Car fraudWhich? verdict on car registration

Which? says

Though car crime is falling overall, it seems loopholes in the UK’s current car registration system – from number plates to paperwork and mileage checks – can too easily be exploited to hide the identity of a dodgy car. 

So how can these be tightened up? We asked the DVLA to give us its views, but it declined to comment.

Making it harder to obtain a V5C document and number plates is the key. But more robust mileage tracking would also close the net on car fraudsters.

Mandatory mileage declaration at road-tax renewal, change of ownership and at every visit to a garage would create more robust, traceable vehicle histories. It would allow police to focus on organised car criminals and, just as importantly, enable used car buyers to choose with greater confidence.

The UK needs a more secure registration system

Is it right to have 40,000 registered suppliers of number plates, for example? 

To fight 21st-century car crime we need more secure number plates – preferably ‘chipped’ to match the car and supplied from a single, traceable source. 

And, as in Japan, perhaps it’s time for car ownership transfer to be legally recorded, with old and new owners of the car recording the transaction in person at regionally based car registration offices?

The DVLA has a major role to play in changing the car registration system, but it can only work within the framework set out for it by government. 

So until there’s a total overhaul of the legislation on car registration, you’d better keep a close eye on your car keys, number plates and especially your car registration document.

Read the Which? guide to avoiding car crime and the Which? guide to the best car security features.