If your car’s damaged, you might be tempted to put off forking out to get it repaired, but it could end up costing you more in the long run.
If you get caught driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition, you could be fined up to £2,500, banned from driving, and receive three penalty points on your licence.
It’s your responsibility to make sure your car is roadworthy and safe to drive – it can be unsafe even if it has a current MOT certificate.
So, what should you look out for to avoid a fine or a ban?
Broken wing mirrors
According to the Construction and Use Regulations 1986, all vehicles must have at least two mirrors that offer an adequate view to the rear of the vehicle.
That means you must have two fully working mirrors, and one of them must be the driver’s side wing mirror.
It’s an offence if the wing mirror on the driver’s side is hanging off or gone completely. It’s also an offence if the glass is broken because that affects your visibility.
If your passenger-side wing mirror is broken, it’s not ideal, but it’s not illegal if your driver’s wing mirror and the rear-view mirror (inside the car) are in full working condition.
Damaged bodywork
If you’re driving around with a few scratches to the paintwork or a small dent in your car door, it’s generally not a problem.
However, if your car has more serious damage that could pose a danger to yourself or other road users, you could be committing an offence.
If your car has any of the following damage, get it repaired as soon as possible:
- Sharp edges or loose panels
- Broken lights, indicators or number plates
- Bonnet or doors that don’t close securely
- A cracked windscreen
The Highway Code states that you must have a clear view of the road, and all glass in your car should be in good condition.
If your windscreen is cracked and it affects your visibility, it could be viewed as an offence, costing you a fixed penalty notice or points on your licence.
Your car will also fail its MOT if the windscreen is cracked.
Unsuitable tyres
In the UK, the legal minimum tyre tread depth is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre, around its entire circumference.
Driving with tyres that don’t meet the required legal standard can be dangerous because it can affect your car’s performance, particularly in wet conditions.
You should check your tyres regularly to make sure they’re in good condition
Maintaining the condition of your car is important, for your safety and the safety of other road users. It can also affect your insurance if you have an accident in a car that isn’t roadworthy.
