Can I scrap a car that has no MOT or tax, and can I drive it to the scrapyard?

Yes, you can legally scrap a car even if it has no MOT or tax — but no, you cannot drive it to the scrapyard. It’s a common misunderstanding that “popping down the road” to scrap a car without valid tax or MOT is acceptable. It’s not. The only legal way to move a vehicle that doesn’t have valid MOT, insurance, or road tax is by trailer or recovery truck. At blackburnscrapyard.co.uk, we offer legal, hassle-free collection for non-roadworthy vehicles — and we’ll ensure the process is DVLA-compliant.

Driving a Car with No MOT or Tax Is Illegal

In the UK, it’s illegal to drive a car without valid MOT or tax — even if your intention is to scrap it. There are no exemptions for taking a car directly to an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF) unless it’s for a pre-booked MOT test. Driving a SORN’d vehicle (Statutory Off Road Notification) on public roads is also an offence unless you’ve taxed and insured it again. If you're caught by ANPR cameras or stopped by police, you could face fines, points on your licence, or have the vehicle seized. In short: if it’s not road legal, don’t drive it — have it collected.

You cannot legally drive a car to be scrapped if it has no MOT or tax.

Only exception: a booked MOT test appointment — scrapping is not exempt.

Driving a SORN’d or untaxed vehicle risks fines and seizure.

Scrap cars with no MOT must be collected or trailered to an ATF.

How to Legally Scrap a Car Without MOT or Tax

If your car isn’t road legal, you’ll need to arrange transport. Most reputable scrap yards and ATFs offer free collection — especially if the car is complete and has basic value. You can also use a trailer or flatbed recovery truck if you prefer a DIY approach, but all four wheels must be off the ground if the car has no MOT. Once the vehicle is taken to the ATF, they’ll scrap it legally and issue a Certificate of Destruction. Don’t forget to inform the DVLA — either you or the ATF should do this as part of the process.

Use a licensed scrap yard that offers free collection for non-MOT vehicles.

Alternatively, hire a trailer or flatbed truck — no towing with a rope!

Make sure DVLA is notified once the car is scrapped.

Cancel your insurance and road tax once the car is removed.

Step-by-Step: Scrapping a Car with No MOT or Tax

Step 1: Check if the car has any road legal status (MOT, tax, insurance).

Step 2: If not, arrange free collection with blackburnscrapyard.co.uk.

Step 3: Alternatively, use a trailer or recovery truck with all wheels lifted.

Step 4: Hand over the V5C to the ATF (keep the yellow slip).

Step 5: Inform DVLA the vehicle was scrapped — either online or by post.

We Collect Cars with No MOT or Tax

At blackburnscrapyard.co.uk, we specialise in collecting non-roadworthy vehicles, including those that are untaxed, uninsured, or have failed MOTs. Our recovery team will tow the vehicle safely to a licensed ATF, where it will be scrapped according to DVLA and environmental regulations. You’ll receive a Certificate of Destruction for your records, and we’ll help you handle DVLA notifications and any outstanding tax or insurance queries.

Free collection offered for most no-MOT/no-tax vehicles.

DVLA and insurance notifications handled with you.

We’ll confirm road status before booking to avoid fines.

Trusted, fully licensed ATF disposal process.

Contact us if your vehicle isn’t road legal — we’ll get it collected quickly and legally.

Useful Resources

Unsure how to move your untaxed or failed MOT vehicle? Speak to us today — we’ll help you get it collected and scrapped properly, with zero legal risks.

Legal Context

It’s illegal to drive an untaxed or uninsured vehicle on public roads. MOT-exempt only for driving to a booked MOT test or related repair. SORN means off-road only; driving a SORN vehicle is an offence unless you re-tax and insure it.

Why This Matters

People sometimes think they can “just take it quickly” to scrap – ANPR cameras or police can catch no tax/MOT, resulting in fines or vehicle seizure. Better to let the professionals tow it.

Quick Step-by-Step Summary

  • If MOT valid and taxed/insured – you may drive to ATF
  • If NOT, contact ATF for collection (most do free pickup)
  • Alternatively, rent/hire a flatbed or trailer
  • Ensure all four wheels off ground if towing (for no MOT scenario)
  • Scrap at ATF
  • DVLA notified
  • Cancel any remaining tax/insurance.

Sources & References

  • Ask the Police (re: MOT exemption)
  • GOV.UK vehicle tax/MOT rules
  • scrap company FAQs

Helpful External Links

  • Motorwise blog – Driving to scrapyard without MOT
  • ScrapCarComparison – driving SORN car to scrap