Half of Norfolk Cars Inspected Not Road Legal
Trading Standards inspections in Norfolk have revealed concerning safety issues, with 50% of examined vehicles failing to meet road legal requirements. UK car buyers need to know their rights and how to protect themselves.
Half of the vehicles inspected by Norfolk Trading Standards were found not to be road legal, Car Dealer Magazine reports. The failure rate raises questions about safety standards in the used car market.
The inspections uncovered a range of issues that would make the vehicles unsafe or illegal to drive. Common problems included faulty brakes, defective lights, worn tyres below the legal 1.6mm tread depth, and expired or missing MOT certificates.
Driving a vehicle that isn't roadworthy can result in fines, penalty points, and invalidated insurance. In serious cases, drivers can face prosecution if their vehicle is found to be dangerous.
Trading Standards advises buyers to always verify a vehicle's MOT history through the DVLA's free online service before purchasing. The service shows the full testing history including any advisory notices, which can reveal recurring problems. For higher-value purchases, an independent pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic remains one of the most reliable ways to identify hidden issues.
