Can a car without MOT be driven on trade plates?

You can only use trade plates on vehicles that: are safe to drive ('roadworthy') are insured. have a valid MOT, or are exempt from needing an MOT.

Can traders drive without MOT?

Rules on using trade plates

You can't use a trade plate on an unroadworthy vehicle, so if the car doesn't have a valid MOT, you'll have to transport it to an MOT centre. By law, vehicles must be insured too—we offer road risk insurance or motor traders' combined insurance to meet legal requirements.

Can anyone drive a car with trade plates on?

Trade plates can only be used on vehicles that are associated with the motor trade business that owns the plates, and they can only be used on one vehicle at a time. They cannot be used on personal vehicles for social, domestic or pleasure use.

How does trade plate driving work?

A trade plate driver is a professional driver who collects and delivers vehicles for a living. The actual 'trade plate' is a special set of registration plates they carry to notify the police and other drivers that they are driving the vehicle in the capacity of a professional.

How long are trade plates valid?

All trade licences expire on either 30 June or 31 December. You cannot get a licence for less than 6 months or more than 12 months at a time (from the month you apply). This means, when you apply for your first licence, it will last for between 6 and 12 months, depending on when you apply.

Trade Plates do not make you immune from the Law regarding phone use

What can I use my trade plates for?

Trade licence plates are number plates you can use on vehicles your business has for things like selling, repairing or testing. If you display trade licence plates on any vehicle, your employees and customers can drive the vehicle for certain purposes without having to pay to register and tax it.

How much is the fine for not displaying trade plates?

The penalty for misusing trade plates is a maximum fine of £5,000 and a possible prison term not exceeding two years for fraudulently altering or using trade plates.

Do trade plates cover insurance in DVLA?

It is important to note that trade plates do not cover insurance in and of themselves. If you are looking for quality trade plate vehicle delivery insurance, look no further.

How do trade plate drivers get home?

The role will involve safely and efficiently driving vehicles to a pre planned destination, a small amount of public transport which is paid for using your company credit card before collecting a vehicle to take home overnight.

Why do people drive with trade plates?

Trade plates save motor traders time, hassle, and expense. For instance, instead of having to complete paperwork when registering vehicles and taxing each one, simply place your trade plates onto the vehicle you're temporarily using. From there, you're good to go!

Can I drive my car without MOT if it is booked in?

Yes, you can drive a car to a pre-booked MOT test without a valid MOT certificate, even if it is on SORN and doesn't have car tax. The vehicle must have insurance and you should check the policy is valid for driving without an MOT, as some insurers may not cover vehicles under these circumstances.

How much do trade plate drivers earn?

If we look at the Trade plate driver salary statistics in United Kingdom as of August 27, 2025, the represented employee makes £27,411; to be more precise pay rate is £2,284 per month, £527 per week, or £13.54 per hour.

How to renew trade plates?

If you do not get a letter, or you want to renew before it arrives, download and complete form VTL318. You need to have motor trade insurance, and provide a copy of your Motor Trade Insurance Certificate with the form. If you have a different type of insurance, your application will not be approved.

Can I drive my own car on a Trader's policy?

You can be covered for social, domestic and pleasure use for vehicles you own under your motor trade policy. However, this is only a part of your policy – if you do not conduct motor trade business, you cannot cover vehicles for personal use only on your policy.

Is it legal to sell a car with no MOT?

Can a car dealer sell a car with no MOT? Yes. It is legal for anyone – including car dealers – to sell a car without a current MOT certificate. However, it is illegal for anybody to sell a car without informing the seller of its status.

Which cars are exempt from MOT?

Can I drive with no MOT on trade plates?

You can only use trade plates on vehicles that: are safe to drive ('roadworthy') are insured. have a valid MOT, or are exempt from needing an MOT.

What happens if you lose a trade plate?

You can get replacement plates if yours have been lost, stolen or damaged. If your plates were stolen or lost, you must report this to the police. You have to apply for a full replacement set - you cannot get a single plate to replace a damaged plate for vehicles (excluding motorcycles).

What happens if you get caught with show plates?

It's important to note that using show plates illegally can result in fines or penalties from law enforcement agencies. Individuals who choose to disregard this regulation may face consequences such as fines or even vehicle impoundment if caught using show plates on public roads.

Can an unregistered car be driven on trade plates?

A: No. Trade plates allow you to move an untaxed or unregistered vehicle, but they do not exempt a vehicle from other legal requirements, such as having a valid MOT certificate if the vehicle is old enough to require one.

Can someone else use my trade plates?

making a false or misleading declaration, or providing false or misleading evidence in an application • fraudulently altering or using trade plates • allowing trade plates to be used by another person There is a maximum fine of £1,000 or 5 times the rate of duty chargeable, whichever is the greater for displaying trade ...

What is a trade plate drive?

As a trade plate driver, you'll be collecting and delivering vehicles using trade plates across various locations in the UK. You must be confident in travelling across the UK, often using public…

What are the rules for using trade plates?

They cannot be used for personal journeys or for carrying passengers for hire or reward. Vehicles using trade plates must be roadworthy, insured, and have a valid MOT, or be exempt from needing an MOT. This ensures that all vehicles driven on public roads meet safety standards.

What do trade plate drivers earn?

Vehicle Collection & Delivery Trade Plate Driver

Hours: Monday Friday, full and part-time available Pay:Average £60 - £100 per day Fuel card and expenses covered terms and conditions apply No experience required and immediate starts available with flexible working days to suit you.

How to return trade plates to DVLA?