Drivers could face hefty fines for driving law safety breaches as millions risk failing MOTs

Under Annex 6 of the Highway Code, drivers must always keep vehicles in roadworthy conditions.

Not only can poorly kept cars be a danger for drivers and passengers on the road, but it can also lead to failed MOT tests.

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Renewals for MOTs need to take place every year to assess whether a vehicle is still eligible to travel on UK roads.

According to one expert, the number one reason drivers failed an MOT test last year was due to the poor condition of vehicles.

Tread depth was flagged as the second most common reason for failing a test while coil spring issues and headlamp problems also ranked highly.

Position lamp concerns and brake pad failures were also named as key issues which caused vehicles to fail their MOT.

Connor Campbell, expert at Independent Advisor Car Insurance, explained that MOTs are an official test of car roadworthiness.

Not only could drivers put themselves at risk of an accident by not properly maintaining a car, but they could also be slapped with police fines and risk having insurance invalidated, Campbell warned.

The risk is even greater if tyres are in poor condition, he remarked, drivers can receive an individual fine for each wheel, potentially amounting to up to £10,000.

Campbell added: “While people often delay maintaining their car for financial or time reasons, the cost can be greater the longer these are left unattended.”

According to research, the biggest cause of test failures in 2023 was due to the condition of the body of the car with over 1.7 million carsfailing due to this.

Campbell stated that while minor damages such as dents aren’t deemed dangerous, more serious damage, such as “excessive corrosion, sharp damage, or damage to specific areas of the vehicle could deem it non-roadworthy”.

To ensure a vehicle is roadworthy, drivers can conduct weekly checks especially ahead of any long journeys.

Motorists should also check oil, water, and fluid levels for their windscreen washer and brake fluid are in plenty.

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Campbell commented: “While people often delay maintaining their car for financial or time reasons, the cost can be greater the longer these are left unattended.”