Are you geared up for tougher MoT tests?
ChAnges to the MoT regulation which come into force from tomorrow could see thousands more cars failing the annual roadworthiness test. Owners of older diesels are especially at risk with tighter pollution limits and a new test on diesel particulate filters. These capture soot from the exhaust, preventing it from going into the air, causing health and environmental problems.
Most drivers will be confused about the implications of the changes, according to motoring organisations.
Tests are mandatory on cars that are three years old or more. Anyone caught driving a vehicle without a valid MoT certificate faces a fine of up to £ 1,000. Driving an unroadworthy car can result in fines of up to £2,500, plus six penalty points.
The changes are among the biggest in the MoT’s 60-year history. But breakdown service green Flag says six in ten drivers are unaware of them. There will be three new categories of fault: dangerous and major — which both result in an automatic failure — and minor.
Defects are deemed ‘dangerous’ if they pose ‘ a direct and immediate risk to road safety’ or have a ‘serious impact’ on the environment.
They are ‘ major’ if they ‘ may’ affect safety, put other road users at risk or harm the environment. In both cases, the fault must be corrected before the car can be driven on the road.
Cars with ‘ minor’ defects will pass. Minor means faults that pose ‘ no significant effect’ on vehicle safety or the environment. But owners will be told to repair them as soon as possible.
If the MoT tester can see ‘visible smoke of any colour’ belching out of the exhaust pipe, or finds evidence that the diesel particulate filter has been tampered with or removed, it’s deemed a major fault and the test fails. As replacement filters can cost more than £1,000, some drivers may opt to scrap the car instead.
Among new items being checked are brake pads, obviously under-inflated tyres, daytime running lights, reversing lights, and headlight washers.