Diesel vehicles to have stricter MOT tests from 20 May

In order to make sure that measures to limit diesel emissions are in place, MOT tests are going to be changed as of 20 May for diesel vehicles.

The changes will see diesel vehicles categorised as either ‘dangerous’, ‘major’, or ‘minor’, depending on what issues the vehicle has.

This includes the introduction of stricter limits for emissions from cars with a diesel particulate filter.

If smoke of any colour is seen coming from the exhaust, this will mean the vehicle will be given a ‘major’ fault and will fail the test.

If there is evidence to suggest that the DPF has been tampered with, the vehicle will also fail the MOT.

Under the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations (Regulation 61a(3)) using a vehicle which has had its DPF removed is an offence and can incur a fine of up to £1,000 for a car or £2,500 for a light goods vehicle.

According to the DVSA, around 1,800 drivers have been found to be using a vehicle without a DPF since MOT testing requirements have changed.