Having no MOT is only an offence if the car is driven, not parked - so "no MOT" alone usually isn't reportable. What you can report is a vehicle that's untaxed, abandoned, or being driven without MOT or insurance. Here's who to report each to, and the rules on keeping an MOT-less car on the road.

You can confirm a vehicle's MOT and tax status yourself in seconds - just enter its registration on RegScan, free and with no sign-up, before deciding whether to report it.

Can you report a car with no MOT?

Not on its own. An expired MOT only matters legally when the vehicle is used on a road - a parked car with no MOT isn't committing an offence just by sitting there. What is reportable is the tax: a vehicle kept or used on a public road must be taxed, and you can't tax a car without a valid MOT where one is required. So in practice an MOT-less car on the road is usually also untaxed - and that is reportable. For the full rules on renewal and expiry, see our guide to how long an MOT is valid for.

Who to report it to

  • Untaxed vehicle - report to the DVLA online. You'll need the registration, make, colour and location. The DVLA can fine the keeper and clamp the vehicle.
  • Abandoned vehicle - report to your local council. Signs include flat tyres, missing plates, or sitting untouched for weeks.
  • Being driven with no MOT or insurance - report to the police (101, or online). Police ANPR cameras also flag these automatically.

Can you park or keep a car on the road without an MOT?

Only if it's still taxed. A vehicle on a public road must be taxed, and taxing normally requires a valid MOT - so once the MOT lapses you generally can't keep it taxed, and it can't legally stay on the road. The lawful route is to declare a SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) and keep the vehicle on private land, such as a driveway or garage.

What happens if you're caught

Driving without a valid MOT can bring a fine of up to £1,000, and driving with a dangerous defect up to £2,500 plus penalty points. Keeping an untaxed vehicle on the road risks an automatic penalty and clamping. Your insurance can also be invalidated if the car isn't roadworthy.

Check before you report

Before reporting a vehicle, check its actual status so you're reporting the right thing. RegScan shows current MOT and tax status from official DVSA and DVLA data - if it's untaxed, report to the DVLA; if it looks abandoned, the council. Check a registration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I report a car with no MOT parked on the road?

No MOT alone isn't an offence for a parked car, so it's not directly reportable. But such a car is usually also untaxed, which you can report to the DVLA online.

How do I report an untaxed car?

Report it to the DVLA through their online untaxed-vehicle form, with the registration, make, colour and where it's parked. The DVLA can penalise the keeper and clamp the vehicle.

Is it illegal to park a car with no MOT on the road?

A car on a public road must be taxed, and you generally can't tax it without a valid MOT. So an MOT-less car normally can't stay on the road legally - it should be declared SORN and kept off-road.

Can you park your car on the road without an MOT?

Only if it's still taxed. A vehicle on a public road must be taxed, and you usually can't tax it without a valid MOT - so once the MOT lapses it generally can't stay on the road and should be declared SORN.

Can you keep a car on the road without an MOT?

Not for long. Keeping a vehicle on a public road requires valid tax, which in turn needs a valid MOT. Without an MOT you normally can't keep it taxed, so it must go off-road under a SORN.

Who do I report a car being driven with no MOT to?

The police - call 101 or report online. Police ANPR cameras also automatically detect vehicles with no valid MOT, tax or insurance.

How can I check if a car has an MOT?

Enter the registration on RegScan to see its MOT and tax status free, using official data, before you report anything.