The law requires you to ensure you are driving a safe and roadworthy vehicle. If you are suspected of failing to meet this legal duty you may find that you are charged with a vehicle defect offence. However, you may find that the charge is unfair and you wish to counter the accusation. If you are charged with a vehicle defect offence, contact the experts criminal defence lawyers at Qamar Solicitors immediately.

 

Driving without an MOT

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Perhaps the most common vehicle defect offence is driving without a valid MOT. If you are accused of driving without an MOT your insurance will be voided, and you can be fined for failing to comply with MOT regulations.

 

Driving a faulty vehicle

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Even if you have a valid MOT certificate, your vehicle may have sustained some damage or suffered a defect in the period since last having an MOT. These can include faulty lights, or the tyres having an insufficient depth of tread.

 

If you are stopped by a police officer and notified of a defect such as a faulty brake light, the most likely outcome is that you will be offered an opportunity to correct the fault within a reasonable time period. You probably then be asked to take your vehicle to an approved garage who can certify that the fault has been remedied.

 

Driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition

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Vehicle defect offences can be serious, particularly if you are accused of driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition. These might include driving with a windscreen severely cracked so that it obscures your vision, or driving leaking fuel or brake fluid. If you are convicted of driving with your vehicle in a dangerous condition, you can face a fine of up to £2,500 for an ordinary vehicle, and significantly higher for a commercial or passenger vehicle. You may also be disqualified.  Repeated offences within a three year period can result in a six month ban.

 

How can we help?

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If you believe you have been wrongly accused of driving your vehicle in a faulty or dangerous condition, it is very important that you contact us as soon as possible. At Qamar Solicitors we are highly experienced in handling all road traffic offences, including offences relating to the condition of the vehicle. Speed is of the essence: the sooner you get in touch, the faster we can begin to gather evidence, and make a sound and robust case for your defence.