Can You Park a Car on the Roads Without a Valid MOT Certificate?

In the UK, it is not illegal to park a car on the road without a valid MOT certificate, as long as the vehicle is not being driven. However, there are some important factors to consider. If your car is parked on the road and it does not have a valid MOT, you could be at risk of receiving fines, penalties, and potentially even having the vehicle towed or impounded.

Parking an Unroadworthy Car While parking a car without an MOT is not illegal in itself, the car must not be deemed unroadworthy. If the car is causing a safety hazard (e.g., due to a broken down engine or significant visible damage), it may be considered a hazard by local authorities or the police. In such cases, the vehicle may be towed away or issued a fine, particularly if it is deemed to be in violation of road safety regulations.

If you plan to leave a car on the street for an extended period of time without an MOT, it’s important to ensure that it does not obstruct traffic or cause any safety hazards. If your vehicle is left for an extended period of time and is not taxed or has no MOT, it may be considered an abandoned vehicle and could be towed away by the local council.

What Happens If I Park a Car Without an MOT? If your car has no MOT and is parked on the public road, you may be at risk of being issued a fine or penalty notice by local authorities. If the car is deemed unfit to drive, you could also face additional fines or penalties. It’s always best to ensure your car is roadworthy and has a valid MOT certificate if it is going to be parked in a public area.

It’s important to note that if you’re caught driving a car with no MOT, the penalties are much more severe. However, if you are simply parking the car and not using it, the risks are lower. Still, it’s advisable to take care of any expired MOT issues to avoid any potential problems with local authorities.

You can check your vehicle’s MOT status and history using the MOT Check tool to ensure everything is up to date and avoid any parking or legal issues.

Conclusion While parking a car without a valid MOT is not directly illegal, it can lead to fines, penalties, or your vehicle being towed if it is considered unsafe or abandoned. Always make sure your car is properly maintained and has a valid MOT certificate to avoid potential legal trouble. Use the MOT Check tool to track your MOT status and ensure you are compliant.