Changes to the MOT Rules in 2018

In May 2018, the MOT test changed and new rules were brought in to test vehicles on the road. What are these changes will it affect you? As well as offering a cost effective MOT Test in Port Talbot, we can advise on what you need to consider before you turn up for your MOT.

The new test rules have introduced new types of defects and stricter rules for emissions, particularly with diesel cars and having to check the diesel particulate filters (DPD). New MOT categories were introduced to identify defects as either ‘dangerous’, ‘major’ or ‘minor’.

New MOT Test Categories

The five categories are as follows:

• Dangerous – a direct and immediate risk to road safety or has a serious impact on the environment – FAIL
• Major – it may affect the vehicle’s safety, put other road users at risk or have an impact on the environment – FAIL
• Minor – no significant effect on the safety of the vehicle or impact on the environment – PASS
• Advisory – it could become more serious in the future – PASS
• Pass – it meets the minimum legal standard – PASS

This means it is now illegal to drive with a dangerous defect, but minor faults will be flagged on the MOT.

New Items Included in the MOT Test

The following new items are included in MOT tests:

• Under-inflated tyres
• Contaminated brake fluid
• Fluid leaks posing an environmental risk
• Brake bad warning lights and missing brake pads or discs
• Reversing lights (on vehicles used from September 1, 2009)
• Daytime running lights (on vehicles newer than March 2018)
• Headlight washers (on vehicles used from September 1, 2009)

MOT Test Changes for Diesel Cars

Diesel cars are fitted with a DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) to capture and store exhaust soot and help reduce emissions. These filters will now be checked as part of your MOT test and your vehicle will fail if this part has been removed or tampered with.

MOT Testers will now list a major fault if they:

• can see smoke of any colour coming from the exhaust; or
• find evidence that the DPF has been tampered with.

Test for Older Vehicles

Some older vehicles more than 40 years old that have not substantially change, such as vintage or classic cars, will not require an MOT Test. Dates that vehicles were first registered can be checked online.