MOTs will be delayed for six months amid the coronavirus pandemic, the Department of Transport has announced.
As only businesses deemed essential are allowed to stay open and several restrictions have been placed on travel throughout the UK, the government has decided to automatically extend MOTs for cars, motorcycles, light vans or other light vehicles that are due on or after March 30 2020.
The government also announced, however, that vehicles must remain safe to drive. Drivers can still be fined up to £2,500, be banned from driving and get 3 penalty points for driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition.
Motorists should still take their vehicles to be repaired at the nearest open garage. Garages are allowed them to remain open, however many have closed due to the coronavirus outbreak.
NFRN’s National President, Stuart Reddish, said: “This news means that NFRN members, particularly roundsmen and deliverers, have one less thing to worry about.
“With a lot of independent businesses taking a hit from the coronavirus outbreak – and travel only being allowed if it is to buy necessities or to go to work if you are an ‘essential’ worker – it is only fair for the Department of Transport to delay MOTs.
“Members are reminded that they should only drive their vehicles if they are safe to drive. There are still heavy repercussions in place for those that drive unroadworthy vehicles.
“If you need to use your vehicle but it is currently unroadworthy, some garages have remained open for essential repairs.”
For more information on the six month delay for MOTs, visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-mots-for-cars-vans-and-motorcycles-due-from-30-march-2020