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Why vehicles get seized when the MOT has expired
Cars are rarely impounded for an expired MOT alone. Seizure usually follows another issue, such as no insurance, unsafe condition, or an enforcement stop by police or the DVSA. Once taken to a pound, the vehicle stays there until the registered keeper meets the release conditions and pays the required fees.
How to find and contact the pound
Use the seizure notice or call 101 to locate the recovery unit. They’ll confirm where your car is kept, the release procedure, and what documents you’ll need. Storage fees build up daily, and after a set number of days the vehicle may be sold or scrapped. Acting promptly saves both cost and complication.
Documents you’ll need for release
Bring everything the pound requires to confirm your identity and the car’s status:
- Photo ID, such as your driving licence or passport
- Proof of ownership (the V5C logbook or new keeper slip)
- A valid insurance certificate that covers road use for collection
- Proof of a pre-booked MOT appointment, if you plan to drive to the test
- Payment for release and storage charges
If someone else collects the vehicle for you, the pound will need their ID and a written letter of authority from you, signed and dated.
Driving the car to a pre-booked MOT
You’re usually allowed to drive directly from the pound to a pre-booked MOT appointment, even if the car’s MOT has expired. To do this lawfully, the car must be insured, roadworthy enough to drive safely, and the journey must be straight to the testing station. Keep proof of the booking with you, showing the time, date, and location. If you’re stopped en route, that evidence confirms you’re driving within the legal exemption.
What if the car is untaxed?
Vehicles that are untaxed because their MOT has expired can still be driven directly to a pre-booked MOT, but some pounds may insist on a temporary payment or deposit to cover the tax before release. This acts as a safeguard in case the car isn’t taken straight to the MOT test. Once the MOT pass is recorded, the DVLA will normally adjust the vehicle’s tax record automatically, or you can reclaim any deposit through the relevant process. It’s worth asking the pound about their policy before you attend so there are no surprises at the counter.
When you cannot drive it away
If the vehicle is unroadworthy — for example, with bald tyres, damaged brakes or leaking fluid — the police can refuse to let you drive it away, even for a test. In that case, the only legal option is to arrange recovery on a flatbed or tow truck. Pounds will usually let a professional recovery driver collect the car once the fees are paid and the paperwork is complete.
Insurance requirements for release
Not every insurance policy qualifies for release. If your existing policy has been suspended or doesn’t cover impound collection, you’ll need to arrange temporary impound insurance. The policy must begin immediately and specifically state that it covers impound release. Without a valid certificate, the pound can refuse release or require recovery by transporter.
Paying fees and checking the car
Before leaving, you’ll need to pay release and storage charges, usually by card. Once payment is made, check the car thoroughly before driving away. Look for new scratches or damage and report anything immediately. Take photos for your records; it’s far easier to raise issues before you leave than after.
Getting the MOT and next steps
Drive straight to the MOT testing station, take the direct route, and avoid unnecessary stops. If the car passes, sort your tax as soon as the result appears on the DVLA system. If it fails, you may drive to a pre-booked repair appointment only if the car is still considered safe to drive. Otherwise, arrange recovery to a garage. Keep all test results and receipts — they can be useful if there’s ever a question about compliance.
If you decide not to reclaim the car
If the vehicle isn’t worth fixing, you can surrender it to the pound for authorised scrapping. You’ll still pay fees up to that date, but the pound will issue a certificate of destruction once disposal is complete. Send a copy to the DVLA to confirm you’re no longer the registered keeper.
Keeping things in order for the future
Once the dust settles, set calendar reminders for MOT renewal, insurance, and tax. Keeping those up to date avoids enforcement action and saves money in the long run. The process of getting a car out of the pound is rarely quick or cheap, but once you’ve cleared it properly, staying organised will prevent a repeat performance.
Impound processes, time limits and costs vary widely across the UK, and authorities can amend their rules at any time. Information on this site is intended as a general overview and should not be relied on as definitive for any specific impound location.