Millions of drivers at risk of hefty fine and potential bans
New research reveals that millions of drivers are at risk of being slapped with a fine, penalty points or even a driving ban for driving a car in a dangerous condition.
Kwik Fit found that over 11.6 million drivers had not taken their car for its MOT before the previous one had expired. Around one in ten of those drivers (1.12million) admit to being repeat offenders, having done this six or more times. Worryingly, this appears to be an increasing trend – drivers aged 18-34 are five times more likely to be one of these serial offenders than drivers aged over 55.
According to the study, over 1.4 million drivers said that the main reason why they didn’t get their car MOTed before the previous one had expired was because they couldn’t afford the work it would need to gain a pass. However, this could be a very costly decision. Driving without a current MOT carries a fine of up to £1,0002, while using a car deemed to be in dangerous condition could have drivers paying out up to £2,500, being hit with 3 penalty points or even a driving ban if it’s a repeat offence3.
Drivers forget
Simple forgetfulness is the most common reason given by drivers for allowing a MOT to lapse (42%), followed by not having a note of the expiry date (21%) and their garage not reminding them (16%). London cars are most likely to be driven with an expired MOT, with 63% of drivers in the capital admitting to having done this, compared to the UK average of 29%.
The research for Kwik Fit found that while around a quarter of drivers (24%) used their car without a valid MOT for 3 days or less, the average length of time drivers have driven illegally is more than two months (66.2 days). 29% of those who had forgotten their MOT was due had a moment of realisation and remembered without prompting from another source, while 13% found a document that alerted them and 10% realised when they tried to tax the vehicle.
Roger Griggs, from Kwik Fit, said: “It is concerning to see that people are knowingly or unwittingly driving a vehicle which could pose a danger to them or other road users. Allowing a vehicle’s MOT to expire is not only potentially dangerous, there is also the chance of a significant financial penalty and in some cases, it could cost someone their licence.
“We understand that people have busy lives and MOT dates can slip off the calendar or a ‘to do’ list. We would encourage drivers who don’t have a note of their expiry date to check it and get it marked in the calendar with plenty of time, to avoid any issues.”
When it comes to checking their vehicles before their MOT appointment, only half of all owners make any kind of preparation, with just 53% of drivers carrying out some basic checks ahead of taking their car to a garage.
Roger says: “Many cars fail their MOTs on components which drivers should be very aware of, such as illegal tyre tread or lights not working. Some simple checks will enable motorists to prepare their car in advance and avoid that dreaded verdict of a fail. Now that a car’s MOT history is available online for anyone to see, including a prospective buyer, having a consistent series of passes will help show that a vehicle has been well maintained.”