29/04/2020
Morning everyone, I have just found this information on the GOV.UK site & thought if you need help to understand the MOT extention rules this may help you, it was last updated 17 April 2020, when I know of any other updates I will share them again so you can keep in the loop & up to date.
Stay Safe.xx
MOT’s and coronavirus: When is the new MOT deadline? What you need to know
MOT tests are subject to new rules as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. So when is the new MOT deadline?
By Katie Sewell
PUBLISHED: 07:26, Fri, Apr 17, 2020 | UPDATED: 07:26, Fri, Apr 17, 2020
As the UK is currently under lockdown people are being told to stay at home. You should only travel if it is absolutely essential, such as if you are a key worker or are buying essential goods like medicine.
When is the MOT deadline?
The rules regarding MOT tests have changed due to coronavirus.
If your MOT was due to expire on March 29, 2020 or before, you must book an MOT as usual.
However, do not take your car for an MOT if you or someone you live with has coronavirus symptoms, or you’re extremely vulnerable to the virus.
Instead you must stay at home and follow the Government’s guidance on what to do if your MOT runs out.
If your MOT is due from March 30, it will automatically be extended for six months due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Your vehicle’s MOT expiry date will only be updated a few days before it was originally due to expire, so you need to check your MOT extension has been applied.
Lawyer says road laws are 'still intact' despite coronavirus.
This means you will need to get your MOT done within this period before the end of six month extension.
The Government website outlines how the extension works: "Your vehicle’s MOT expiry date will be automatically extended by 6 months if it’s eligible. This will be done just before it’s due to expire.
"This means that:
your vehicle will still have a valid MOT certificate for an extra 6 months
you can still tax your vehicle - you might need to wait to do this until later in the month if both your MOT and vehicle tax run out this month
your insurance will still be valid
your vehicle’s record will be updated so the police can see you have a valid MOT
"You will not get a new paper MOT certificate with the new expiry date on it.
"You must still keep your vehicle safe to drive."
Although the MOT extension will be a relief to many drivers, Karen Rotberg from BookMyGarage told Express.co.uk the MOT extension “may not be as straightforward” as you think.
She said: “With so many cars now going unchecked for over a year, it is imperative that you ensure your vehicle is safe and roadworthy, for the safety of yourself and others.
“You may also be fined £2,500, with three points on your licence, if caught driving a car deemed unsafe.”
She added: “So how do you make sure it’s safe? Around 20 percent of MOT failures are a result of the vehicle’s lights or signalling issues, other common issues are relating to the windscreen wipers, seat belts and tyre tread.
“These are quite simple to check yourself"
MOT suspensions may cause dangerous cars
Motorcycles.
READ MORE
MOT test exemption to remove 'unnecessary travel'
“But if you are unsure, we recommend having a mechanic check your car for you.
"It has been confirmed that MOTs and routine servicing can still go ahead during this 6 month exemption period.
“We would encourage all key workers and motorists using their cars for essential travel at the moment, who are not sure how safe their vehicle is, to book their car in for an MOT and/or service.
