How to Report a Car Without an MOT (Yes, You Can Do It Anonymously)

If you reside in the UK and operate a vehicle aged over three years, it's your duty to undergo an annual Ministry of Transport (MOT) test. This examination ensures your vehicle complies with the nation's road safety and environmental standards. Driving a car without an MOT is against the law. If you spot one, it's advisable to report it as it poses a safety risk. Below, we've compiled responses to your most frequently asked questions regarding reporting a car lacking a valid MOT.

If you suspect a car lacks a valid MOT, you can verify online. Visit https://www.gov.uk/check-mot-status and click the designated button to begin. You'll need the vehicle's registration number (license plate). There aren't usually visible indicators that a car lacks an MOT, but if you observe a vehicle that seems unsafe, it may lack an MOT.

You're eligible to report it if you spot it parked or being driven on a public road. Legally, a vehicle without an MOT is only permitted to be driven to the testing facility for an MOT appointment. However, if it's parked in a garage and there's no evidence of it being used on the roads, there's no reason to report it. Nevertheless, cars without an MOT aren't allowed to be parked on the road. If you notice a car without an MOT and it's not in a private driveway or garage, you can proceed with reporting it.

Notify your local police, and they will initiate an investigation. Visit https://www.police.uk/pu/contact-the-police/ to locate the relevant local police force based on the car's location. While reporting the vehicle online is typically the most convenient method, you can also contact the non-emergency police number. It's important to note that the police don't handle abandoned vehicles. If you suspect a vehicle is abandoned, such as lacking number plates or appearing undrivable, report it to the local council. In England and Wales, you can file a report online at https://www.gov.uk/report-abandoned-vehicle. If the car is on private property, inform the property owner to address the situation. For instance, if a car without an MOT is parked in your apartment building's designated lot, inform your landlord rather than involving the police.

Yes, you can typically make an anonymous report to most police forces. You may need to dial 101 (police non-emergency) to report the car. While online reporting is an option, some police forces may not accept anonymous reports through this channel.

• For instance, if you wish to submit an online report for a car lacking an MOT in Dorset, you'll be asked to provide your full name, date of birth, address, and contact details (phone number and email address).

Provide the vehicle's registration plate number, make and model, color, and location. If you're unable to provide an exact street address, you can describe the general area using landmarks. Additionally, you may include other details about the vehicle, such as its duration in that location.

• Some police forces may also require your identifying and contact details.

The vehicle owner may receive a fine from the police. Following your report of a car lacking an MOT, the local police force will conduct an investigation. If they determine that the vehicle is being operated unlawfully, the owner will be issued a fine. The maximum penalty for driving a car without an MOT is £1,000.

• The vehicle may also be impounded if it obstructs traffic, is parked in a restricted area, or is inoperable.
• If a driver is caught operating a car without an MOT, they could face a fine of up to £2,500, receive three penalty points on their license, and potentially be disqualified from driving.

• If you own a car without an MOT and don't plan to drive it for a while, inform the DVLA that you're taking the car off the road. You'll receive a SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) so you won't have to pay tax on it while it's unused.

• Driving a car without an MOT also voids the insurance.