These are the news for the MOT (ITV) from May onwards for all vehicles

The MOT (ITV) enters May with news regarding plug-in hybrid and electric cars. In fact, it becomes mandatory to pass several tests that affect all vehicles. These two new tests apply to all of them, although electric cars will only have to pass one of them.

In addition, there is another test that is not relevant to successfully passing the MOT inspection. Let’s look in detail at these two tests and discuss other changes that will also come into force with the new MOT Procedures Manual, which reaches version 7.7.

eCall System Check

From 2018 onwards, all cars have the automatic emergency call system approved. This allows, in the event of an accident, an automatic call to be made to the emergency services, so they can quickly locate the position of the crashed vehicle and get help to arrive as soon as possible.

From May, all cars equipped with this system will have to include a check of this element during their MOT inspection.

OBFCM (On-Board Fuel Consumption Meter) System

This record has been requested by the European Union from all member states to collect fuel consumption data for all vehicles except electric ones. This means that combustion engine, hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars must provide this data. It is obtained through the on-board diagnostics system.

However, this data only has statistical value and will not be used to determine whether the car passes the MOT inspection. Once the data is collected, it is sent to the corresponding institution and deleted. Vehicles registered from 1 January 2021 onwards will be subject to this inspection.

Other MOT changes

The third change is the approval of sun filters on the windscreen. Until now, only vehicles of people diagnosed with lupus could use these sun-filter films. This disease worsens health when exposed to sunlight, so they are authorised to use this accessory.

From May, the authorisation to use these sun-filter adhesives is extended to all vehicles of people who demonstrate adverse effects of ultraviolet rays on their health similar to those caused by lupus.

All of this will come into force on 20 May, so you can prepare for these imminent changes.