One in 10 UK Motorists Drive Illegally Due to Costs
The RAC reports that 10% of UK drivers skip MOT tests or use bald tyres as rising maintenance costs make essential repairs unaffordable.
One in 10 UK motorists has operated their vehicles illegally by skipping annual MOT tests or failing to replace worn tyres, according to the Report on Motoring 2026. A survey of 2,238 drivers conducted by the Royal Automobile Club found that 7% of motorists drove with tyre tread below the legal 1.6mm limit, while 3% deliberately skipped their MOT tests.
Financial pressure is most severe among younger motorists, with 25% of drivers under 25 admitting to delaying essential repairs. This trend follows a rise in maintenance expenses, with the average repair bill now approaching £700. Fuel costs have also increased, with full tanks of petrol and diesel now costing £89 and £100, respectively.
Simon Williams, Head of Policy at the RAC, warned that delaying repairs is a "false economy" that often worsens vehicle problems and leads to more expensive bills. He noted that bald tyres increase stopping distances and the risk of unexpected blowouts. Last year, approximately 10,000 motorists received penalty points for operating unroadworthy vehicles with defective brakes, steering, or tyres.
