New Department for Transport (DfT) proposals targeting in-use vehicle emissions could create significant legal liabilities for workshops servicing modern classics, industry specialists have warned.
The DfT consultation aims to tackle poor maintenance, emissions tampering, and deliberate “delete” modifications by requiring UK vehicles to continuously meet the original emissions standards set when first registered.
Under the proposed framework, manipulating or removing systems, such as diesel particulate filters (DPFs), gasoline particulate filters (GPFs), catalytic converters, EGR valves, and AdBlue/SCR hardware, would be treated as illegal, regardless of real-world tailpipe readings.
While the measures intend to crack down on deliberate defeat devices, classic vehicle insurance specialist Footman James warns the policy overlooks the commercial reality of parts obsolescence.
Classic car parts availability
Vehicles from the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s sit in a difficult operational middle ground. They feature complex, factory-fitted emissions management systems, yet vehicle manufacturers are under no statutory obligation to produce replacement parts indefinitely.
When original equipment manufacturer (OEM) catalytic converters, obsolete Lambda sensors, or bespoke engine control modules fail, workshops frequently find that type-approved replacements simply no longer exist.
If legislation strictly outlaws non-original workarounds, modifications, or software adaptations, technicians face a legal impasse: either turn away work, leave a customer with no lawful repair route, or risk liability by fitting non-approved alternatives to keep a roadworthy vehicle running.
Footman James is urging the government to establish clear exemptions for historic and modern classic vehicles where owners and garages can demonstrate that a compliant OEM replacement is not reasonably obtainable.
Trade liability and clear safeguards
The consultation raises critical questions for independent workshops too.
– Repair vs tampering: Ensuring legitimate mechanical problem-solving is not legally conflated with deliberate emissions defeat.
– Component supply: Acknowledging the gap between type-approval requirements and discontinued supply chains.
Workshop risk: Protecting businesses from prosecution when maintaining older vehicles without factory parts support.
The DfT consultation, In-use emissions of road vehicles: regulating environmental impacts, is open for industry responses until 11:59pm on 6 September 2026.
