Drivers reminded to book MOTs or risk £1,000 fine

The Motor Ombudsman is urging drivers to book their MOTs in advance or risk a £1,000 fine if they use their vehicles beyond its expiration date.

A valid MOT is a legal requirement in the UK, and there are an estimated 7,500 independent garages and dealer workshops accredited to The Motor Ombudsman’s Chartered Trading Standards Institute-approved Motor Industry Code of Practice for Service and Repair,

However, during the summer holidays many motorists overlook booking MOTs and run the risk of being unable to arrange one before the expiration date.

Bill Fennell, chief ombudsman and managing director of The Motor Ombudsman, said: “As the summer holiday period gets underway, and with millions of drivers set to take to the nation’s roads, we are urging consumers who own cars of three or more years age to arrange the annual assessment as soon as possible in advance of their trip.”

Drivers reminded to book MOTs

Fennell continued: “This gives a better chance of securing a booking at their preferred business, whilst it also helps spread the workload for MOT stations, particularly in locations across the country where garages may be busy.

“There are handy free-of-charge MOT reminder services available that can send a text or an e-mail direct to your smartphone to give you advance notice of a certificate expiring. It is therefore worth signing up to keep this important date in the vehicle ownership calendar front of mind, and to avoid a last-minute scramble to secure a slot on the ramp.”