If you wish to salvage vehicles for reuse or resale or, recover or dispose of parts and components or, purchase written-off vehicles for sale or repair, you must apply for a licence.
If you are a motor salvage operator, you must be registered with your local authority.
A person is a motor salvage operator if they:
A summary of the regulation relating to this licence
Police Right of Access to Inspect Records and Premises
The police have right of entry without a warrant at any reasonable time. They may inspect vehicles or salvageable parts kept on the premises and may inspect and take copies or extracts of records.
The motor salvage operator must, on receipt of a vehicle, make and keep the following records either in a manual register, record book or electronically:
1) Details of the vehicle, including Vehicle Registration Mark (VRM), Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), make, model and colour.
2) The name, address and contact details of the supplier of the vehicle;
3) Details of any proof of identity shown to the registered person by, or on behalf of the supplier of the vehicle, to establish the identity of the vehicle supplier, including whether any document produced was a UK photocard driver's licence, a passport, a utility bill or rent book or other form of identification containing a photograph of the vehicle supplier;
4) The general condition of the vehicle including details of the type of damage to the vehicle (for example whether the damage has been caused by fire, water or impact) and the part of the vehicle damaged;
5) The date on which the information referred to above was entered onto the record.
However, in cases of vehicles collected by the operator and where ID of the person legally responsible for disposing of the vehicle is not available at the point of collection or it cannot be obtained from the collection source, the operator must record the fact as well as the details of the place/person the vehicle was collected from. In cases where a vehicle is left (abandoned) at the operators premises without the vendor providing evidence of identification it should be treated as an abandoned vehicle and report to the police and the Local Authority.
Sale of Vehicle
On selling for disposal of any vehicle, the motor salvage operator shall add the following information against the relevant vehicle entry;
1) Date of sale or disposal;
2) Name, address and contact details of the purchaser or recipient;
3) Details of proof of identity shown to the registered person by, or on behalf of the purchaser or recipient of the vehicle, including whether any document produced was a UK photocard driver's licence, a passport, a utility bill or rent book or other form of identification containing a photograph of the vehicle purchaser;
4) Condition of the vehicle at the time of sale or disposal (repaired, un-repaired, condition as at purchase, dismantled etc.)
5) The date on which this information was entered onto the record.
The records must be located at or in the case of electronic records, accessible from the registered place of business. Records must be kept for 6 years.
Failure to keep proper records is an offence, liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding £2500
Persons selling a vehicle to a motor salvage operator in the course of their business who provide false name or address are guilty of an offence leading to a fine on summary conviction of up to £1000.
If you require any more information regarding these regulations please do not hesitate to contact the Licensing Section on 01785 619402.
To download a PNC (Police National Computer) Check Click Here
Applications for registration must comply with any requirements set by the local authority and must be accompanied by a fee.
Applications will be refused if the local authority is not satisfied that the applicant is a fit and proper person to carry on business as a motor salvage operator. The local authority will take into account any relevant previous convictions. If an application or an application for a renewal is refused the local authority does not have to consider any other applications by the person for three years from the date of refusal.
A local authority may cancel a registration and does not have to consider any application for registration from the cancelled operator for three years from the date of the cancellation.
If a local authority intends to refuse an application or cancel a registration they must serve a notice on the applicant or operator. The notice must give details of what they are proposing to do, the reasons for it and the period during which the person may make representations. This period must not be less than 14 days and starts from the date of service of the notice.
A notice will be served detailing the decision of the local authority as to whether to grant an application, renew a registration or cancel a registration.
Notice of changes to registered information must be made to the local authority within 28 days of the change.
No. It is in the public interest that the authority must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from the local authority within a reasonable period, please contact it. You can do this online if you applied through the UK Welcomes service or use the contact details below.
Apply for a motor salvage operator licence
Please note that refunds of licence fees are not normally given. Only in exceptional circumstances, as deemed by the Licensing Manager, will a refund be considered. Any refunds given may be subject to an administration charge.
Please contact the Licensing Section on 01785 619402 in the first instance.
If an application is refused the applicant may appeal to the local Magistrates court. Applications must be made within 21 days of service of the local authority notice.
Please contact the Licensing Section on 01785 619402 in the first instance.
If an application for renewal is refused or a registration is cancelled the operator may appeal to the local Magistrates court. Applications must be made within 21 days of service of the local authority notice.
We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the trader by you - preferably in the form a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.
E.g. about noise, pollution, etc. Also should one licence holder complain about another. Please contact the Licensing Section on 01785 619402 in the first instance.
British Metals Recycling Association (BMRA)
Car and Accessory Trader (CAT)
Motor Vehicle Dismantlers Association (MVDA)
