Drivers in the UK have been issued a warning amid a common mistake that could result in a rather hefty fine.
The DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) said that owners should be carrying out safety checks on their cars - such as checking their lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment - with these items said to be the most at risk of failing during the MOT.
Drivers themselves are responsible for checking if their car is 'roadworthy' as the vehicle can be deemed unsafe even if you have a current MOT certificate.
This means that if you drive in a vehicle in dangerous conditions, you may be fined up to £2,500 and receive three penalty points as a result, reports the Daily Record.
The DVSA tweeted: "Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment have been the most failed MOT items for the last three years.
"Evenings are still dark so it makes sense to check all the lights on your car regularly."
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What should drivers be checking?
Every time you drive you should check:
- The windscreen, windows and mirrors are clean
- All lights work
- The brakes work
Your vehicle’s handbook will tell you how often to check the:
- Engine oil
- Water level in the radiator or expansion tank
- Brake fluid level
- Battery
- Windscreen and rear window washer bottles - top up with windscreen washer fluid if necessary
- Tyres - they must have the correct tread depth and be free of cuts and defects
The handbook will also tell you when your vehicle needs to be serviced.
Tyre tread
Tread must be a certain depth depending on the type of vehicle:
- Cars, light vans and light trailers - 1.6 millimetres (mm)
- Motorcycles, large vehicles and passenger-carrying vehicles - 1mm
Mopeds only need to have visible tread. There must be tread across the middle three-quarters and around the entire tyre.
