DVSA warns to look out for this sign when handing in your car for MOT

The DVSA has issued an update about a major change coming in for MOTs. The department is expanding a trial of a new anti-fraud measure, where testers will take a photo of the vehicle going through its MOT, to be uploaded to the digital MOT Testing Service.

The purpose of recording the image is to show that the vehicle really has been to the garage, to prevent 'ghost MOTs', where an MOT certificate is issued but their vehicle hasn't actually been through the yearly check-up. A previous trial involved 170 MOT testers in 62 garages taking pictures of cars and other vehicles on a mobile phone or tablet.

As the trial was deemed to be a success, the DVSA has confirmed the project will now be expanded. A DVSA spokesperson said: "While only a small number of testers and garages are involved in MOT fraud, it does happen and puts our roads at risk.

"DVSA wants to create a level playing field for all and we've taken action, helping to reassure drivers that their vehicle's MOT will be conducted to the correct standard. Alongside investigation of potential instances of MOT fraud our recent Photos of Vehicles at MOT trial has shown real promise so far and we're excited to roll it out further."

The department said that driving with a valid MOT is "illegal and dangerous" as unroadworthy vehicles are more likely to cause accidents or delays on the road, endangering other road users.

The group said: "DVSA examiners carry out intelligence led enforcement activity to ensure the integrity of the MOT scheme. Enforcement teams use a variety of sources of information including these photographs to inform our investigations of MOT fraud which if proven can lead to MOT testers and garages being suspended or removed from the scheme or lead to a prosecution."

The second phase of the trial will involve 244 garages taking pictures of vehicles going through their MOT. When asked if drivers will be told if their car is being snapped, the DVSA said: "There is no requirement for the driver or vehicle presenter to be notified when images are captured during an MOT test.

"This activity is part of the standard process of registering a vehicle for test, during which various details of the vehicle's identity are verified and recorded in the MOT Testing Service."

But if you are wondering if your car could be pictured, you may want to look out for a particular sign. The DVSA explained: "All authorised testing stations taking part in the trial have been required to display an updated VT9A fees and appeal poster which contains information about images being taken."

The poster provides details of the fees involved in getting an MOT and explains the retest and appeals procedure. The DVSA was also asked if drivers can request a copy of the photo that is taken, or request for it to be deleted.

The authority said: "Drivers or vehicle presenters can't request copies of MOT-related images or to have them deleted. However, all images are automatically deleted after a retention period of 13 months unless retained to be used as evidence in any legal or similar proceedings."