TSI Caution Drivers Over New MOT Certificates

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TSI Caution Drivers Over New MOT Certificates

September 18, 2012

Officials at the Trading Standards Institute (TSI) are warning drivers not to trust printed MOT certificates as they are only intended as receipts and can be easily forged.

The TSI have said that the new certificates, introduced October last year, are only a receipt for the MOT. Details of the actual MOT should be checked online at the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency website.

Commenting on the new certificates, Gerald Taylor of the TSI stressed the importance of checking online, saying:

"We are concerned that motorists still do not know that paper certificates are no longer proof of existence of a valid MOT certificate. The downloaded certificate in its present form can be altered and abused at will using the simplest of computer software available with nearly every personal computer. Purchasers - whether private or trade - should NOT rely on printed MOT certificates when buying cars."

Drivers are reminded of the importance of a valid MOT certificate as it is a legal requirement and is needed when buying a car insurance policy.

Source: http://www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/extra/news-item.cfm/newsid/963