Over 30% of Cars Avoid MOT: Reasons Behind the Failures

More than 33.2% of vehicles that were supposed to undergo the MOT (Ministry of Transport test) last year did not comply, marking a 24.8% increase since 2017 when the non-compliance rate was 26.6%, according to the Spanish Association of Collaborating Entities of the Administration in the Technical Inspection of Vehicles (AECA-ITV). "This is a worrying figure, especially as the average age of the vehicle fleet continues to rise, now exceeding 15.4 years. In fact, between 2017 and 2023, the fleet's age increased by 14%, being 1.9 years older over the last 7 years," states the managing director of AECA-ITV, Guillermo Magaz.

Indeed, the age of the vehicle fleet is a factor affecting the number of viable accidents and the number of victims. This is compounded by the fact that there are vehicles with expired MOTs, meaning they should have undergone inspection but have not. This includes 3% of cars up to 4 years old, 15% of those between 15 and 19 years old, and 17% of cars over 25 years old.

"In 2022, the last year with data published by the DGT, there were 88 fatalities in road accidents involving vehicles with expired MOTs. When the number of vehicles skipping the MOT increases, unfortunately, so does the number of fatalities in road accidents involving these vehicles," Magaz asserts.

The MOT prevents 15,641 accidents annually, 13,110 injuries, and 723 deaths. In other words, the MOT identifies vehicle anomalies and compels users to rectify them.

Moreover, the fine for driving with an unfavourable MOT is 200 euros. Drivers are obliged to fix the serious fault and return to an MOT station within two months. Driving with a negative MOT is considered a very serious offence, with a higher penalty of 500 euros. Additionally, the vehicle will be immobilised and can only be taken directly to a garage on a tow truck for repairs, after which it must be re-inspected at an MOT station to confirm the issue has been resolved.

Nonetheless, according to the managing director of AECA-ITV, "the age of the vehicle does not determine the MOT failure. A vehicle, regardless of its age, can pass the MOT if it is well-maintained and meets the technical conditions required by applicable regulations. We believe that fleet renewal should be encouraged through motivating actions and done progressively; however, given the fleet's ageing trend, this does not seem to be happening. This transition should include intermediate options to achieve the set goals." "For instance, we believe it is safer and more environmentally friendly to replace a 25-year-old combustion vehicle with a 5-10-year-old one with a valid MOT. This way, we can break the trend of recent years and begin, progressively, to renew the vehicle fleet," he adds.

The figures show that vans and trucks over 3,500 Kg are, once again, the vehicles in the worst condition, as they have the most unfavourable MOTs; in fact, 28.8% of them do not pass the MOT on the first attempt. Buses and coaches follow with a 27.2% failure rate, and then vans and trucks under 3,500 Kg with a 25.6% unfavourable MOT rate. "Precisely because these vehicles cover more kilometres, they undergo more frequent technical inspections. However, their daily use requires more maintenance than other vehicles, and a lack of this maintenance leads to the current situation, with 2.6 serious defects per vehicle failing the MOT, indicating a maintenance issue. Furthermore, in these vehicles, the most detected defect in MOTs is related to the braking system, which is crucial for preventing road accidents," he maintains.

In detail, lighting and signalling are the areas where the most serious defects are detected, at 22.8%. Incorrect functioning of emission control systems accounts for 21.5% of MOT rejections. "This figure highlights the key role the MOT plays in improving air quality by identifying vehicles whose emissions exceed regulatory limits. It is important to remember that each year the MOT prevents at least 575 premature deaths caused by pollutant emissions," concludes Magaz. Finally, axles, wheels, and tyres account for 20.5% of serious defects detected.