DVS issue Christmas gift warning

With Christmas exactly a month away, Driver and Vehicle Standards are urging anyone giving a second-hand moped as a gift to check whether it’s been called for a DVS inspection before buying it.

Every three-year-old moped and motorcycle below 125cc registered in Jersey is now being inspected by DVS to ensure it is roadworthy. The inspection programme began in April, since when registered owners have been contacted two months in advance of the inspection being due so that they can plan to have the inspection carried out in order to keep using the vehicle.

DVS has discovered that, in a limited number of cases, when owners have received an inspection letter, they have sold their bike, instead of booking an inspection, and haven’t told the purchaser that the inspection’s due.

Head of Driver and Vehicle Standards, Gordon Forrest, said: “It is the responsibility of the owner to have their vehicle inspected if it’s intended to be used on the road and, if the vehicle is sold, that responsibility moves to the new owner. We have had a small number of people come to us to register their moped, only to be surprised when we tell them it’s due an inspection.

“Owners should ensure their vehicle is roadworthy, and the inspection does not cost very much, but we can understand why people who have bought a vehicle in good faith are unhappy when they find this out.

“At this time of year, when sales are expected to increase, we want to ensure that Islanders are aware that – if they are buying a moped or small motorbike for Christmas – they should ask if it has been called for an inspection or when it is due.

"While there is no legal obligation for the seller to tell the buyer, I think there is a moral obligation. In the UK, the buyer would ask when the MOT was due, and we want Islanders to get into the mindset of asking about DVS inspections in the same way.”