Reform UK says campaign bus that went viral for 'expired' MOT is actually 'exempt'
Reform UK says campaign bus that went viral for 'expired' MOT is actually 'exempt'
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Officials have confirmed a Reform UK campaign bus which sparked attention on social media for apparently operating without a valid MOT is actually "exempt.". The party has confirmed the Dennis bus, a blue Diesel-powered vehicle, is exempt under a “special category for exhibition buses and play buses”. Concerns were raised that Reform UK could face a £1,000 fine after social media users spotted the bus canvassing for the party, bearing the slogans “Let’s Make Britain Great” and “Join the Reform UK party”.
It comes after Nigel Farage MP, announced plans for the “biggest ever campaign rally in modern British political history” on Sunday. The Clacton MP is aiming to kick off his campaign for the May local elections with a launch rally at Arena Birmingham, formerly known as the National Indoor Arena. The announcement generated excitement among Reform UK supporters, who have organized local events, including in Essex, to rally support for the party.
Social media users pointed out that the campaign bus, with the number plate R903 TCH, had an expired MOT, according to the gov.uk website. But the party has confirmed the bus is MOT-exempt. A spokesperson for Reform UK said: “The previous owner operated this bus MOT exempt it comes under a special category Exhibition buses and play buses are exempt from MOT. “We submitted all the documents to the post office a few weeks ago with the relevant forms and they taxed it seeing closed insurance and logbook all above board.”.
According to the Gov.uk website, the vehicle was registered in 1988 and last passed its MOT back in 2014. The maximum fine for driving without a valid MOT certificate is £1,000. However, if your car is deemed "dangerous" by an MOT test, you could be fined up to £2,500. The vehicle is taxed, with the next payment due on January 1, 2026. According to GOV.UK, the most recent V5C logbook was issued on January 29, 2025.
