With cars and other vehicles there are many laws to ensure that we operate these machines in a safe and responsible manner. These laws both apply to us as the driver but also the car itself. We will all know that you are not permitted to drive a car after having a drink and you are not allowed to drive over the speed limit. But there are many legal requirements that your car must fulfil for it to be driven on the road.

Road Tax

In order to drive on the road your car must be taxed, much like you pay council and income tax your car needs annual payments making and have proof in the form of a tax disc clearly displayed in your car.

Driving without a tax disc is extremely dangerous as not only are police going to pull you over but your car can be seized and crushed if you refuse to tax your vehicle. Normally the DVLA will send you letters when your tax is due up to remind you. The amount you pay will depend on your vehicle and more recently its emissions.

MOT Certificate

Many cars need maintenance over the years, every year you will need an MOT (Ministry of Transport) test completing. This is where a qualified mechanic will check that your car meets minimum safety requirements for almost every aspect of the car are working correctly.

If your car is old and fails it’s MOT then a mechanic will recommend the areas that need fixing, if these repairs can be carried out and paid for within one day many mechanics will re-test the car free of charge and all you’ll have to do is pay for the work completed. If you need time to get the money or can’t get the repairs completed then you will need to get another test completed. Prices for MOT tests tend to be around £20 at more competitive test centres.

Car Insurance

In order to drive on the roads you need to be insured to a minimum of third party coverage so that if you are involved in any collision or accident then the other person’s car is looked after. Ideally you want to have your own car covered as well; this is "fully comprehensive" insurance.

These are all legal requirements for driving a vehicle on the UK roads, for people who are no longer driving then rather than have to pay for a tax disc there are methods of reporting your car as being not in use. This would require you to file a SORN (Statutory Off-Road Notice) request. This way you wouldn’t be paying tax needlessly. For all other cases though you would need these requirements other wise you will get a fine, disqualification or even your car crushed at your expense!