Number of drivers caught at wheel of unroadworthy vehicles jumps by 'shocking' 52%

THE number of motorists caught driving unroadworthy vehicles jumped by 52% last year, new figures show, sparking fears that law-abiding road users are being put at “serious risk”.

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A total of 13,109 British drivers were convicted of the offence in 2024, official data obtained by the RAC revealed.

This is up from 8,614 during the previous 12 months.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency statistics, released in response to a freedom of information request, show the number of penalty point endorsements issued for driving vehicles with defective brakes, tyres, steering or other problems.

The offence attracts three penalty points which stay on drivers’ licences for four years.