QUARTER OF ALL MOTORISTS MISS MOT DEADLINES: Millions risk fines and penalties
Recent data reveals that nearly a quarter of UK vehicles were late for their MOT in 2023. Breakdown provider Green Flag found that 7.6 million vehicles failed to meet the legal testing requirement on time. Worryingly, 8% of these were over a month overdue. The issue persists into 2024, with 3.6 million vehicles already late for their test in the first six months.
Alarmingly, misconceptions about MOT regulations are widespread. Research indicates that a third of drivers mistakenly believe it is legal to drive without a valid MOT if a test has been booked. However, this is only permitted when driving directly to a pre-arranged test or for repairs following a failed MOT. Driving without a valid MOT is otherwise illegal from the moment the certificate expires, and penalties are severe.
Drivers caught without a valid MOT face fines, penalty points, vehicle impoundment, and even licence disqualification if their vehicle is deemed unsafe. Additionally, driving without an MOT can invalidate insurance policies, leaving drivers vulnerable in the event of an incident.
Many drivers appear unaware of these risks. Nearly one in six UK motorists do not realise their insurance could be voided. Over a fifth are unaware of the £1,000 fine for driving with an expired MOT, and a third are oblivious to the £2,500 penalty, driving ban, and three points for operating a vehicle with a dangerous MOT failure.
Even more concerning is the extent of non-compliance. Of those who drove without a valid MOT, 23% admitted to travelling over 100 miles before renewing their certificate, with an average of 67 miles covered. Seven per cent admitted they took the risk because they didn’t expect to be caught, believing their vehicle to be in good condition.
Despite legal and financial risks, a lack of awareness and planning continues to delay MOT renewals. Nearly a third of drivers do not know they can renew their MOT up to a month early while maintaining the same renewal date. Additionally, logistical and financial pressures contribute to delays. Common reasons for missing the MOT deadline include lack of garage availability (20%), forgetting the due date (18%), and financial constraints (19%).
To address this issue, the DVSA offers a free MOT reminder service. Over five million drivers have signed up for text alerts to help avoid missing their MOT. Drivers can register for reminders at gov.uk/mot-reminder.
Missing an MOT deadline is not just a legal oversight; it’s a risk to safety and financial security. With penalties looming and free reminder tools available, there is little excuse for non-compliance.
Katie Lomas, Managing Director of Green Flag, said: “Driving without a valid MOT can pose a serious risk, not just to yourself but to other road users. An expired MOT certificate can mean vital safety issues are being overlooked, increasing the chance of breakdowns and accidents. Regular vehicle checks and timely MOT renewals are crucial to keeping our roads safe and for drivers to avoid substantial fines and penalties. To keep up to date with MOT deadlines, you can register for the for the MOT Reminder subscription via the DVSA.”
