How to report a car that has not been inspected by the Ministry of Transport (BGTVT)

If you live in the UK and drive a car that is over three years old, you are legally required to have it checked every year by the Ministry of Transport (BGTVT). This test ensures that your car meets the necessary safety and environmental standards. Driving a vehicle that hasn’t passed BGTVT inspection is illegal. If you spot such a vehicle on the road, it’s best to report it to the authorities as it could pose a danger. We’ve gathered answers to the most common questions about how to report a car that hasn't been inspected by BGTVT.

If you suspect that a vehicle hasn't been inspected, check online. Visit the website https://www.gov.uk/check-mot-status and click the green button to begin. You will need the vehicle's registration number (license plate).

• There are no obvious signs to identify an uninspected car, but if you notice someone driving erratically, it may not have been checked by BGTVT.

You can report a car if you see it parked or driving on public roads. In principle, a car that has not been inspected can only drive in the inspection area to obtain BGTVT certification if the driver has an appointment there. If the car is parked in a garage and there is no evidence it has been driven on the road, there is no reason to report it.

• A car that hasn't been inspected by BGTVT cannot be parked on the street. If you notice such a car and it isn't parked in a private driveway or garage, you may report it.

Report it to the local police, and they will conduct an investigation. Visit https://www.police.uk/pu/contact-the-police/ to find the police force responsible for the area where the car is parked. The easiest way is to report it online, but you can also call the non-emergency police number.

• Police do not handle abandoned vehicles. If you suspect the car is abandoned (for example, it has no license plates or is no longer functional), report it to the local council. In England and Wales, you can do this online at https://www.gov.uk/report-abandoned-vehicle.
• If the car is on private property, notify the property owner and let them handle it. For example, if a car that hasn't been inspected is parked in a condominium parking lot, inform the building management, not the police.

Yes, the police typically allow anonymous reporting. You will need to call the non-emergency police number, 101, to report. While online reporting is possible, some police departments do not allow anonymous online submissions.

• For example, if you wish to report an uninspected car by BGTVT in Dorset, you will need to provide your full name, date of birth, address, and contact details (phone number and email address).

Report the car's registration number, make and model, color, and location. If you cannot provide the exact street name, you can describe the area with distinguishing features. You will also need to share other details, such as how long the car has been parked there.

• Some police departments may require you to provide your contact information.

The police can issue a fine to the vehicle owner. After you report the uninspected car, local authorities will investigate. If they find the car is being operated illegally, the owner will be fined. The maximum fine for driving an uninspected BGTVT car is £1,000.

• The car may also be towed if it is obstructing traffic, parked in a restricted area, or unable to operate.
• If someone is driving an uninspected car and is pulled over by the police, they could face a fine of up to £2,500. They will also receive 3 penalty points on their driving license and be banned from driving.

• If you own a car that hasn't been inspected by BGTVT and do not plan to use it for a while, notify the DVLA that your car will not be on the road. You will receive a notification confirming the suspension of vehicle use, which means you will not be required to pay tax during the period the car is off the road.

• Driving a car that has not been inspected by BGTVT will invalidate your vehicle's insurance.