Can they take a car my wife cannot do her job without?


No

Any vehicle which are necessary for use personally by the debtor in the debtor’s employment, business, trade, profession, study or education, having a value under £1,350 is exempt goods.[1]

If a bailiff takes control of an exempt vehicle, the debtor may make a claim to exempt goods.[2][3]

The debtor may recover damages for being denied the lawful use of the exempt vehicle,[4][5] and may recover the costs in bringing those proceedings.[6][7][8]



[1] Regulation 4(1)(a) of the Taking Control of Goods Regulations 2013
[2] Civil Procedure Rule 85.8
[3] See Making a claim to exempt goods.
[4] Section 3 of the Torts 9Interference with Goods) Act 1977
[5] Paragraph 66 of Schedule 12 of the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007
[6] Civil Procedure Rule 44.3
[7] Civil Procedure Rule 46.5
[8] Practice Direction 46.5 Rule 3.1