BMW R1200RT/R1250RT Forum

PeteM wrote:
Not correct, it only applies if it is dangerous/unroadworthy.


If you have a non dangerous fault, say a blown bulb (and it is daylight),there is no requirement to tow or trailer

If it fails the MOT it is unroadworthy and unlawful to drive on a public highway either from the test center or indeed to it. The light exception only applies if the front and rear position lamps are 'permanently disconnected, painted over or masked' in which case the vehicle would pass the MOT for daytime use only. Additionally after a quick check, it is explicit that 'you may only drive a vehicle that has failed an MOT test if the current certificate is still valid and no serious problems were found.'
That is the letter of the law I'm afraid.

David. wrote: What happens if a vehicle is out of MOT and presented for a pre-booked appointment, then fails.

You either get it repaired in-situ and retested or tow it away and get it repaired - then drive it to another pre-booked appointment.

Graham88 wrote: If it fails the MOT it is unroadworthy and unlawful to drive on a public highway either from the test center or indeed to it. The light exception only applies if the front and rear position lamps are 'permanently disconnected, painted over or masked' in which case the vehicle would pass the MOT for daytime use only. Additionally after a quick check, it is explicit that 'you may only drive a vehicle that has failed an MOT test if the current certificate is still valid and no serious problems were found.'
That is the letter of the law I'm afraid.

Not true the law says that if you MOT has expired you can drive the vehicle away:


“Retest after a repair
In some cases your vehicle can have a partial retest for free or a reduced MOT fee.Leaving your vehicle for repairYou only need a partial retest if you leave the vehicle at the test centre for repair and it’s retested within 10 working days. There’s no fee for this.Taking your vehicle away for repairsYou can take your vehicle away if your MOT certificate is still valid.

If your MOT has run out you can take your vehicle to:


have the failed defects fixed
a prearranged MOT test appointment

In both cases, your vehicle still needs to meet the minimum standards of roadworthiness at all times or you can be fined.” This can be found on Gov.uk under ‘Getting an MOT’


Road Traffic legislation is complex and changes often. I did a four week traffic law course and I still carried a reference book around.

The original post was regarding insurance being invalid if your MOT had expired, this is not the case as it is written in Law that you can drive your vehicle without a valid MOT in certain circumstances, to get it repaired or to have an MOT. Both need to be pre arranged. As you can see from above if the vehicle does not have an MOT then it still needs to meet the minimum standards of roadworthiness.

Can you name a defect that would result in an MOT failure but where the vehicle would remain above the minimum standards of roadworthiness?

A directional tyre fitted incorrectly?