More than a quarter of cars running with out of date MOT
DVLA reveals about 28 per cent of cars have no MOT at any one time as it launches text reminder service
More than a quarter of cars on UK roads are overdue for an MOT at any one time, the DVSA has revealed.
The news comes as the government agency launches a new MOT reminder service.
Motorists can input either their phone number or email address, as well as vehicle registration on the dedicated website, and will then be notified via text or email four weeks before their vehicle’s MOT is due.
Get a DVSA reminder when your MOT is nearly due, helping you keep your vehicle safe to drive #INeedAnMOTReminder https://t.co/yCy2UNzGLC pic.twitter.com/HfUN3k4YW4
— Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (@DVSAgovuk) November 13, 2017
If the test is not carried out, another reminder will be sent two weeks before and a final message when the MOT expires.
The service will automatically renew each year until the user unsubscribes.
Around 28 per cent of cars on the road at any one time do not have a valid MOT certificate, despite the fact driving without one can result in a fine of up to £1,000.
Driving without an MOT can result in a fine of up to £1,000.
Transport minister Baroness Sugg said: “We have some of the safest roads in the world, but we are always looking at ways to make them even safer.
“Booking your next MOT is easy to overlook but it plays an important role in making sure the vehicles on our roads are safe and meeting high environmental standards.
In our latest Matters of Testing blog post, Neil Barlow talks about the MOT services we've been working onhttps://t.co/UqGZIZfPHf pic.twitter.com/8BKzolm7RZ
— Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (@DVSAgovuk) October 31, 2017
“Getting a text or email will serve as a useful prompt to make sure people get their vehicle checked out time.”
Earlier this year, MOT rule changes were announced that would exempt vehicles produced before 1978 from the test as of next year.
The Department for Transport claimed these vehicles were involved in far fewer serious accidents than modern vehicle as well as being meticulously cared for by passionate owners.