Following recent government guidance, an update has been provided in relation to how to deal with the general road worthiness of your vehicle in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Normally, a vehicles MOT would be due every year, once the vehicle is three years old. An MOT certificate means that your vehicle has been inspected to ensure that all the important parts of your vehicle (excluding the engine, clutch or gearbox) meet the legal standards. There are different aspects to the test depending on whether your vehicle is a car or a motorbike.
Recent government guidance has meant that the general public are to stay at home, and must follow the steps outlined below:
- Only go outside for food, health reasons, or work (but only if you cannot work from home)
- If you go out, stay 2 metres (6ft) away from other people at all times
- Wash your hands as soon as you get home
- Do NOT meet others outside your household, even friends and family
Therefore, questions have been raised by those who MOTs are now due, and also for those emergency or key workers, who are still required to travel to get to and from work.
If your vehicle’s MOT is due on or after the 30 March 2020, then the vehicle will be granted a 6 month extension beyond the current expiry, and it will be automatically extended. It is important to note that you must keep your vehicle safe to drive.
The government has provided guidance on its website as to what checks can be completed by you to ensure that your vehicle is safe. This guidance can be found here: Check your vehicle is safe to drive
Failure to keep your vehicle in a manner where it is safe to drive (road worthy) could result in you being fined, receiving points or even being banned from driving for keeping a vehicle in a dangerous condition.
If you believe that your vehicle is no longer safe to drive, contact your local garage for assistance, as the government is allowing garages to remain open.
Should you find yourself in receipt of a motoring notice of intended prosecution, please do not hesitate to contact our specialist motoring offence solicitors on 0161 696 6229.
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