Importing your car from Latvia to the United Kingdom

For cars that are under ten years old from Latvia, they will need to comply to UK type approval. We can either do this with a process called mutual recognition or through IVA testing.

Every car is different and every manufacturer has different support standards for assisting their clients through the import process, so please enquire so we can discuss the optimum speed and cost option for your individual circumstances.

We manage the whole process on your behalf, whether that is dealing with the homologation team of your car’s manufacturer or the Department for Transport, so you can relax in the knowledge that you will be legally registered with the DVLA in the shortest time possible.

Left hand drive cars from Austria will require some modifications, including those to the headlight pattern to avoid glare for oncoming traffic, the speedo to display the miles per hour reading and the rear fog light if it is not already universally compliant.

We have built an extensive catalogue of the makes and models of car we have imported so can give you a quick cost estimate of what your individual car will require.

Cars over 10 years old are type approval exempt but still require a safety test, called an MOT, and similar modifications to an IVA test prior to registration. The modifications depend on the age but are generally to the rear fog light.

If your car is over 40 years old it does not need an MOT test and can be delivered directly to your UK address ahead of it being registered.

Enclosed transport of a car refers to a method of transporting a car in a specialized trailer or container that provides full protection and security during transit. Unlike open transport, where cars are exposed to the elements and potential road hazards, enclosed transport offers a higher level of protection.

In enclosed transport, the car is loaded into a fully enclosed trailer or container that shields it from adverse weather conditions, dust, debris, and other potential sources of damage. The trailer or container typically has solid walls and a roof to provide complete coverage and protection for the car.

Enclosed transport is often chosen for transporting valuable, classic, vintage, or exotic cars that require extra care and protection. It is also preferred when the car owner wants to maintain the pristine condition of their car or needs to transport it over long distances.

By opting for enclosed transport, the car is safeguarded against potential risks such as rock chips, inclement weather, vandalism, or theft. The enclosed trailers used for transport are usually equipped with features like hydraulic lift gates, soft tie-downs, and padding to ensure secure and damage-free transportation.

Overall, enclosed transport offers a secure and protected means of shipping cars, ensuring their safe arrival at the destination in the same condition as when they were loaded.

An open car transporter, also known as an open car carrier or open car hauler, is a type of transport car specifically designed for the transportation of automobiles. It is typically a large truck or trailer with multiple levels or decks, where cars can be loaded and secured for transport.

The distinguishing feature of an open car transporter is that it lacks an enclosed structure or roof, unlike enclosed transporters that have a fully enclosed container for car transport. In an open transporter, the cars are exposed to the elements during transit.

Open car transporters are commonly used in the automotive industry for various purposes, such as delivering new cars from manufacturers to dealerships, relocating cars for individuals or businesses, or transporting cars for auctions. They offer several advantages, including cost-effectiveness, ease of loading and unloading, and the ability to transport multiple cars simultaneously.

However, the main drawback of open car transporters is that they do not provide the same level of protection as enclosed transporters. As the cars are exposed, they are susceptible to damage from weather conditions, road debris, and other external factors. For this reason, open transport is typically recommended for standard cars that do not require special protection, such as classic or luxury cars.