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This section provides you with all you need to know about buying a vehicle which has already been converted to run on LPG.
- Some vehicles will have been manufactured with an LPG option already fitted and this will usually be reflected in the model details on the V5 "log book". read more
- Most vehicles have been converted after manufacture by a different company and should have an LPGA LPG Conversion Certificate to ensure that the appropriate LPG equipment has been installed and fitted in a safe and satisfactory manner. read more
- To guarantee that you and the person you may sell your vehicle to can get insurance an LPGA LPG Conversion Certificate is required read more
- If the correct paperwork is not available get the vehicle checked read more
- Only certain LPG vehicles are eligible for 100% discount on the London Congestion Charge. To check read more
Please remember that this advice relates only to the LPG aspects of a vehicle and is in addition to the normal enquiries and precautions that you should take when buying a second hand vehicle.
Some vehicles will have been manufactured with an LPG option already fitted and this will usually be reflected in the model details on the V5 "log book". Typically this will refer to the model as a "bi-fuel", "dual fuel", or "LPG". In addition the vehicle will have the manufacturer's handbook for LPG operation.
When a vehicle is converted to run on LPG the DVLA should be informed and will note the additional fuel in the fuel section. Reference to LPG in this section does not necessarily mean that the vehicle was originally manufactured with LPG. If in doubt, contact the vehicle manufacturer or manufacturer's dealer.
Most vehicles have been converted after manufacture by a different company. You need to be sure that the LPG equipment is suitable for the vehicle (BEWARE: unsuitable LPG equipment can lead to engine damage and/or catalytic converter damage) and has been installed in a safe and satisfactory manner.
If the conversion was undertaken after November 2002, you can get this assurance by seeing the LPGA “LPG Conversion Certificate” - click here for details of the certificate and the LPGA Approved Installer Scheme.
If the above is not available and you wish to have the system checked, then any LPGA Approved Installer can inspect the vehicle and provide a standard "Safety Check Report". (Click here find your nearest LPGA Approved Installer).
An LPG conversion is a modification to a vehicle which requires notification to your insurance company. Most insurance companies will not charge a premium if the conversion is fitted by the vehicle manufacturer or retro-fitted by an LPGA Approved Installer. However, of the top twenty insurance companies, 16 said that they would not insure the vehicle if the conversion was by a company which was not the vehicle manufacturer or an LPGA Approved Installer - click here for further information.
The cleanest LPG vehicles which have been tested by the Energy Savings Trust qualify for 100% discount on the London Congestion Charge - click here for list of vehicles / eligible conversions.
Registration costs £10 per year and has to be renewed each year. A vehicle which is registered will have a letter of confirmation from Transport for London quoting the expiry date.
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