Returning a written-off car to the road will become easier and cheaper thanks to the abolition of red tape, according to UK Transport Minister Stephen Hammond.
The Conservative MP claimed changes being brought into force in October 2015 would save Scottish taxpayers millions of pounds.
Mr Hammond said people who bring a written-off car back to a roadworthy condition following an accident will no longer need to apply for a Vehicle Identity Check (VIC).
The tests, introduced in 2003, were designed to stop criminals ringing cars – swapping the identity of vehicles bound for the scrapyard with a stolen vehicle of a similar make and model.
A VIC check currently costs £41 and involves an inspector from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVLA) checking that the vehicle matches information on its database.
During the last 10 years about a million checks have been made, resulting in only a handful of positive results.
Mr Hammond said: “It’s clear the scheme isn’t doing its job and it is hitting honest motorists in the wallet.
“The VIC scheme is nothing more than unnecessary red tape, which is why we are getting rid of it.”
The decision was taken following a lengthy consultation and review by the Department for Transport.
It says the change will have no impact on road safety as motorists will still be required to ensure their vehicle is roadworthy before returning it to the road.