Steel Soldiers::Military Vehicles Supersite - View Single Post

M35A2 · 03-28-2006, 06:24

Just wondered if there were any restrictions buying or owning Military Vehicles in the States? I know different States have different laws.

In the UK, we can more or less drive anything on a public highway, including Tracked Armour (Abbott 105 self propelled gun, 432 etc). All the wheeled armour can be driven over here, but there is a limit on tracked armour depending on what the weight is and how big it is, as our roads are quite small compared to yours.

In the UK, we have a vehicle safety check annually called the MOT (Ministry of Transport vehicle safety check). In the check, everything is checked by a certified mechanic and the vehicle is put on a rolling road for a brake check and also the engine emissions are checked, along with steering, engine, fuel, electrical systems etc.

But there are exemptions for different types of vehicle. For example, any vehicle that is over 7.5tons and was built before 1960 does not require this annual test. That is why nearly all M35A2’s in the UK are pre 1960, so that we don’t have to go through this test every year.

Also road tax has different rates. For a PLG (private light goods) vehicle (under 3.5tons) the road tax is £175 per year ($305.80 at today’s rate). This covers most of the normal cars that people own. But after 2001, the road tax varies in price depending on what engine emissions the vehicle puts out. Most, if not all SUV’s are now in the highest road tax band, which is £215 per year. But all vehicles that are built before 1972 do not have to pay any road tax. So if I buy a 1959 M35A2 it will be road tax exempt and also be MOT exempt. All I have to pay for is insurance, which for this vehicle is £80 per year fully comprehensive and unlimited mileage.

If I bought a truck that was built after 1960 I would need to get it tested every year and would also require a HGV licence (Heavy Goods Vehicle driving licence). As I am a Semi Truck Driver I already have an HGV class one licence, which would mean I would still be able to drive the truck. Do you have to take further tests in the States to enable you guys to drive your trucks?