Almost all
vehicles in the UK need to be tested once per year to ensure
they meet legal requirements including mechanical condition and emission
levels. The emissions requirement is an effort to minimise the
effect vehicles have on the environment.
An MOT certificate is not proof that a
vehicle is road legal, it only means the vehicle has been
subjected to an MOT inspection. This means the vehicle was considered
road legal at the time of the MOT test.
If you drive a vehicle on the roads of the
UK and your vehicle is not covered by a valid MOT then you are
liable for a fine of up to £1000. Not having an MOT makes it
impossible to legally obtain road tax. Driving a vehicle that is
not taxed can lead to either a large fine, confiscation of your vehicle
and or crushing of your vehicle.
From time to time police officers may
request you produce your certificate of MOT. This is sometimes
done when you are stopped for any reason, and the officer asks
to see proof of an MOT.
If you do not have your certificate on
you, you will be provided with a form that requires you to
produce your MOT certificate and any other driving documentation
requested at the time of the stop. You will be able to produce
these documents at a police office of your choice.
Failure to produce these documents can
also result in a large fine.
The police now have a far greater chance
of catching drivers who do not have a valid/genuine MOT. The
police national computer now has a lot more information about
each driver and each car. The police are now able to quickly
know if a car is taxed, insured and in some cases covered by
a valid MOT.
MOT testing is a legal requirement and if
you choose not to renew your MOT there is a very good chance you
will be caught. Not having an MOT means you cant renew your road
tax. Driving with an out of date tax disk is a sure way to get
into a lot of trouble.
If you drive without an MOT you will
almost certainly get caught.
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