MOT extension ends TODAY and drivers face £1,000 fine without one
DRIVERS handed extra time on their MOT certificate because of covid must now have a valid test or risk a fine of £1,000.
A six month extension to the mandatory safety check was granted at the start of the coronavirus pandemic and comes to an end today.
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Motorists whose MOT ran out between March 30 and July 31 were given the six month extension automatically.
The government introduced the measure at the height of the first national lockdown to reduce the need for people to leave the house.
Vehicles still had to be roadworthy and garages remained open for essential repair work.
Drivers were allowed to take their cars for an MOT from 1 August onwards after restrictions were lifted.
Another extension was not offered in subsequent lockdowns and MOTs can still go ahead in the latest lockdown.
Drivers eligible for the extension found their MOT expiry date was automatically extended by six months from the date it was due.
So someone whose MOT ran out on 31 July 2020 had the certificate extended to 31 January 2021.
It means everyone granted this extension must now have had an MOT.
Without one, you can be fined up to £1,000 - unless you officially declare the car as off the road.
Ways to cut down on your fuel costs
HERE are some tips on how you can slash the cost of fuel.
- Make your car more fuel-efficient. You can do this by keeping your tyres inflated, taking the roof rack off, emptying your car of clutter and turning off your air con when driving at lower speeds.
- Find the cheapest fuel prices. PetrolPrices.com and Confused.com allows you to search prices of UK petrol stations. All you need to do is enter in your postcode and tell it how far you want to travel (up to 20 miles).
- Drive more efficiently. Some ways to do this, include:
- Accelerate gradually without over-revving
- Always drive on the highest possible gear
- If you can, allow your car to slow down naturally as your brake is a money burner
- Re-starting your car is expensive, if you can keep moving
If you can't take your vehicle for its MOT and your vehicle tax is due to run out, you can register it as off the road (SORN) on the .
Drivers who are vulnerable or self-isolating should contact their local garage as some are offering pick-up and drop-off services, so drivers can get their car checked without having to visit a garage.
You can get an MOT up to a month (minus a day) before it runs out and keep the same renewal date.
So if, for example, your MOT runs out on March 5, the earliest you can get an MOT to keep the same renewal date for next year is March 6.
MOT approved test centres do the safety checks - the maximum fee for a car is £54.85, while it's £29.65 for a standard motorcycle.
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Of course, be aware that you may have to pay extra if your vehicle ends up needing work done. MOT rules are different in .
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