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More than 10,000 motorists received penalty points last year after being caught driving cars and vans that were not roadworthy, according to new analysis by the RAC's mobile servicing and repairs division.
Figures obtained by the RAC through a Freedom of Information request to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) reveal that 10,054 drivers across Great Britain were issued licence endorsements during 2025 for using vehicles with defects affecting critical safety components, including tyres, brakes and steering. While this marks a reduction of 3,055 compared with the 13,109 endorsements recorded in 2024, it is difficult to determine whether the fall is the result of motorists taking better care of their vehicles or reduced levels of policing.
Unsafe tyres remained the most common reason for drivers being penalised, with 6,670 motorists receiving penalty points for defective tyres. A further 3,384 endorsements were issued for other roadworthiness offences, including defective brakes, steering and other mechanical faults that could compromise the safe operation of a car or van.
Scotland recorded the highest number of motorists caught driving unroadworthy vehicles in 2025, with 1,244 endorsements issued. London ranked second with 1,182, while the regions outside the capital with the highest totals were Yorkshire and the Humber (995), the West Midlands (969) and South East England (950). Driving an unroadworthy vehicle carries three penalty points, which remain on a driver's licence for four years.
RAC Servicing and Repair Mechanic of the Year Jack Halstead 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. 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.”
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