Update: 2011 MOT changes

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Update to previous post

http://wrecks2riches.co.uk/2010/10/2011-changes-to-mot/

Some further info on the potential changes to MOT’s from 2011.  (Potential is the key word here, I don’t profess to be an expert on these changes, and as yet I haven’t read anything confirming the changes definitively)

The rules seem to be driven by an updated EU directive, which looks to align our testing rules to the rest of Europe. Link to directive below

http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2010:173:0047:0072:EN:PDF

HID lights – In my mast post I’d commented about how these would be an MOT fail. This seems pretty common sense, as I mentioned all cars fixed with Xenons, should be self levelling / adjusting and by law should have headlight washers. A large proportion of after-market kits wont have any of these. Hence why other drivers are always being dazzled by cars with after-market kits. Link below shows the Department of Transports view on after market HID kits.

http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roadsafety/drs/hidheadlamps

Chipped ECU’s – Very little detail has been provided on if/how VOSA would approach testing for Chipped ECUs. The general consensus is that it could not be enforced. In some parts of Europe this is upheld, and its illegal to chip cars.  So if the EU rulings does require us to align, it wouldn’t seem too far fetched. Personally I think it would be absolutely crazy, and would be unenforceable. Will wait and see if/when VOSA issue more details.

Wiring harness – This seems to be common sense, although lots of MOT testers have raised queries over how much additional time and subsequently £££,  it would add to the MOT. Checking wiring harnesses takes time, and its not something which is currently done in detail. Again, will have to wait for more detail from VOSA.

Warning lights -  This covers SRS airbag, Power steering, and ABS . If any warning lights are illuminated, it will again be an MOT failure. Likewise, this rule seems like common sense from a safety perspective, and would be a simple check for any MOT tester to complete.

MOT Frequency - There are rumblings about changing tests to every 2 years, again to align with Europe. At the moment nothing has been confirmed, but if the MOT is getting bigger, taking more time, and costing more. This would at least make it a bit more reasonable for MOT testers and customer alike. Will have to wait and see how it works out.

Will be adding more detail as soon as I find out anything new.

Source: October 2010 VOSA newsletter (Link and relevant extracts below)

http://www.dft.gov.uk/vosa/repository/MoT%20-%20Issue%2048%20-%20Oct%202010.pdf