NEW, UPDATED MoT regulations since January 2012 bring things in line with tougher standards in the EU, and they look like threatening to end the bulk of the mods we can do to our cars and also the type of services and parts tuning companies can provide in future, according to the Association of Car Enthusiasts (www.the-ace.org.uk).

The landmark changes to the MoT – a system run in the UK for the past 50 years – are potentially industry changing and ACE paints a disturbingly scary outlook for our VW-modifying hobby and that of the greater British car-enthusiast recreation. The implications of the new minimum standard of testing across the member States was recently brought to light in an internal newsletter by the UK Government department, the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA), called Matters Of Testing. VOSA provides a range of licensing, testing and enforcement services with the aim of improving the roadworthiness standards of vehicles ensuring the compliance of operators and drivers, and supporting the independent Traffic Commissioners.

In 2010, a modern version of the European Directive covering the British MoT was made, called 2009/40/ EC, which was then updated by 2010/48/EU, enforceable on 5 July 2011. Basically, as we understand it there are 50 new testable areas to bring standards for purchased cars and commercial tests closer together, which have grave implications for modified vehicles. These areas now include checks for:  HID headlamps and bulb incompatibility; tinted windows; wiring condition; mudguards (wings), spray suppression devices with visual inspection to look for things (a) missing, loose or badly corroded, (b) insufficient clearance to the road wheel, and in general (c) not in accordance with the requirements.

Yet perhaps the most disturbing news for performance buffs and specialist tuners regards engine performance, where testers are to check (a) control unit illegally modified and (b) illegal engine modifications, which means the car’s computer and turbo/supercharger upgrades, induction improvement and probably the works, given the ‘open’ wording involved.

So it's no longer just a higher car insurance premium you're risking - it's having your motor up on blocks. That’s the bad news. The good news? Well, there’s never really any good news when it comes to such things for car enthusiasts, but perhaps ‘better news’ is that there is no definitive list of exactly what is illegal in Britain at present, which means there’s that loveable ‘grey area’ of debate within to work with. The worse news? The bloody EU mob is working on that, so that window is looking like closing fast, big time!

The reason for all this seems to be car manufacturers looking to protect the OEM aspect of their vehicles even after you’ve bought them, arguing that it’s still their property – at least in terms of intellectual design one would imagine. That is, like Microsoft sells and issues its Windows Operating Systems for use on the computer you bought – well, newsflash if you didn’t know, you never actually own that either, you just buy licences for it that ‘allows’ you to use is as the big M sees fit. The company always owns it.

So why the change? A range of reasons known and who knows how many unknown for  whatever secret agenda, but probably a lot to do with new global car emissions standards and the legal need for those to be maintained for the life-cycle of the vehicle, and not just at the point of new-car sale.

As ACE states: “VOSA are currently working with MoT testers to try to ensure that the new test is cost neutral, in other words no fee increase. Also they are working with testers to find the most efficient way of checking the new items. Obviously any ban on tuning would negatively affect not only our hobby but also a vast range of aftermarket suppliers who still seem to be ignoring the possible consequences of any new legislation. As the system is based also on economy, it may be that wider wheels, increasing rolling resistance and other mods that affect weight or aerodynamics fall foul of the regulations. We need to raise awareness of this legislation, so please ask any supplier you speak with if they are aware of the issue and what action they are taking.”

One such tuner fully aware of the situation is Tuningwerks MD and APR Tuned UK aficionado Reuben Gata-Aura. “The VOSA one is pretty straightforward – got a light on your dash? Yep = Fail. We’re not in the position as MoT testers to start examining why you have a light on, that’s a case of getting the customer to sort out the problem after the test. MoT rules allow us to test the car as is presented on the day of the test. Emissions and now aging airbag systems will cause a few concerns! (Especially as people are not servicing their cars properly and, dare I say it, fitting the cheapest parts available which cause all sorts of secondary issues!”

Meanwhile, a VOSA spokesperson said: “VOSA has worked hard to transpose the Directive requirements into the MoT Test. The VOSA Inspection Manual provides detailed information to motorists on those new test items and the standards applied. Vehicle presenters would be well advised to always ensure that any modification is compliant with the legislation before submitting the vehicle for MoT test.”

Just how harshly the new MoT regulations ‘bite’ we’ll only know in time, but that effect looks saddeningly inevitable. We knew electric and hybrid ‘cleaner’ cars were coming and the humble internal combustion engine’s days were numbered, but if you thought that meant our ‘next gen of old schoolers’ would be turned a blind eye to then think again, especially if it is modified.

What does the future hold? We’d love to know. Tell us your thoughts by emailing us at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it