Is your car roadworthy?
More than 10,000 drivers caught driving unroadworthy vehicles last year
More than 10,000 motorists were handed penalty points for driving unroadworthy vehicles in 2025, according to new analysis by the RAC’s mobile servicing and repairs division.
The figures, obtained through a Freedom of Information request to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), reveal that 10,054 drivers across Great Britain received licence endorsements for using vehicles with serious defects, including faulty brakes, worn tyres, steering issues and other mechanical problems.
While this marks a drop from the 13,109 endorsements issued in 2024 – a decrease of 3,055 – the RAC says it’s difficult to determine whether the reduction reflects better vehicle maintenance by drivers or simply fewer traffic officers carrying out roadside checks.
Defective tyres were by far the most common reason for motorists being penalised, accounting for 6,670 of the endorsements issued last year. Drivers caught with illegal tyres can also face fines of up to £2,500 per tyre, making regular tyre checks an important part of staying safe and avoiding costly penalties.
