Drivers avoiding MOTs and using faulty tyres to save money – survey

A fifth (20%) of drivers aged under 44 admit to breaking the law by using faulty tyres or avoiding an MOT, a new survey suggests.

Some 10% of motorists of all ages are guilty of at least one of these actions, according to the poll of 2,691 UK drivers commissioned by the RAC.

MOTs check a number of vehicle parts such as lights, seatbelts, tyres and brakes to ensure they meet legal standards.

Cars in Britain must usually be first presented for an MOT after three years on the road, then annually until they reach 40 years old.

The maximum fee for a car is £54.85, with repair bills on top.

Vehicle tyres must meet specific requirements at all times to be considered legal, relating to factors such as the tread depth and condition.

Nearly one in five (19%) drivers surveyed said they have tried to save money by delaying necessary vehicle repairs, or have either reduced or stopped servicing their vehicle due to cost.

The RAC warned this could lead to more cars breaking down and may be a “false economy” if it results in larger repair bills in future.

RAC breakdown spokesperson Simon Williams said: “It’s very worrying that so many drivers under the age of 44 appear to have risked breaking the law by not putting their vehicles through the MOT and running them on tyres that should have been replaced, all in an attempt to save some money.

“Safety on our roads is paramount. The MOT is a legal requirement for good reason: skipping it jeopardises the safety of all road users, including the driver.

“Tyres are a vehicle’s only contact with the road, so it’s vital they are in good condition and have plenty of tread.

“Those drivers who have taken the decision not to get their cars serviced or repaired might think they’re saving money, but they could very easily find themselves facing a far bigger garage bill for something which could have been cheaper to fix earlier on.”

Drivers can be fined up to £1,000 for using a vehicle without a valid MOT.

Police may fine drivers caught with illegal tyres, although court action could be taken for serious cases or repeat offenders.

The survey was conducted by research company Online95 between March 23 and April 15.