Just read this :

towbar - no type approval sticker MOT FAIL !

I was thinking of getting a second hand towbar, mine is '95 1.3 felicia, I believe this would be before the effective date for this "legislation" and so would not fail the MOT due to lack of a type approval sticker.

Any MOT person to verify this ?

Utter tosh.....not tested

Phil

I agree, not a testable item, unless it has sharp edges protruding

I agree, not a testable item, unless it has sharp edges protruding

Spot on "or" obscuring part of the reg; plate.........

Phil

My credibility round here is riding sky high !! Sorry Ian - I omitted a crucial detail , will have to be more careful. I confirm it never been a testable item (on my 1997 car) in the UK, but I'm in the middle of registering my Felly in Spain - I should have made clear I was talking about the Spanish MOT .

The type approval does apply to cars reg'd after 1998 in the UK, but as to whether it is just an insurance issue or is actually enforced I will defer to more knowledgeable folk!

Department for Transport - Towing cars and light vehicles: frequently asked questions

My car is fitted with a Witter towbar. I called them and asked about type approval. They emailed me a scan of the type approval document same day. This was for a 10 year old towbar, so I will give them a plug for customer service! Lets hope El MOT Test-ero is equally impressed or I will be spending tomorrow arvo grinding off the mounting bolts....

That's the way! Take it off. They can't test it if it isn't there. Then bolt it back on. That way the bolts will be easy to undo when it's time for the next test...

Simon H

Sounds like a plan, I'm on the case with getting a type approval sticker/plate as well, so we'll be sorted for next year...