Keeping your vehicle road legal

Making sure that cars and motorcycles are maintained properly is essential for your safety when driving, as well as keeping you clear of legal trouble. The police often carry out vehicle spot checks, so if you don’t have all the necessary documentation in order you could face punishment in the form of a fine, driving ban or, in some cases, a prison sentence. Police cars today also have number-plate recognition technology, which will flag up any vehicle without an MOT, insurance or a current tax disc. The police have the power to seize cars and other vehicles that do not have any one of these.

Cars and motorcycles that are well maintained should have no trouble passing an MOT. However, many people don’t realise that even small faults such as a chip in the windscreen can lead to a fail. It is particularly important that motorcycles are roadworthy, as the consequences of an accident can be very serious. Motorcycle training is, of course, a legal requirement for those seeking a licence, but some training in how to maintain and repair motorcycles can also be an important factor in being safe on the road. Motorcycle training should not just be about how to ride.

Many people rely on their cars or motorcycles as their main mode of transport, whether for work or for pleasure. Of course, every vehicle on the road must have an MOT certificate, valid insurance and a tax disc. But it’s also imperative that they are regularly checked out by qualified mechanics, who can spot and repair any potentially dangerous faults.