Vehicles in the UK must have an MOT certificate once they reach three years old – and an MOT must take place every year thereafter.
Cars and vehicles without a valid MOT certificate are illegal on the road and may also invalidate any motor insurance policy if driven.
Every part of a car is checked during an MOT – and driving without a valid MOT certificate can result in a fine and possible driving ban.
The only time when it is legal to drive a vehicle without a valid MOT certificate is on the way to a pre-arranged MOT appointment to get a vehicle tested.
It is a vehicle owner’s duty to make sure their vehicle has a valid MOT certificate – and to correct any mistakes that might be made on a new certificate within seven days.
A vehicle which fails an MOT can be driven, provided its previous MOT certificate has not expired – but driving a vehicle without an MOT certificate can result in a fine of up to £2,500 and an endorsement with 3 points on the licence.
Cars without an MOT certificate are considered dangerous to drive – and it is essential to take expert legal advice at an early stage, if facing a charge of driving without MOT.
A fine of up to £1,000 can be imposed for driving without MOT – and in some cases, an insurer might not insure a vehicle without an MOT certificate, meaning that a driver or owner may also face a charge of driving without insurance.
Duncan Lewis motoring offence solicitors can advise car owners – as well as owners of HGVs or other vehicles – on charges involving driving without an MOT certificate.
Duncan Lewis offers robust criminal defence services for drivers facing motoring offences, including commercial and professional drivers.
Duncan Lewis represents clients at Police Stations, Magistrates’ Courts, Crown Courts, and at Appeal Courts such as the Court of Appeal.
Duncan Lewis' Crime Department has been recognised as a Top Tier and recommended criminal defence practice by Chambers UK 2018 and the Legal 500 2017 Edition – and has an exceptional track record in defending cases involving a charge of driving without MOT, including car drivers, HGV drivers or other road users.
Duncan Lewis motoring offence solicitors advise clients who may face prosecution for a road traffic offence to contact us as soon as possible, especially if a Notice of Intended Prosecution has been issued.
A member of the Duncan Lewis motoring offence department can attend police interview under caution – and our motoring law department regularly advises new drivers, experienced drivers and professional drivers on road traffic offences, including driving without MOT.
There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide in England and Wales – and a motoring law solicitor from Duncan Lewis can usually reach a client at a police station or court within 45 minutes.
Call Duncan Lewis motoring offence solicitors on 020 7923 4020 for expert legal advice on road traffic offences, including charges involving driving without an MOT certificate.
For 24/7 help at a police station, call the Duncan Lewis Emergency Hotline on 0207 275 2036.