Thousands of Drivers Penalised as Unsafe Vehicles Continue to Pose Road Safety Risk

More than 10,000 motorists were caught driving vehicles with serious mechanical defects last year, highlighting the continued challenge of keeping unsafe vehicles off Britain's roads.

New analysis by the RAC's mobile servicing and repairs division, based on Freedom of Information data obtained from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), shows that 10,054 licence endorsements were issued across Great Britain during 2025 for offences relating to defective tyres, brakes, steering and other critical safety components.

Although the figure represents a fall of 3,055 offences compared with 2024, when 13,109 endorsements were issued, the RAC believes it is difficult to determine whether the decline reflects improved vehicle maintenance or reduced roads policing activity.

Tyre defects accounted for the overwhelming majority of offences, with 6,670 drivers receiving penalty points for operating vehicles fitted with unsafe tyres. Drivers found committing the offence can receive three penalty points and face fines of up to £2,500 per defective tyre.

A further 3,384 motorists were penalised for other roadworthiness defects, including faulty braking systems, steering components and other safety-critical mechanical failures.

Regionally, Scotland recorded the highest number of offences, with 1,244 drivers receiving endorsements, followed closely by London, where 1,182 motorists were caught. Elsewhere, Yorkshire and the Humber (995), the West Midlands (969) and the South East (950) also recorded high numbers of offences.

While the latest figures show a year-on-year reduction, the RAC believes they represent only a fraction of the problem.

With almost 10 million vehicles failing their MOT each year, the organisation argues that many more potentially dangerous vehicles are likely to be travelling on Britain's roads without being detected.

Jack Halstead, RAC Servicing and Repair Mechanic of the Year, said:

"Far too many vehicles are unfit for the roads, posing a danger not only to the driver, but to other road users as well. Having bald tyres drastically reduces grip, greatly increases stopping distances, and raises the risk of blowouts. But whether it's tyres, brakes, steering or something else, every mechanical component in a vehicle plays a critical role.

"And this is likely to be just the tip of the iceberg; with fewer police traffic units, it's likely more offenders are evading officers and putting themselves and others at risk.

"No doubt there will be some who have accidentally let their car maintenance slip, but this can be easily avoided by using free apps like myRAC, which send you reminders to check key components like tyres, as well as flagging important dates like your MOT, service, tax and insurance renewal.

"We know life gets busy, so that's why we're helping drivers to keep on top of car admin with our team of nationwide mobile mechanics that come to you. They can carry out repairs and service your vehicle on your driveway or at work, saving you the slog of getting it to a garage. It's the better way to look after your car!"

Driving an unroadworthy vehicle carries three penalty points, which remain on a driver's licence for four years, but the RAC says the wider concern is the potential risk posed to all road users.

The findings come amid ongoing debate around roads policing levels, with the RAC previously highlighting a decline in the number of dedicated traffic officers over the past decade.

The organisation believes increased vehicle checks, alongside better public awareness of routine maintenance, will be essential if the number of unsafe vehicles on Britain's roads is to be reduced further.