Can I Still Sell A Car Privately During This Latest Lockdown?

[ToraToraTora]

I'm thinking probably not as any buyer coming would be making an unnecessary journey. Also I've got my eye on a couple of motorcycles to potentially buy but similarly I assume I'd be making illegal journeys to got and see them etc. Any ideas? Ebay etc is still full of cars/bikes for sale of course.

[198kHz]

It's OK if the buyer is from Barnards Castle.

[bhg481]

If a potential buyer wanted a test drive would you let them take the car (risky) or sit in the car with them for 30 mins (different risk)?
I think, like last time, car showrooms will be closed but servicing/repair shops open, so that might define the official view, although selling privately would be difficult to police.

[Mamyalynne]

General up to date info here.

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/industry-news/what-does-new-lockdown-mean-british-motorists

[Buenchico]

The relevant legislation states that "During the emergency period, no person may leave the place where they are living without reasonable excuse". It then goes on to list specific circumstances which automatically qualify as a 'reasonable excuse' (such as obtaining basic necessities or obtaining medical assistance) but the list is non-exhaustive. i.e. there may be other circumstances, not contained within the list, which a court might determine to be a 'reasonable excuse'. For example, if the only way that an NHS doctor (or other key worker) can get to work is by car, and his car is no longer serviceable, it would almost certainly be regarded as a 'reasonable excuse' for him to leave his home in order to seek to purchase another vehicle. So not everyone would be prevented from viewing your vehicle but many (and probably most) would be.

Similarly, you'd need to be able to show that you had a 'reasonable excuse' for leaving your home if you were to seek to purchase a motorbike.

[ToraToraTora]

bhg, not bothered about the test drive etc, I'm talking about the legalities, if a person goes to buy a car/bike privately are they breaking the law? is the seller aiding and abetting?
mamy, seen that but I'm talking about buying/selling privately.

[ToraToraTora]

yes that's what I thought chris.

[Mamyalynne]

Yes, I checked first - there's a paragraph on private sales/purchases.

[ToraToraTora]

ok thanks mamy, I see they advise against it. Well they would I suppose but I think with some validity in this climate.