Penalty points for unroadworthy vehicles rise 52% in one year, says RAC data
- Perry Richardson
- Aug 14
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 17
The number of drivers receiving penalty points for using unroadworthy vehicles has risen sharply over the past year, RAC analysis has found.
Figures obtained through a Freedom of Information request to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) show 13,109 endorsements were issued in 2024 for offences involving defective brakes, tyres, steering or other mechanical faults. This is a 52% increase on the 8,614 endorsements recorded in 2023.
Each offence results in three penalty points, which remain on a driver’s licence for four years. The RAC says the data only reflects the number of drivers caught and penalised, and the real figure for unroadworthy vehicles in use is likely much higher. With nearly 10 million MOT failures a year, many mechanically unsound vehicles could still be on the road.
Driving with defective tyres accounted for the majority of offences. In 2024, 8,945 drivers received points for this, up 44% from 6,196 the year before. The steepest rise was in defective brake cases, which jumped from 181 in 2023 to 1,190 in 2024, an increase of more than six times. A further 2,974 endorsements were issued for other defects such as faulty steering, up 33% on the previous year.
Regional analysis shows almost all parts of the UK saw increases. The East Midlands recorded the biggest rise, with an 87% jump from 374 drivers in 2023 to 700 in 2024. Central Scotland followed with a 50% increase from 46 to 69 drivers. The only regions to see falls were mid Wales, dropping from 42 to 38 drivers, and south west Wales, down from 109 to 100.
Greater London had the highest total number of endorsements, with 1,765 drivers penalised, up 21% from the previous year. Yorkshire and the Humber recorded 1,373 drivers, a 32% rise on 2023.
The RAC’s findings suggest roadside enforcement, combined with MOT failures, is highlighting a significant safety concern on UK roads. The data raises questions over vehicle maintenance standards and whether more preventative checks or public awareness campaigns are needed.
Nick Mullender, RAC mobile servicing and repairs team leader, said: “The steep increase in drivers receiving points on their licences for unroadworthy vehicles is a cause for alarm as it could indicate more drivers are running the gauntlet and driving unsafe vehicles – although it’s also possible more drivers are being caught by the police.
“Whether it’s brakes, tyres, steering or something else, every mechanical component in a vehicle plays a critical role in ensuring it can be driven safely and confidently. By getting the behind the wheel of vehicles that are defective, a minority of drivers are needlessly putting the law-abiding majority at serious risk.
“We should be thankful the police were able to detect those drivers included in our analysis. But unfortunately, for every person caught there will doubtless be more who are knowingly in charge of unroadworthy vehicles that could be involved in completely avoidable collisions in the future. In many cases, it’s likely that a driver has been pulled over for an entirely different reason, only for a police officer to then discover the vehicle they’re responsible for isn’t road legal.
“Every driver has a legal responsibility to ensure the vehicle they’re driving is roadworthy, even between regular services and MOTs. We strongly urge drivers to keep on top of routine maintenance and get any issues checked by a well-qualified mobile mechanic or reputable garage. This is where our nationwide network of RAC Mobile Mechanics comes in – they can complete vehicle diagnostic checks to identify the source of problems, as well as carrying out full and interims services and a wide range of repairs including brake replacements, all from a customer’s home or work address. So, there’s never been an easier way to keep a car safe on the road.”
Chief Superintendent at the National Roads Policing Operation for Intelligence and Investigations, Marc Clothier, said: “These figures are shocking and if you are driving an unroadworthy vehicle with defects such as tyres or brakes, you are not only putting yourself at risk but you are putting the lives of other road users at risk too. Ensuring your vehicle is roadworthy and safe to drive is your responsibility and we would encourage everyone to routinely check their vehicle before getting behind the wheel.”
