New MOT Laws 2018

Posted on 21st May 2018

On 20 May 2018, MOT testing laws became stricter in England, Scotland and Wales. New defect types have been identified and they are now categorised differently, rules have become stricter for diesel car emissions, and vehicles over 40 years old have become exempt.


So what does this mean for you?


If you have a vehicle over 40 years old, you may not need an MOT (if it has not been substantially changed). After the 40th anniversary of when the vehicle was registered/manufactured, you will no longer need an MOT. Yet, whenever you tax the vehicle you must declare that it meets the criteria for not needing an MOT.


If you have a diesel, or are thinking of purchasing a used diesel car, there are some things to watch out for. Ensure that your diesel car has a DPF, and that there is no orange warning light on the dashboard as this indicates the DPF is blocked. A new DPF can be costly, so it is important to watch out for this when purchasing a diesel car. Any replacement or repairs to the DPF must be declared to the MOT tester.


You can be fined up to £1,000 for driving a vehicle without an up-to-date MOT certificate. In fact, the DVLA claim that over a quarter of cars are overdue for an MOT test in the UK, and three-quarters of these motorists had forgotten the date. For your ease of mind, you can now sign up for free text message or email reminders a month before your MOT is due.


When is your MOT due? Is it due soon?


The new, stricter MOT testing, although a change, will help keep your peace of mind when buying a car. The stricter testing criteria is ultimately beneficial in ensuring that your car is fit for the road and for you.

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