Furthermore, two-thirds admitted to continuing to drive their car illegally past the expiry date. Not only are these motorists putting their own safety by driving a potentially un-roadworthy vehicle, they are also risking a prosecution for driving without a valid MOT .

The consequences of driving without an MOT can be very harsh. Driving without a MOT certificate is an offence under Section 47 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, and, although conviction for this offence will not result in penalty points being placed on a driving licence, it carries a maximum fine of £1000. What’s more, driving without a valid MOT certificate automatically invalidates the insurance policy and should a driver be involved in an accident, they themselves would have to foot the bill for the damages, amounting to an average of £2,450.

This may seem extreme but in reality it is a life saver because if the law wasn’t as harsh people would rather take the fine and dangerous vehicles would be a lot more common. Deaths on the road would dramatically increase.

Unlike other types of accidents, a road traffic accident permits you to claim compensation even if you do not have all the details of the other party involved. The same applies if you are injured in a hit and run or are unsure of who is to blame for the cause of the accident. If your case can be proved that another party was at least partially to blame for the accident itself or any injuries received by you, you are within your right to make a claim for compensation. Whether you were the driver of a vehicle, such as a car, motorcycle or bicycle, or even a passenger or pedestrian caught in the middle of a collision, you can still go ahead and put in a claim for compensation.

Driving any kind of vehicle on a public road is a privilege and there is a basic law all motorists must abide by known as the duty of care to other road users. Rules and regulations make it the driver’s responsibility to drive carefully and show due respect, regard and safety to all other vehicles and road users. If you have been involved in a road traffic accident it is therefore your right as well as your duty to out in a claim for compensation which will then be submitted to the Motor Insurers Bureau.