One in five drivers have broken major Highway Code rules by driving vehicles that are not in roadworthy condition in order to save money on costly repairs.
According to new data from the RAC it found that 20 per cent of motorists have attempted to save money on car costs during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis by breaking the law.
The RAC’s annual Report on Motoring revealed that motorists aged 44 and under were more likely to drive illegally by either failing to put their car through the mandatory MOT or neglecting to replace worn-out tyres.
By driving in unroadworthy conditions it could not only violate legal requirements but also breaks crucial safety rules in the Highway Code.
Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailingmotoring@gbnews.uk
Poor vehicle condition can lead to £2,500 fine
PA
Under Rules 89 and 97 of the code it states that vehicles must be “road legal” and have a valid MOT certificate if applicable. Failure to adhere to them could see drivers slapped with a £2,500 fine or in more severe cases be banned from driving and get three penalty points for driving a vehicle in a dangerous conditions.
Across all age groups, one in 10 drivers admit to skipping MOTs or failing to replace worn tyres. This trend is particularly common among younger motorists, with 36 per cent of those under 25 ignoring necessary repairs and skipping servicing.
The cost of vehicle maintenance appears to be a significant factor with three-quarters of drivers reporting increased servicing costs compared to last year.
But delaying repairs can lead to more breakdowns and potentially higher costs in the long run, the RAC warned. The rule breaking comes as six in 10 drivers have faced unexpected repair costs in the past year, averaging £617.
The report detailed how half ofdriver’sunder 25 would struggle to meet a £500 repair bill, compared to just a quarter of drivers aged 65 or older.
These findings highlight the financial pressures facing motorists, particularly younger drivers, and the risks they’re taking to save money. Meanwhile a fifth of drivers surveyed have resorted to postponing necessary repairs or reduced servicing to cut costs.
RAC breakdown spokesperson Simon Williams said: “Those drivers who have taken the decision not to get their cars serviced or repaired might think they’re saving money, but they could very easily find themselves facing a far bigger garage bill for something which could have been cheaper to fix earlier on.
“They might also find themselves stuck in a breakdown situation at the side of the road, which can be both dangerous and expensive depending on whether they have the right roadside assistance cover.”
Williams also expressed serious concerns about the findingsstating that it’s“very worrying” that so many drivers under the age of 44 appear to have risked breaking the law by not putting their vehicles through the MOT.
He emphasised the importance of road safety, stating that it is paramount” for UK drivers. “The MOT is a legal requirement for good reason: skipping it jeopardises the safety of all road users, including the driver,” he warned.
He added: “Tyres are a vehicle’s only contact with the road, so it’s vital they are in good condition and have plenty of tread – anyone who drives with poor tread or substandard tyres risks being involved in a collision.”
To address the challenges of vehicle maintenance, the RAC has introduced a nationwide team of Mobile Mechanics. This service allows drivers to have their cars serviced or repaired at home or work, offering a convenient and cost-effective solution.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
More drivers are avoiding MOT tests due to costly repairs
GETTY
RAC Mobile Mechanics can perform full services, diagnostic checks, oil changes, and some repairs. This approach helps drivers avoid future vehicle downtime and maintain their cars’ roadworthiness
The service adheres to standards that protect residual vehicle values and ensure manufacturer warranties remain valid. It has already garnered an Excellent Trustpilot rating, indicating high demand and customer satisfaction.
