Motorists have been issued a £1,000 DVLA fine alert, with experts warning drivers not to forget to sign up for a free service that could help them avoid the penalty. Registering for this online system can provide reminders when a vehicle's MOT is due, reports Express.co.uk.
An MOT (Ministry of Transport) inspection is a compulsory yearly safety and emissions check for most UK vehicles exceeding three years of age. It examines vital elements such as brakes, lighting, tyres, steering, and exhaust systems to confirm they comply with legal roadworthiness and environmental requirements. A new MOT is mandated by law each year.
Neglecting to renew your MOT could not only prove dangerous but could result in a hefty penalty. GOV.UK states: "You can be fined up to £1,000 for driving a vehicle without a valid MOT." Fortunately, there are measures you can take to ensure you don't overlook the deadline.
The Government website provides a free MOT reminder service. You can use this to get MOT reminders via text message or email. In a message posted to social media platform X, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) urged people to sign up. It said: "Don't forget to add your vehicles to your Driver and vehicles account. You can then view your vehicle details, including when your MOT expires. Not signed up yet? It's easy."
How the MOT Reminder Service Works
By registering for an account and MOT reminders, you'll receive an alert one month prior to your car, van, or motorbike MOT expiry. For lorries, buses, or large trailers, you'll be notified two months beforehand. To register, you need the vehicle's registration plate (number plate) and a mobile telephone number or email address. Following completion of brief enquiries on the site, you'll receive a link via email or text message that must be clicked to finalise the registration.
Managing or Cancelling Your MOT Reminders
You can check when your next reminder is due or unsubscribe to stop getting reminders. You'll need the vehicle's number plate (registration number) and the email address or mobile number you signed up with. You have to unsubscribe to stop getting reminders if a vehicle has been sold, transferred to someone else, scrapped or written-off, or registered as off the road. You can also unsubscribe by following the instructions in the text message you received or clicking the unsubscribe link in the email you've been sent.
You can find out more by visiting GOV.UK or contacting the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). You can phone the DVSA customer service centre on 0300 123 9000 from Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.
