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One in 10 motorists admit avoiding MOT or replacing worn tyres as repair costs rise, says RAC research
- Perry Richardson
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
One in 10 motorists has driven illegally by avoiding an MOT or failing to replace worn tyres, according to new RAC data highlighting the effect of rising vehicle maintenance costs.
The motoring organisation said 3% of drivers admitted deliberately avoiding an MOT, while 7% had continued using worn tyres. Tyres become illegal when the main tread depth falls below the statutory minimum of 1.6mm.
The findings cover motorists generally and are not specific to taxi or private hire drivers. However, the figures carry added relevance for the licensed vehicle sector, where drivers typically cover higher mileages and face additional vehicle inspections and licensing conditions.
Younger motorists were the most likely to postpone repairs or tyre replacement for financial reasons. The RAC said 25% of drivers aged under 25 and 21% of those aged between 25 and 44 had delayed work, compared with 5% of motorists aged 65 and over.
Around 10,000 drivers received penalty points last year for using unroadworthy vehicles with defective tyres, brakes, steering or other faults, according to figures cited by the RAC.
Maintenance costs have become a growing concern. Sixty per cent of drivers said the cost of repairing and maintaining their vehicle had increased during the previous 12 months. Almost a third, 32%, were worried about meeting those costs, up from 25% a year earlier.
For taxi and private hire operators, postponing essential work can create wider operational consequences. A vehicle found with an illegal tyre or serious defect may be prohibited from continuing its journey and could also face suspension by the relevant licensing authority. Lost working time can compound the original repair cost.
Simon Williams, RAC Head of Policy, said: “It’s concerning that so many drivers appear to be risking breaking the law by not having a valid MOT or driving on bald tyres. With the average repair bill climbing to almost £700, it’s little wonder that so many people are finding it difficult to make ends meet.
“But kicking the can down the road and delaying repairs to your vehicle or putting them off altogether is a false economy. Often, it makes the problem worse, which can lead to a more expensive bill down the line.
“More importantly, it may mean that your vehicle is unsafe and illegal to drive. Bald tyres drastically increase the risk of a collision as they increase stopping distances, and are at greater risk of unexpected blowouts.”
The findings add to pressure on professional drivers already managing fuel, insurance, servicing and vehicle finance costs. For high-mileage taxi fleets, regular tyre inspections and planned maintenance remain central to avoiding enforcement action, unexpected downtime and potentially more expensive repairs.
