bit tatty and old (nor suggesting yours does ) it may increase the risk.!