When you discover that your MOT has expired, it’s not just a technicality. From the first minute you drive a vehicle that the law deems unfit, you risk a fine and a driving ban. So in this article, we’ll explain step by step what to do to get back on the right side of the rules. This is even if you have already been stopped by the police or notified by an administrative authority to start proceedings.
The first step is to find out if the registration has actually expired. You can find the expiry date on the vehicle registration certificate (Part I and Part II) or on a sticker on the registration plate. If your last registration check was four years ago, beware – most ordinary passenger cars have to have another check after two years at the latest.
The law makes no distinction between driving without an MOT for a single day or for several years. The legal qualification is the same in both cases – you are operating an unroadworthy vehicle. In practice, however, the longer the delay, the more difficult and costly it is to return to legal status.
The first few days to about six weeks after the forfeiture represent a window in which the problem can be resolved with almost no consequences. MOT test stations can usually fit a car without a lapsed MOT within a few days of the schedule, and at the roadside test it is usually sufficient to show that you are heading straight to the appointment. The police take into account that the vehicle was in good order until recently and shows no obvious faults, so the penalty is often at the lower end. At best, you’ll get a warning, at worst a block fine of hundreds of crowns.
But once months have passed and a lapsed MOT becomes a permanent condition, then regular servicing is absent and hidden faults such as brake pipe corrosion, axle play or substandard emissions build up. The risk of a vehicle failing on the line increases dramatically. If the technician deems the vehicle unroadworthy, you must arrange for a tow to a garage, have the defects rectified and undergo a repeat (and recharged) inspection. In addition, the police will assess prolonged disregard of the duty as a more serious offence, so you could be fined at the upper limit and face the possibility of a driving ban.
After one or more years without a valid MOT, the situation becomes more complicated for the insurance company: in the event of an accident, the claim will almost certainly be reduced or the insurance company will subsequently recover the whole of it from you because you knowingly operated an unroadworthy vehicle. In extreme cases, especially if the vehicle is in a state of disrepair, you may even be removed from the vehicle register.
Our attorneys can help you reduce your fine, avoid a restraining order, or defend against unreasonable demands from the authorities. We will explain your rights, review the administrative authority’s actions and suggest the best course of action.
Driving without an MOT means you are operating an unroadworthy vehicle. According to the Act on the Conditions of Operation of Vehicles on Roads, you are liable to an offence for this. A police officer can impose a fine of CZK 2,500-3,500 on the spot, or up to CZK 10,000 in administrative proceedings. If the vehicle causes an accident, the insurance company may reduce the benefit because you have violated the duties of a proper operator.
In the case of company cars, the regional authority can impose a fine of up to CZK 100,000 because legal entities fall under a different penalty regime.
The quickest way is to make an appointment over the phone. Some stations offer online booking systems, while others accept no appointment in the morning. Book the earliest possible appointment. Check the mandatory equipment, lighting, brakes and emissions before you arrive. Take your registration certificate, emissions report (if required) and proof of compulsory insurance with you on the day.
If the vehicle fails, the inspection technician will issue a list of defects. You will usually have 30 days to rectify them, during which time you are still not allowed to drive. Once repaired, you will have a re-inspection.
How do I legally get to the station? There is no exception in the law, but the police usually tolerate a one-way ride to a pre-arranged STK. Have your booking confirmation with you and explain everything in case of an inspection.
The longer a car goes without an MOT, the greater the risk that it’s hiding defects you can’t see with the naked eye. So make sure you check the chassis before the delayed inspection, especially for corrosion on the load-bearing parts. Look underneath the car for oil, coolant or brake fluid leaks. MOT technicians also look very closely at the warning lights – if the airbag or ABS is on, it’s an automatic problem. They take a similarly close look at the brakes. If they show different readings on each axle, you’re almost certain the car will fail the inspection.
Investing in a short preventive service check-up is usually worthwhile. Failure to pass the MOT test would not only cost you an additional fee, but also a lot of wasted time.
If you’re selling or buying a car with a lapsed MOT, you need to take into account that you can’t transfer ownership at the vehicle registry without a valid MOT report. Nevertheless, such a deal is not impossible.
If you are buying a car without a valid MOT, be sure to have it clearly written in the contract of sale that the seller acknowledges the expired MOT. Based on this, you should also negotiate an appropriate price – taking into account the possible risks and the cost of any repairs.
And how do you get the car to pass the MOT test? Either you take it on a flatbed or apply for a temporary transfer plate with a “Z” marking.
Tip: Are you in business and planning to buy a new car? Find out when it’s worthwhile to include a new car in your business assets and buy a company car.
The simplest advice is to set a reminder on your phone or calendar as soon as you get a new inspection sticker on your car. A reminder a few weeks before the expiry date will save you the hassle. We also recommend keeping an eye on your car’s roadworthiness throughout the year. In particular, focus on brakes, lighting and tyre condition, as these are the most common reasons for failure at MOT tests. By spotting them early, you can avoid frantically searching for a free service just before the inspection.
And the last piece of advice is perhaps the most important – don’t skip regular service inspections. While it may seem like you’re saving money, the opposite is often true. A small and inexpensive repair in a timely manner is always less painful than a later fine, towing costs, or a repeat service.
If you fail a roadworthiness test, the law views you as an unfit operator from the first minute – you risk a block fine of up to CZK 5,000 (up to CZK 50,000 in administrative proceedings and a ban on driving for a year) and the insurance company can reclaim the damages paid in the event of an accident; company vehicles risk penalties of up to CZK 500,000. First, check the validity of the registration certificate (and the sticker) and book the nearest appointment as soon as possible; the police will usually tolerate a one-way journey directly to the appointment with proof of booking. A short delay (days to weeks) can usually be resolved without major consequences, but months or years without an inspection increases the risk of serious defects, towing and a repeat, re-paid MOT. Check brakes, lighting, undercarriage and emissions before visiting the station, or use a service inspection; for a non-running car, or if buying/selling without a valid MOT, expect a coaster or ‘Z’ tag. In future, set a reminder for your next appointment and keep a regular service to avoid expensive and time-consuming legal catch-up.
Our team of experienced attorneys will help you solve any legal issue. Within 24 hours we’ll evaluate your situation and suggest a step-by-step solution, including all costs. The price for this proposal is only CZK 690, and this is refunded to you when you order service from us.
Ondřej is the attorney who came up with the idea of providing legal services online. He's been earning his living through legal services for more than 10 years. He especially likes to help clients who may have given up hope in solving their legal issues at work, for example with real estate transfers or copyright licenses.
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