This could result in a hefty fine and a ban from the road.
Drivers risk a hefty fine for failing to carry out a vital check on their vehicle. Under Government rules, you can be fined up to £2,500 if you do not ensure your car is roadworthy.
Not only this but you could also be banned from driving and issued three penalty points. This will occur if your vehicle is in a “dangerous” condition.
This remains true even if it has successfully passed its latest MOT test. The Government website states: “You’re responsible for making sure your vehicle is always safe to drive (‘roadworthy’). It can be unsafe even if you have a current MOT certificate.
“You can be fined up to £2,500, be banned from driving and get three penalty points for driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition.”
A vehicle is considered to be in dangerous condition if the vehicle or trailer poses a risk of injury to any person due to:
- The condition of the motor vehicle or trailer, or of its accessories or equipment, or
- The purpose for which it is used, or
- The number of passengers carried by it, or the manner in which they are carried, or
- The weight, position or distribution of its load, or the manner in which it is secured
Checks to carry out
To avoid your car being deemed dangerous, the Government website recommends carrying out the following checks every time you drive:
- The windscreen, windows and mirrors are clean
- All lights work
- The brakes work
Your vehicle’s handbook will tell you how often to check the:
- Engine oil
- Water level in the radiator or expansion tank
- Brake fluid level
- Battery
- Windscreen and rear window washer bottles – top up with windscreen washer fluid if necessary
- Tyres – they must have the correct tread depth and be free of cuts and defects
The handbook will also tell you when your vehicle needs to be serviced. Tyre tread must be a certain depth depending on the type of vehicle:
- Cars, light vans and light trailers – 1.6 millimetres (mm)
- Motorcycles, large vehicles and passenger-carrying vehicles – 1mm
- Mopeds only need to have visible tread
For more information, visit the Government website here.