Is cash for Scrap car ever Legal?

tedted

if they are a registered scrap yard they have to see and record your driving licence or passport and a utility bill in your name,has been like this for a few years now.

AdrianC

EdGasket wrote: »

Why? I've always been paid cash and never had a problem. For a small amount its the best way isn't it?

In terms of the scrap metals legislation, simply to deter the... umm... more casual sectors of the economy.

Dawn248

Re the Log Book. Should I put off scrapping the car for a while and apply for a new V5c as I can't find the yellow slip?

arcon5

Just take their money, complete the logbook and be done with it. How they account for it is their problem not yours so long as either registered keeper is changed over or scrap slip completed

phill99

It sounds like they aren't scrap dealers. They may be classed as motor traders, therefore the legislation applying to selling cars for scrap to a scrap dealer are not applicable. You'll probably find that he will pay you say £100, the strip the car to components, sell some second hand parts, and then sell the rest to the scrap man.

Harry_Sharpe

It is illegal for a dealer to offer cash for scrapping your old car. Sell it hassle free and with full paperwork to avoid legal liabilities.

AdrianC

Harry_Sharpe wrote: »

It is illegal for a dealer to offer cash for scrapping your old car.

It's not quite that clear cut.
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2013/10/section/21/enacted

arcon5

As long as you get your cash and a receipt who cares, if it's illegal it's them breaking the law not you

Joe_Horner

Dawn248 wrote: »

Thank for all the replies!

The firm is registered as an authorised facility but I'm a bit suss that they asked about the MOT and then offered cash. The car isn't moving and would cost twice what it's worth to fix it- hence me scrapping it!

Bear in mind it would cost you twice what it's worth to fix it.

Once upon a time a lot of scrap yards would get the "better" cars that came their way back on the road because they're up to their eyeballs in parts and many have pretty well equipped workshops as well for dismantling. One of my favourite scrap yards in Plymouth even had their own MOT station on site.

So, say, an engine swap that might cost you £500 for a good used engine plus labour for fitting will cost them an engine out of their stock and a few hours of their time.

As others have said, just make sure DVLA are notified of the sale -
legally you're selling it not scrapping it so do it online like any other sale with the ATF as the new registered keeper - and that your insurance is cancelled to avoid possible come-backs.

What they do with it then to make a profit is up to them.

Herzlos

Does it make any difference to you if they scrap it or sell it on?
Presumably if you listed it at scrap value and they came to buy it without identifying themselves as a scrap yard then you'd be happy?

As mentioned, it will likely cost them a fraction of what it'd cost you to put it back on the road, and as long as that's done safely it's better for everyone than crushing it.