Know The New MOT Rules
On 20th May 2018 the new MOT rules were introduced across England, Scotland and Wales. The new MOT rules affect all cars, vans and motorbikes, as well as other passenger vehicles.
The New MOT Rules
The new MOT rules consist of two main changes. Defect categories have now been introduced, and diesel particulate filters are now inspected on diesel vehicles. There are also additional parameters added to the MOT service.
The new defect categories are split into the following:
- Dangerous
- Major
- Minor
- Advisory
- Pass
These new categories apply to all cars, and are being introduced to meet the new European Union Roadworthiness Package.
Dangerous –Vehicles found to have dangerous defects fail immediately and use of the vehicle is prohibited on the road. It is considered to pose an immediate risk to road safety and environmental damage. The vehicle will need to be repaired immediately under new MOT rules.
Major – Vehicles found to have major defects also immediately fail. A re-test will be required after repairs are made. Major defects may pose a risk to road safety, endanger other drivers and cause environmental damage.
Minor – A vehicle with minor defects will pass the MOT and requires no re-test. It is considered to pose no significant risk of personal safety, to others or the environment. Repairs should be made as soon as possible, but you are free to continue using your car.
Advisory – A vehicle can pass an MOT with advisories for future risk. If something is likely to develop into a more serious issue in future you will be advised to monitor your car and get these repaired when you notice any problems.
Pass – A vehicle that passes an MOT meets the legal requirements for road and environmental safety.
Diesel Particulate Filters
Diesel particulate filters are attached to exhausts of diesel cars and are used to limit harmful emissions. A DPF catches exhaust and soot from the exhaust pipe.
Under the new MOT rules, a diesel vehicle will receive a Major Defect if it is found to have a DPF that emits smoke of any colour. Any visible signs of tampering or damage to the DPF will also fail. If you have a diesel vehicle but are unsure if you have an attached DPF, you can find this information in your vehicle handbook.
Other MOT Parameters
Other parameters have been put in place under the new MOT rules. Vehicles are now checked, and can fail, on the following:
- Under inflated tyres
- Contaminated brake fluid
- Fluid leaks posing an environmental risk
- Brake pad checks
- Brake pad warning lights and missing brake pads or discs
- Reversing lights on vehicles first used from 1 September 2009
- Headlight washers (if present) on vehicles first used from 1 September 2009
- Daytime running lights on vehicles first used from 1 March 2018
Is is important to get your MOT checked and renewed yearly. If your MOT runs out or fails you cannot drive your vehicle on the road. If you are caught driving with an out of date MOT you can be prosecuted and fined. Under the new MOT rules, if you drive a vehicle that has a dangerous defect you can be fined £2,500. The only exceptions to driving on the road with a failed MOT are: driving to get a repair, or driving to your MOT re-test. If you’re unsure if you have a valid MOT or you need to check when your MOT is due, you can check your car’s MOT status here.
To find out more about the new MOT rules visit the Government website. For more information on MOT services from German Specialists Ltd, get in touch with us on 0161 476 4422, or fill out our online contact form.
