Will the MOT emissions test change in 2027?

There is no confirmed change. The consultation says some emissions issues can be looked at during a roadworthiness test, but the scope is limited. Its stated focus is enforcement against illegal modifications, by DVSA, once any new law is active.

Is the summer 2027 date definite?

No. The consultation says the Department envisages legislation in summer 2027 and proposes a six-month lead-in after that. The consultation closed on 6 September 2026. The outcome had not been published when this page was checked on 7 October 2026.

Would removing a diesel particulate filter be covered?

The consultation lists DPF or GPF removal, catalyst removal, AdBlue delete and EGR manipulation as modifications it would treat as unlawful if the law is updated, because of their effect on emissions limits. That list is a proposal, not a new offence created by this consultation.

Proposed vehicle emissions rules explained

This is a proposal. The Department for Transport opened a consultation on 6 July 2026 about emissions from vehicles already in use in Great Britain, and updated the document on 18 August 2026. Responses closed at 11:59pm on 6 September 2026. The consultation page says the outcome will be published there. It was not there on 7 October 2026.

What is being proposed

The Department wants vehicles first used on or after 1 January 2001 to keep meeting the emissions standard that applied when they were built. It says the current in-use rule, regulation 61A of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986, was not updated for later Euro standards, so many vehicles on the road are outside that ongoing duty. The proposal would use existing Road Traffic Act 1988 offences on construction and use, alterations, and unsuitable parts. It would not treat every modification as illegal. It names particulate-filter removal, catalyst removal, AdBlue delete and EGR manipulation as changes it would always treat as unlawful because of their effect on emissions.

The dates in the consultation

The document says “we envisage that new legislation will be passed in the summer of 2027” and proposes a six-month lead-in so owners can service a vehicle and businesses can adjust. Those dates are not an Act, and they are not an MOT manual change. The Department says enforcement would be by DVSA, aimed mainly at illegal modification practices. It notes that some emissions faults can be assessed at an annual roadworthiness test, and that what can be assessed there is limited.

Source: Regulating environmental impact of in-use emissions of road vehicles. The consultation homepage records the opening and closing dates.

MOT rule changes on the history check Which MOT changes are confirmed Engine warning light and the MOT