Explanatory note

These Regulations amend the Road Vehicles (Registration and Licensing) Regulations 1971 so as to introduce a new procedure for notifying the Secretary of State of the change of ownership of vehicles. The new procedure will apply in all cases in which a vehicle registration document has been issued in respect of the vehicle on or after 24th March 1997. Under the new procedure the registered keeper of the vehicle will be required to give the Secretary of State details of the change of ownership, except, for a limited period, where the change is within the motor trade. For a period of three months after the vehicle was last owned by a person who is not a motor vehicle trader the vehicle may be transferred within the motor trade without notification to the Secretary of State of changes of ownership, provided that the vehicle is used on public roads only under a trade licence.