How to report a car with no MOT

Noticed a vehicle on the road without an MOT? Here’s how to keep our roads safer!

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Written by: Jamie Galbraith

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In the UK, car owners have to take an annual MOT test to check their car is road-safe and meets environmental standards. This exam, intended to safeguard drivers, passengers, and pedestrians, checks all essential vehicle functions from boot to bonnet.

Driving on public roads without an MOT is against the law – If you’re caught driving on UK roads without an MOT, you risk substantial penalties, ranging from £100 to a maximum of £1,000. If your car is over three years old, you must get it MOT tested every year, unless it has an MOT exemption.

So, how can you check if a car has an MOT? How do you report a vehicle in your area that you think is uncertified? Below, we’ll provide everything you need to know about reporting a car without an MOT:

How do I report a vehicle with no MOT?

First, it is important to know that you can only report cars without an MOT if they are on the road. It is not an offence to own a car without a valid MOT certificate if it is parked on a private driveway, for example. However, if a vehicle without an MOT is being driven or parked on a public highway, it is a criminal offence.

If the vehicle is abandoned, the police cannot deal with it. You need to report abandoned vehicles to your local council.

Its also worth knowing that the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) are not authorized to take action against a vehicle with no MOT.

There are several ways to report a car that is being used without an MOT:

Reporting a car with no MOT online

You will need to contact your local police to report a car, van, motorcycle or other vehicle that does not have an MOT. The easiest way to do this is through the Metropolitan Police website, where you can find your local police force and a guide on the steps you need to take.

You will need the following details from the vehicle you intend to report:

  • number plate (registration number)
  • make and model
  • colour
  • location of the vehicle

You will also be required to give your name and contact details.

Over the phone

Some local councils have dedicated hotlines for reporting vehicles without an MOT. You can find the number on your local council’s website. Alternatively, you can contact the police using the non-emergency number, 101.

In person

You can also visit your local council or contact law enforcement to report vehicles without an MOT. Officials will guide you through the necessary steps and may take further action based on your report.

Checking if a car has an MOT

If you suspect that a vehicle is on the road without a valid MOT, you should first check its MOT status. You can run the vehicle’s registration number through our free-to-use MOT Checker, which will provide you with its MOT history, status, and expiry date instantly.

You can also check any vehicle’s MOT history on the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) website.

Can I anonymously report a car with no MOT?

Most police forces in the UK will let you report cars without an MOT anonymously over the phone. However, some forces do not permit anonymous online reports.

When you are required to give your personal information, it will remain confidential and should not be disclosed to the driver you are reporting. The details you might need to provide include your name, date of birth, address, and contact information.

What happens after the vehicle is reported?

When a vehicle is reported as being on the road without a valid MOT certificate, authorities must investigate to verify the claim. If they confirm that the vehicle is being used illegally on the roads, the driver could face a fine of up to £1,000. If the vehicle’s condition is found to be ‘dangerous’, the fine could increase to up to £2,500.

How to report a vehicle without an MOT: Step-by-step summary

  • You should first check the vehicles registration number. You can run the vehicle’s registration number through our free-to-use MOT Checker, or on the DVLA’s website.
  • You can report a car without an MOT by contacting the police force that covers the area where the car is located. You can do this online, over the phone, or in person.
  • Make sure you have the necessary information ready to report the vehicle.
  • Most police forces in the UK will let you anonymously report cars without an MOT; your personal information will remain confidential.
  • The police will investigate your report, which may take up to a few weeks.
  • If the investigation confirms that the driver has been using the vehicle without a valid MOT certificate, they may be fined up to £1,000 (which could increase by up to £2,500 for vehicles condition considered to be ‘dangerous’).

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