taxing a ambulance

[tonythebiker]

anyone know how i can get my ambulance taxed free it is an x one but still says ambulance all over it and has the blue lights is there any way

[Toureman]

If your ambulance is owned by you it needs to be taxed, also using the blue lights would be illegal

[kempie]

As it is an "ex" ambulance and no longer operated by the emergency services it will not be deemed exempt to road tax, unless it was constructed before 1st January 1973 and thus falls into the 'historic vehicle' tax class.

[markja]

get a job as a paramedic. they'll give you a new one. you won't need to tax or insure it. and you get to use the blues and two's !!! there is also the nice green uniform to consider, not to mention all those luvly nurses!!!! oh! er! matron!

[Joe_the_Lion]

I believe, and toureman may correct me. that is it not only an offence to USE the blue lights, but an offence of mere showing the light (whether working or not) is an offence.

I believe this is why emergency vehicles being transported by civilian staff are covered over.

[tonythebiker]

i like markja answer the best so far with the nurses.
i have been told that i can keep the blue lights on but they must not work but don't know if that is 100% true. i know i must not use them.

[kempie]

It is a breach of Section 16 of The Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989 (as amended) for a non-emergency vehicle to be fitted with a blue lamp whether in working order or not....

http://www.opsi.gov.uk/SI/si1989/Uksi_19891796 _en_3.htm#(Tii)i6restrictionfittingbluewarning beaconspecialwarninglampsimilardevice

[dan_999uk]

As kempie says, unless the vehicle is actually used for ambulance purposes the blue lights must be removed - you can't have blue lights or anything that appear to be blue lights.

Also it's unwise to be driving round in a vehicle with ambulance markings without equipment or training - sods law says you'll get flagged down at some accident or other.