MOT warning: One in four drivers risking £2,500 fine

Millions of motorists are ignoring serious safety warnings from mechanics when getting their MOT, claims new research.

One in four cars leave forecourts with MOT advisories that could pose danger and result in a fine of up to £2,500 if not addressed, according to new data from Protyre.

The analysis highlights that this could apply to up to 9,550,000 vehicles on the road today, as there are an estimated 38.2 million registered vehicles in Britain (Department for Transport figures).

The most common serious MOT advisories are tyres and brakes, with nearly one in six drivers who pass their MOT leaving the forecourt with advice from engineers to have them fixed soon.

One in seven also have an advisory for their vehicle’s suspension and just one in 45 for their lamps.

Once unroadworthy and discovered by authorities, driving a vehicle with defective tyres, brakes or with unfit parts is punishable with a fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points.

“Most drivers breathe a sigh of relief when their car passes its MOT, but the advisories are a warning that your vehicle could still become unroadworthy in a matter of weeks if you ignore them,” said Protyre’s National Retail Operations Manager, David Sholicar.