Vehicle crime is a profitable business and one of the largest single categories of recorded crime. Legislation was introduced in 2001 to combat this and make it more difficult for criminals to dispose of stolen vehicles through the motor salvage and dismantling industry.

How do I know if I need to register?

A person or business is required to be registered as a motor salvage operator if he carries on a business, which consists -

i) wholly or partly in the recovery for re-use or sale of salvageable parts from motor vehicles and the subsequent sale or other disposal for scrap of the remainder of the vehicles concerned;

ii) wholly or mainly in the purchase of written-off vehicles and their subsequent repair or re-sale;

iii) wholly or mainly in the sale or purchase of motor vehicles which are to be the subject (whether immediately or on a subsequent re-sale) of any of the activities mentioned in paragraphs i) or ii); or

wholly or mainly in activities falling within paragraphs ii) or iii)

How long does a registration last?

An entry in the register lasts for three years.

I am already registered with Environment Agency. Do I need to register with Local Authority?

Yes. The Environment Protection Act 1990 has the objective of ensuring that motor vehicle parts are disposed of to ensure environmental protection and encourage recycling whereas the Vehicle Crimes Act aims to help reduce vehicle theft.