A fifth (20%) of drivers aged under 44 admit to breaking the law by using faulty tires or avoiding a roadworthiness test, a new survey suggests.

Around 10% of motorists of all ages are guilty of at least one of these acts, according to a survey of 2,691 UK drivers commissioned by the RAC.

MOTs check a number of vehicle parts such as lights, seat belts, tires and brakes to ensure they meet legal standards.

In Britain, cars generally must first be presented for an MOT after three years on the road, then every year until they reach 40 years of age.

The maximum price for a car is £54.85, plus repair costs.

To be considered legal, vehicle tires must meet specific requirements at all times, related to factors such as tread depth and condition.

Nearly one in five drivers surveyed (19%) said they tried to save money by delaying necessary vehicle repairs, or reduced or stopped maintaining their vehicle due to the cost.

The RAC warned this could lead to more car breakdowns and could constitute a “false economy” if it results in higher repair bills in the future.

RAC breakdowns spokesperson Simon Williams said: “It is very worrying that so many drivers under the age of 44 appear to have risked breaking the law by failing to have their vehicles inspected and running them with tires that should have been replaced, all in an attempt. to save money.

“Safety on our roads is essential. The technical inspection is a legal obligation for good reason: skipping it endangers the safety of all road users, including the driver.

“Tires are a vehicle’s only contact with the road. It is therefore essential that they are in good condition and have a sufficiently wide tread.

“Drivers who have made the decision not to have their car serviced or repaired might think they are saving money, but they could very easily find themselves facing a much higher garage bill for something that could have be cheaper to repair sooner.”

Drivers can be fined up to £1,000 if they use a vehicle without a valid MOT.

Police can fine drivers caught with illegal tires, although legal action can be taken for serious cases or repeat offenders.

The survey was conducted by research firm Online95 between March 23 and April 15.