MOT Advisory Neglect Driving Up Breakdowns and Road Risk, Warns RAC

New RAC research reveals that around six million UK drivers who ignored MOT advisory notices in the past year suffered a vehicle breakdown or were involved in a collision as a direct consequence.

A survey of 1,460 recently MOT-tested drivers found that 44% received one or more advisory notices, warnings that indicate parts of a vehicle are wearing out and may soon fail. These advisories are not immediate reasons for MOT failure but serve as red flags, signalling that the vehicle could soon become unroadworthy if not properly maintained.

Advisory issues commonly include tyres nearing the legal tread depth limit, worn brake pads, or minor oil leaks, all of which can escalate into critical safety hazards. Yet despite these warnings, 39% of drivers who received advisories admitted they did not plan to rectify all the flagged issues. Even among those who weren’t issued advisories at their last MOT, 22% confessed to having ignored such notices in the past.

Safety Risks and Legal Consequences

Failing to act on advisory notices is not just risky, it’s illegal. Driving an unroadworthy vehicle can lead to a £2,500 fine, three penalty points, and potential invalidation of insurance. Despite this, many motorists delay essential repairs, with only 36% addressing advisory items before collecting their vehicle from the garage. Alarmingly, 11% waited over a month to take any action.

The most frequently reported MOT advisories from the RAC Mobile Mechanics survey included:

• Tyre wear – 42%

• Brake pads or discs – 34%

• Suspension issues – 22%

• Lighting faults – 16%

• Corrosion – 14%

While tyre condition and lighting are relatively straightforward for drivers to inspect themselves, other issues like brake wear or oil leaks require expert assessment and timely repair.

Knock-On Effects on the Road Network

Beyond individual safety, ignoring MOT advisories contributes to a wider strain on the UK’s highways and transportation infrastructure. Vehicle breakdowns, often entirely preventable, are a leading cause of unplanned lane closures on major roads and motorways. These incidents result in congestion, delays to freight and logistics operations, and increased emissions due to idling traffic.

Such breakdowns also place added pressure on National Highways traffic officers, who are frequently first on scene to manage incidents, clear obstructions, and maintain traffic flow. This diverts vital resources from proactive road safety duties and puts these officers at greater personal risk, particularly on high-speed networks where the margin for error is minimal.

A Surge in Collision Figures

Government data from 2023 underscores the consequences of ignoring vehicle defects: 1,350 road collisions were attributed to mechanical failures – the highest in five years. Tragically, 36 of these incidents involved at least one fatality, marking the worst annual toll since 2018.

The Role of Mobile Servicing

With garages often booked weeks in advance, mobile servicing offers a practical solution for time-pressed drivers. RAC mechanics can carry out interim or full services and a range of repairs – including brake replacements – at a driver’s home or workplace, reducing disruption and helping ensure vehicles remain roadworthy.

MOT advisories are not optional suggestions – they are a warning that a vehicle may soon pose a serious risk to both the driver and other road users. Addressing these issues promptly protects lives, prevents unnecessary incidents, and helps maintain the reliability of the UK’s strategic road network.