The MOT station 28 www.aftermarketonline.net JUNE 2025 Industry ‘divided’ over MOT recall rule bid A new survey conducted by MOT compliance and training solutions provider, MOT Juice, warns of concern over a potential recall rule change MOT testers and workshop managers in the UK have widespread concerns over a potential rule change that could see vehicles with outstanding safety recalls automatically fail their MOT, according to a new survey. Key findings in the MOT Juice survey include a lack of awareness of proposed changes by nearly 67% of MOT staff. And almost half of the survey’s respondents felt their workshops were ill-prepared for a likely surge in recallrelated repairs as a result of rule changes. MOT Juice said the government must carefully consider the impact of such a change before introducing new legislation. Plans to begin linking MOT outcomes to vehicle recalls were first announced in 2019. Neil Barlow, DVSA’s head of MOT policy said then the agency would work with the Department for Transport to determine how the MOT system could be adjusted to cover outstanding safety recalls in the future. “It would make logical sense where appropriate for the MOT to be aligned with the safety recalls system,” Barlow said. Nearly a year after the general election, the new government is reportedly expected to move forward with these plans. However, MOT Juice said experts are warning against a rush to implement new rules that could overwhelm dealerships, delay essential vehicle repairs, and leave motorists stranded while waiting for necessary recall work to be completed. MOT Juice managing director Barry Babister said: “Our survey results reveal a cautious stance across the industry regarding the proposed change to classify unresolved recalls as MOT failures. “A significant number of respondents, including those from main dealer groups as well as many independents, have expressed concerns about potential strains on service capacity and customer satisfaction.” Babister said it was clear that any changes to MOT regulations must be carefully evaluated for their operational impact. “We urge the government to engage in thorough, industrywide consultations to ensure that any new policies are both practical and considerate of the challenges faced by all in the industry at present.” MOT Juice cited recent DVSA data indicating more than 5 million UK vehicles could potentially be affected by outstanding safety recalls. The industry agrees that ensuring these defects are resolved is essential — but MOT testers and managers are warning that any policy changes must be practical, manageable, and fair to motorists and businesses alike. MOT Juice said it sharing the full survey results across the automotive industry and with policymakers to help inform further talks. Key survey findings include: O 67% of respondents were unaware that any changes were being considered; O 46% said their workshops were not prepared to handle a surge in recall-related repairs, with only 18% feeling very prepared; O 93% believe customers would be upset if their vehicle failed its MOT due to an outstanding recall, particularly given the long wait times for warranty work at dealerships; O 43% said failing MOTs for outstanding recalls should depend on the severity of the recall fault, with 33% saying it would be unfair to fail a vehicle for an outstanding recall; O 24% supported automatic failures for unresolved recalls.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ0NzM=