The Government is launching a new MOT crackdown, with offenders potentially facing heavy fines and penalty points on their licences. The measures aim to tackle fraud and so-called ghost MOTs, where dodgy garages provide drivers with bogus certificates without carrying out any checks or repairs.
This practice leaves people driving cars that may be unsafe, putting them and other road users at risk. Even motorists who took their car to a garage in good faith could still be punished if they unknowingly received a fake certificate.
New rules require photo evidence
From August, MOT test centres will be required to upload images of vehicles during tests to provide proof that inspections have been carried out. These measures are being rolled out across the country on a phased basis.
This will make it much harder for dishonest garages to get away with issuing false certificates without doing the work. The new requirements aim to close a loophole that has allowed fraudulent activity to flourish.
Ghost MOT cases double in a year
Latest DVSA figures obtained by Halfords show the number of ghost MOT cases has doubled from 976 to 1,809 in just 12 months, suggesting it is becoming an increasing issue. The DVSA data also reveals that ghost MOTs account for 80% of all fraudulent test certificates.
Common signs that an MOT may be fraudulent include mismatched vehicle data on the official database, mileage on the certificate that is dramatically different from the dashboard odometer, and missing advisories or comments about obvious safety flaws.
Penalties for offenders
Nyo Logan, a tyre specialist at Blackcircles.com, said: “We are extremely pleased to hear about the new initiative to tackle ghost MOTs. New information from the DVSA has shown that ghost MOTs account for 80% of all fraudulent test certificates.”
“Not only are ghost MOTs illegal, but they are also extremely dangerous. Without being physically inspected, unroadworthy and potentially lethal vehicles are allowed on public roads, putting both drivers and pedestrians at extreme risk.”
“If caught with a ghost MOT, motorists can face fines of up to £1,000, penalty points or court action. This is still the case if they did not know the certificate is fake.”
