Motor Salvage Operators Licence
Who needs to register?
Under the Vehicles (Crime) Act 2001 and the Motor Salvage Operators Regulation 2002, any person who wishes to carry on the business of a Motor Salvage Operator are now required to:
- Register with the Council in whose area they are operating.
- Maintain appropriate records of all vehicle purchases and disposals.
- Carry out full identification checks of vendors and purchasers; and
- Allow the police (and other investigators) the right of entry to the premises and the right of search. A warrant is not required where the police require entry to a registered premise.
Motor Salvage Operators will not be permitted to carry out their business unless they have registered with the local Council. It is an offence to operate a motor salvage business that has not been registered. Summary conviction of this offence may lead to a fine not exceeding level 5 (currently £5,000) on the standard scale.
What is the 'Business of a Motor Salvage Operator'?
Any person who carries on a business which consists:
Wholly or partly in the recovery of salvageable parts from motor vehicles for re-use or re-sale; or
Wholly or mainly in the purchase of written off vehicles and their subsequent repair and re-sale; or
Wholly or mainly in the sale or purchase of motor vehicles which are to be the subject of any of the above activities (whether immediately or on a subsequent re-sale)
How do I apply?
You can apply to be registered as a Motor Salvage Operator by downloading the application form. 
How long does registration last?
Registration of the motor salvage operation is valid for 3 years commencing from the date that the entry was made in the 'Register of Motor Salvage Operators'. In order to continue operating as a motor salvage operator at the end of this period, a valid application for the renewal must be made to us. An operator is deemed to have ceased to be registered if they have not made an application to renew their existing registration. It is an offence not register with us and also not notify us if, at any time, during the three years, you cease to operate as a motor salvage operator.
Determination Of Registration
In deciding whether to approve registration, the Council must be satisfied that the applicant is a 'fit and proper' person, taking into account:
Various unspent convictions, including the offences of
a) Theft or attempted theft of or from a motor vehicles, contrary to Section 1 of the Theft Act 1968;
b) Taking a motor vehicle without consent, contrary to Section 12 of the Theft Act 1968;
c) Aggravated vehicle taking, contrary to Section 12A of the Theft Act 1968;
d) Handling stolen goods, contrary to Section 22 of the Theft Act 1968;
e) Going equipped to steal or take a motor vehicle, contrary to Section 25 of the Theft Act 1968;
f) Interference with a motor vehicle, contrary to Section 9 of the Criminal Attempts Act 1981;
g) Tampering with a motor vehicle, contrary to Section 25 of the Road Traffic Act 1988;
h) Convictions for offences under Part 1 of the Vehicle Crimes Act 2001.
Details of any undischarged bankruptcy of the applicant or any directors or partners of the applicant business; and
Information provided by the police (which must be disclosed to the applicant).
Right to make representation
If an applicant is considered not to be a suitable person to become a registered motor salvage operator then he will be advised, in writing and given the opportunity to make representations. Guidance will be given in these procedures where applicable .If after representations have been made the Council decides to proceed with the refusal or cancellation of the registration it must serve a Notice on the applicant informing them of their decision, and also providing them with details relating to their rights of appeal against the decision.
Register of Motor Salvage Operators
Borough of Poole maintains a register of all businesses carrying out motor salvage operations within the borough. Details to be kept on the register are:
The full name of the motor salvage operator, the name of all the directors if the business is undertaken by a corporate body, or the names of all the partners if the business is undertaken by a partnership;
The address of the operator's usual place of residence, or that for each partner where the operator is a partnership;
The registered or principal office address if the operator is a corporate body; and
The address of each place in Borough of Poole which is occupied by the motor salvage operation wholly, mainly or partly for the purpose for carrying the business activity.
The information contained within the register is available to the public and may be viewed Monday to Friday during normal office hours.
Is there a fee for registration or renewal?
A fee is payable by the applicant wishing to register or renew a registration as a motor salvage operator.
Further information
Further information can be obtained by contacting us.
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