The Road Vehicles (Registration and Licensing) Regulations 2002

Change of keeper: general provisions

20.—(1) Regulations 21 to 25 have effect subject to the provisions of this regulation.

(2) On a change in the keeper of a vehicle, any current vehicle licence for the vehicle may be delivered to the new keeper.

(3) So far as they provide for the issue of a new registration document, regulations 21 to 25 have effect subject to the provisions of regulation 15.

(4) Paragraph (5) shall apply and regulations 21 to 25 shall not apply where—

(a) a vehicle has sustained damage to its bodywork such that the cost of commercial repair would exceed the value of the vehicle when repaired; and

(b) either the keeper of the vehicle does not have the benefit of a policy of insurance or cover note which covers the damage or the keeper is an insurer.

(5) On a change of keeper to which this paragraph applies the keeper shall forthwith surrender the registration document to the Secretary of State or, if an insurer, destroy it.

(6) In regulations 21 to 25 “vehicle trader” means any person who—

(a) is the holder of a trade licence;

(b) carries on business as a dealer in motor vehicles;

(c) carries on business as an auctioneer of motor vehicles;

(d) carries on business as a dismantler of motor vehicles; or

(e) in relation to a particular vehicle, is—

(i) a finance company which has acquired that vehicle under an order for repossession; or

(ii) an insurer which has acquired that vehicle in satisfaction of a total loss claim.