Can I keep an unregistered import on the road?
Reviewed 2026-07-10
Short answer
No. Keep it off-road until the import, registration, tax and insurance steps are complete, apart from narrow pre-booked test journeys.
Official position
GOV.UK says you can be prosecuted if you use an imported vehicle on a public road before completing the permanent import steps, unless driving it to a pre-booked MOT or vehicle approval test. DVLA gives the registration number so number plates can be made after registration.
What to do
Use private land, a garage, storage unit or workshop while HMRC, approval and DVLA steps are pending.
Transport the vehicle rather than parking or leaving it on the highway.
Only use the road for a documented pre-booked MOT or approval test if insured and roadworthy.
Wait for DVLA registration before treating it as a normal road vehicle.
Common mistakes
- Parking the vehicle on the street because it is insured on the VIN.
- Assuming a submitted V55/5 means DVLA has already registered the vehicle.
- Using foreign plates as a holding position after importing permanently.
Related help
Official sources
Ready to complete the V55/5?
Once the blocker above is resolved, use the guided V55/5 tool to validate the boxes, prepare the PDF and build the posting checklist.
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