By Chris Green
The number of Scottish drivers being caught behind the wheel of defective cars is soaring as people struggle to pay for repairs, new figures have revealed.
Annual statistics on recorded crime in Scotland show that vehicle defect offences have risen by almost a third (30 per cent) year-on-year.
The figures, published by the Scottish Government, show that 10,117 such offences were recorded in the 12 months to June 2025, up from 7,796.
The number of offences has almost doubled since the year ending in June 2022, as the country emerged from the Covid pandemic.
Vehicle defect offences cover common problems with cars caused by poor maintenance, such as faulty lights, worn tyres, and brake issues.
Safety campaigners warned that the figures suggest more drivers are “delaying essential repairs” due to the cost-of-living crisis putting pressure on household budgets.
The issue is not limited to Scotland, according to figures released by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) following a freedom of information request by the RAC.
They revealed the number of people receiving penalty points on their licences for driving unroadworthy vehicles has risen by 52 per cent across the UK over the past year.
The RAC warned that the figures were “unfortunately just the tip of the iceberg”, as they only covered drivers who were caught.
Stewart Mackie, regional road safety manager for Scotland at IAM RoadSmart, a charity working to improve driving standards, told 1919 that the new figures were “a real cause for concern”.
He added: “Keeping a vehicle in safe working order is vital, not only for drivers and passengers, but for everyone sharing the road.
“Simple routines like the ‘POWDERY’ check (petrol, oil, water, damage, electrics, rubber, yourself) can flag up problems before they become dangerous.
“Part of the rise compared with 2021 can be linked to the pandemic, when traffic levels were lower and many motorists may have been forced to postpone maintenance.
“However, the cost-of-living crisis is also playing a role, with some drivers delaying essential repairs. Cutting back on safety, though, risks far more serious and costly consequences in the long run.”
Police Scotland regularly carries out road safety initiatives, some of which involve spot checks on motorists who are pulled over and have their vehicle and licences checked.
In one such operation earlier this year, officers in Inverclyde stopped 158 cars in a single day, resulting in two prohibition orders for vehicle defects being issued.
They also handed out 15 warnings for faulty lighting, while two drivers were reported to the procurator fiscal for alleged road traffic offences.
Road policing Chief Inspector Lorraine Napier said: “Road safety is a priority for Police Scotland and we are part of a crucial partnership approach.
“Our officers are out every day educating road users and carrying out enforcement.
“We have dedicated intelligence-led patrols on targeted routes to take action against dangerous drivers and unsafe vehicles, whilst responding to community concerns.
“We also support a national calendar of road safety activity, deliver campaigns and work with partners to develop prevention and change driver behaviour.
“Police Scotland is committed to supporting the Scottish Government’s Road Safety Framework to reduce road deaths and injuries. We will continue to make sure we are doing all we can to improve road safety.”