The Removal, Storage and Disposal of Motor Vehicles Timeframes (Amendment) Regulations 2026

Published: Wed 1st Jul 26

These Regulations amend existing statutory instruments to shorten the mandatory timeframes for the retention and disposal of motor vehicles seized by the police. The order directs that previously varied periods—including 14 days, 21 days, 3 months, or 7 working days—be standardized to 7 calendar days for the purposes of vehicle collection and disposal eligibility.

It applies to police authorities and vehicle storage contractors in England and Wales, with certain parts also extending to Scotland.

Arguments For

The explanatory note states that the regulations shorten various timeframes to enable the disposal of vehicles at the end of 7 days following seizure or the provision of a notice to collect.
The document implies a standardization of administrative procedures by replacing various periods (such as 14 days, 21 days, or 3 months) and 'working day' definitions with a unified 7-day requirement.
Proponents may argue that the instrument reduces the storage burden on public and private facilities by accelerating the turnover of seized assets.
The Secretary of State asserts that the relevant thresholds for a full impact assessment were not met, suggesting the costs to businesses and the public sector are limited.

Arguments Against

Legal scholars may note that replacing 'working days' with 'days' reduces the actual time available for owners to reclaim vehicles, particularly when periods overlap with weekends or public holidays.
Affected parties might argue that a 7-day window is insufficient for owners to arrange the logistics, fees, or documentation required to prevent vehicle disposal, especially compared to the previous 3-month or 21-day limits.
Civil liberties organizations have previously questioned the proportionality of rapid disposal of private property before owners have a full opportunity to contest seizures.
Implementation difficulties may arise if logistics for notice delivery do not ensure owners receive information with sufficient time to act within the narrower 7-day window.

-(1) These Regulations may be cited as the Removal, Storage and Disposal of Motor Vehicles Timeframes (Amendment) Regulations 2026.

(2) These Regulations come into force on 22nd July 2026, but do not apply to vehicles seized or removed before that date.
(3) Parts 1 and 3 of these Regulations extends to England and Wales and Scotland.
(4) Parts 2 and 4 of these Regulations extends to England and Wales only.

This section establishes the official title of the regulations and sets the commencement date for 22 July 2026.

It specifies a non-retroactive application, meaning the new timeframes only affect vehicles seized on or after the commencement date.

The section also defines the varying territorial jurisdictions for different parts of the instrument across England, Wales, and Scotland.

Part 2 Amendment of the Police (Retention and Disposal of Motor Vehicles) Regulations 2002

The Police (Retention and Disposal of Motor Vehicles) Regulations 2002( 4 ) are amended in accordance with this Part.

Amendment of regulation 2

In regulation 2, omit the definition of 'working days'.

Amendment of regulation 4

In regulation 4, in paragraph (3)(c), for '7 working days' substitute '7 days'.

Amendment of regulation 7

In regulation 7(a) in paragraph (2)(a), for '14 days' substitute '7 days';

(b) in paragraph (2)(c), for '7 working days' substitute '7 days'.

This part amends the 2002 Regulations concerning vehicles seized by police under the Police Reform Act 2002, such as those used in a manner causing alarm, distress, or annoyance.

It removes the distinction between working days and calendar days and reduces the notice and disposal periods from 14 days or 7 working days down to 7 calendar days.

These changes apply specifically to the enforcement landscape in England and Wales.

Part 3

Amendment of the Road Traffic Act 1988 (Retention and Disposal of Seized Motor Vehicles) Regulations 2005

The Road Traffic Act 1988 (Retention and Disposal of Seized Motor Vehicles) Regulations 2005( 5 ) are amended in accordance with this Part.

Amendment of regulation 2

In regulation 2, omit the definition of 'working days'.

Amendment of regulation 4

In regulation 4, in paragraph (4)(c) for '7 working days' substitute '7 days'.

Amendment of regulation 7

In regulation 7-
(a)
(b) in paragraph (2)(c), for '7 working days' substitute '7 days'.

in paragraph (2)(a), for '14 days' substitute '7 days';

This part modifies the 2005 Regulations regarding vehicles seized under the Road Traffic Act 1988, typically involving lacks of insurance or proper licensing.

Similar to Part 2, it excises 'working days' from the definitions and compresses disposal and collection windows to a flat 7-day period.

This part has a broader territorial extent, applying to England, Wales, and Scotland.

Part 4

Amendment of the Police (Retention and Disposal of Vehicles) Regulations 1995

The Police (Retention and Disposal of Vehicles) Regulations 1995( 6 ) are amended in accordance with this Part.

Amendment of regulation 4

In regulation 4, in paragraph (3)(c), for '21 days' substitute '7 days'.

Amendment of regulation 6

In regulation 6, in paragraph (5)(a), for '3 months' substitute '7 days'.

This part amends the 1995 Regulations, which govern vehicles seized under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, such as those involved in trespass or unauthorized raves.

It introduces significant reductions in the time police must retain a vehicle before disposal, lowering the periods from 21 days or 3 months to 7 days.

These amendments apply only within England and Wales.

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