MOT Rules Relaxed As Garages, Workshops And Service Centres Allowed To Stay Open
25th March 2020
Dragon2000 are encouraging garages to notify customers if their business is still open for essential repairs, and to let customers who already had their vehicle booked into the workshop know that there is no need to worry about upcoming MOTs expiration dates, thanks to new government legislation.
As many businesses temporarily close across the UK for an initial 3 weeks, garages and service centres are being told they can remain open as vital services continue to operate. The MOT rules have also been amended for 12 months to ensure vehicles can be kept on the road for essential purposes.
In a desperate bid to tackle the spread of coronavirus, the government announced on Monday evening that non-essential premises must close to encourage social distancing. While car showrooms fall into this category, garages and workshops were exempted and can remain open as they are vital to keeping vehicles roadworthy that are being relied upon during the current situation. This ranges from emergency services, delivery vehicles, and key workers’ vehicles used for traveling to and from work, to the wider general public where their vehicles are essential to go out to get food and medicine during the lockdown.
In a statement on the government website, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps explained that “we must ensure those on the frontline of helping the nation combat COVID-19 are able to do so. Safety is key, which is why garages will remain open for essential repair work.”
Additionally, the government have announced that from March 30th, legislation will be introduced for all MOTs to receive a 6 month extension which will come into immediate effect for twelve months. Vehicle owners who have an MOT that expires before this date are encouraged to book a test if they need to be driving around under the latest government rules. Service centres and MOT test stations are still allowed to carry out MOTs once the new rules come into effect.
Shapps added “Allowing this temporary exemption from vehicle testing will enable vital services such as deliveries to continue, frontline workers to get to work, and people to get essential food and medicine.”
Dragon2000 have been helping dealers and garages drive their businesses forward since 1995. Talk to our team today on 01327 222 333 or email sales@dragon2000.co.uk to find out how our dealer management system, car dealer websites and mobile apps can help your business increase profits and reduce costs.
