Millions of drivers face £2,500 fine after breaking DVSA 12-month rule

Millions of drivers risk a £2,500 penalty for breaking major safety rules on UK roads. More than one million drivers have been caught travelling without an up-to-date MOT for their vehicles, new data shows, with motorists warned.

A further 690,000 drivers are unsure whether their car is due for a service despite MOT's being a national requirement. Katie Lomas Green Flag's Managing Director said in a warning: "To see such a large number of vehicles on the road without being serviced recently is concerning for both drivers and other road users.

“It can increase the likelihood of breakdowns and accidents, which could be easily avoided by getting it regularly checked by a professional.” The new research from Green Flag which was released today (Tuesday January 21) which polled just over 2,000 UK drivers, also showed that 5 per cent are unsure if their car is due for a service.

READ MORE: 'Not fit for public office' - Akhmed Yakoob faces fresh fury over 'racist' video after payout

READ MORE: Crook Birmingham car seller jailed but dinner lady wife spared due to impact on their children

READ MORE UK faces 4cm snow per hour this week with 'exact times' flurries fall announced

But a quarter said they also felt like their car didn’t need one because they believe the vehicle “is running fine”, while six per cent also felt their car was so old it wasn’t worth it. Green Flag estimates that there could be as many as two million vehicles without a current service with potential defects on UK roads.

Dealerships where vehicles were purchased were more popular than independent garages in the first two years. Once a car hits five or six years, however - when the warranty is likely to have expired, just over half of drivers go to an independent garage over a dealer.

Two thirds of drivers confirmed the main reason they get their cars serviced is to ensure the car’s safety and over half wanted to avoid a breakdown. More than a third also do so to ensure they maintain the potential resale value of their car.