UK cars and the current MOT legistation for 3 year old cars?

Question

Hi All,

Noticed that there is a load of modern new cars that have defects and poor bodywork / sharp edges etc

Everyday I see a car under three years old with a brake light defect

Just because its new doesnt mean everthing is safe and working OK

I have seen brand new cars FAIL the MOT test for basic safety areas and brake defects (FOR UK HACKNEY CARRIAGE TEST ALL TAXIS HAVE 2 MOTs regardless of age from brand new)

I feel that the three year rule is a safety issue, and basically its allowing a new car to rake up mega miles without any safety checks or MOTS... you are supposed to have a car serviced but it can easily been overlooked , and you can still tax and insure it regardless of condition

What do you think ?

MOT keeps all cars to a safety standard, better than having no checks at all

I feel all cars should undergo a annual MOT inspection

Answer 1

Any car must be road legal at any time when on a public road. You don't wait for an MOT to replace the bulb in a brake lamp, do you?

It's the individual responsibility of the owner. Subsequently, it's the duty of the law enforcement agencies to prevent such cars from getting on the road and/or to penalize the owner.

BTW, there are warranty service intervals on all new cars (based on warranty lenght) and I can't imagine a dealer/garage that would let the car out without making sure it's road-legal and everything works properly. Also, I can't imagine an owner who, after being told that his front lamps are off and brake pads dissintegrated, would say "oh, just leave it like that, guys"... I'm sure they exist, but must be totally stupid.

But if the garages do most of the MOT checks anyway, it may be useful to upload the results into the MOT system - together with info about drivers refusing to have broken stuff repaired.

Answer 2

There is nothing stopping you MOT'ing a vehicle less than three years old. We used to MOT our vans (<2 years old) when we were installing the computerised MOT systems in garages. Now making it a legal requirement, that is a different story. It would kick off lot's of toys out of pram throwing I suspect.

Answer 3

I agree. Far too many people moan like h**l about having to MOT a car, usually the ones who think that if it ain't broke, don't fix it. The annual MOT is the only safety test a car will ever get, and if you think that the garage is trying to do you when they point out your bald tyres and wafer thin brake pads, then you have neither the finances or brains to own a car!

Answer 4

I agree. There are more dangerous cars on the road that are under 3 years old than over.

As the car is still under warranty, the dealer could pay for the MOT.

Answer 5

I do agree with this because here in the U.S. a vehicle that is “two” years or newer does not have to be inspected in most states because it is considered “safe”, however I have seen a number of “two “ year old vehicles on the road that should be parked and not driven.

I would agree also that all vehicles should be inspected annually here as well and to do away with the “two year inspection sticker and as stated above, vehicle are to be road worthy or they are subject to be ticketed is true but it is not being done and should be.

Good luck and drive safe………………………..

Answer 6

The Road Traffic Act makes it illegal to have any vehicle on the road which is not in a roadworthy condition. This includes all the points in the MOT. If your car is not roadworthy you are braking the law and can be prosecuted. It may also cost you points on your license. Do not worry about MOT it merely formalizes things for vehicles over 3 years old. Broken lights, windscreen washers etc are illegal whatever the age of the car or vehicle.