Vehicle Defect Offences

Vehicle Defects

Legislation has been drafted to ensure, for safety, that a motor vehicle meets certain standards. A uniformed police officer has the power to stop and inspect your vehicle if it appears to be in breach of regulations relating to its construction. If you are stopped as a result of a defect, contact Carter Moore Solicitors today on 08458 737 333. Alternatively, please complete our online enquiry form and one of our motoring solicitors will be in touch with you shortly.

An offence is committed if your vehicle is considered unsafe for you, your passengers or the public. Defects are split into two categories, minor and major.

Minor Vehicle Defects

Motorists with minor vehicle defects simply used to receive a verbal warning at the roadside and were advised to rectify the problem. Now these defects are governed by the Vehicle Defect Rectification Scheme (VDRS). With the new VDRS in place, motorists are expected to present the vehicle to the police, with the defect corrected, within 14 days of being stopped. Failure to do so can result in prosecution, penalty points and fines. Faulty lights or slightly defective tyres are examples of a minor defect.

Major Vehicle Defects

Major defects can put the lives of the driver and the general public in danger or at serious risk. Examples of major defects are faulty brakes, major tyre faults, emission issues and mechanical defects such as steering. Defects in tyres, brakes and steering carry penalty points and a fine of up to £2500 fine.

If you need advice or assistance in a defect matter, call Carter Moore Solicitors today on 08458 737 333. You can also fill out our enquiry form and one of our motoring defence solicitors will get in touch as soon as possible.