Newbie

Go easy on me please if I have posted in the wrong section. I have had my 23 Reg Jimny LCV for just two weeks and loving it. 

One of the first things I decided to do was remove the top mesh dividing screen attached to the bulkhead to improve access to the load area.

Now I am worried that come time for MOT July 2026, a tester might fail the car on this. What are other peoples with plus 3 year old LCV experience?

Many thanks

 

I have yet to find out directly with mine but I have fully removed both parts of mine so I'd be interested in finding out too.

I will ask around and respond on here. Cheers L.

That is an interesting question and throws up a couple of questions:

1) Does a Jimny LCV require a load area bulkhead to be still classified as a LCV? I checked the summary of the regs and couldn’t find a mention, so possibly it doesn’t matter.

2) Is removing the bulkhead a modification for insurance? Probably, yes, it’s there to stop the load from coming forwards during braking. The fact that you don’t carry any cargo in the back doesn’t change the requirement, it’s a manufacturer’s safety system.

I doubt your Jimny would fail a MOT for not having the bulkhead fitted, the test station will just not see enough of them, unless the MOT is different for the LCV from a car test?

Thanks Doctor. I have removed only the grill, not the solid lower down element, therefore anything that I load in the back will be low, e.g shopping, dog, winter coats and shoes etc. I am still making enquiries but maybe it is down to an individual tester's perception and experience as you imply. This question could run as there seems to be lot of 23 and 24 reg LCVs for sale and a growing market that will eventually be due for an an MOT. Cheers and thanks.

In my view ithe requirement is not about a guard etc. its about having a secure load.

What is the difference between a 4 seater with the rear seats folded down and an LCV with the guard removed, nothing.

I believe you are required to have any load properly secured. The guard helps with that but something loose in the compartment, even with the guard, could get you with an insecure load if the car was to roll and the load departed the vehicle through the side window.

Estate cars, hatchbacks like our Suzuki swift have fold down seats and therefore an open load area. Our Swift has the contents of M&S food store on Tuesday mornings and Tesco food on Fridays.

Pretty sure MOT doesnt care. What about motorhomes where the driver has no protection from being hit on the head with a bag of pasta..

I go with my "secure load" rule and dont worry about a guard or no guard.