Yes, if a daytime running light is missing, not working, has a badly damaged lens or is likely to fall off. With several bulbs or LEDs, it fails when more than half are out; up to half out is a minor defect, which passes.
Testers grade each defect: a major or dangerous defect fails the MOT, a minor one passes but is written on the certificate.
| Defect | Result |
|---|---|
| Lamp multiple light source up to a half not functioning | PassesMinor |
| Lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than a half not functioning | FailsMajor |
| Defective lens | FailsMajor |
| Lamp not securely attached | PassesMinor |
| Lamp likely to become detached | FailsMajor |
| Defect | Result |
|---|---|
| Lamp emitted colour, position or intensity not in accordance with the requirements | PassesMinor |
| Lamp showing red light to the front, white light to the rear or has heavily reduced light intensity | FailsMajor |
| A lamp with a product on the lens or light source which obviously reduces light intensity or changes emitted colour | PassesMinor |
| A lamp with a product on the lens or light source which shows red light to the front, white light to the rear or has heavily reduced light intensity | FailsMajor |
| A lamp adversely affected by the operation of any other lamp | FailsMajor |
From DVSA's MOT inspection manual for cars and passenger vehicles. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
In 2025, 10,828 car MOTs failed on daytime running lights: 0.034%, or about 1 in 2,900. Another 1,923 MOTs recorded it as a minor defect, which passes. Testers also noted it as an advisory on 85 MOTs: something to keep an eye on that didn't fail the test.
Share of the MOTs that failed on daytime running lights. One MOT can fail for more than one reason.
Share of car MOTs in each mileage band that failed on daytime running lights.
0.00% of MOTs on cars registered in 2005 failed on daytime running lights, against 0.03% for cars registered in 2022.
Models that failed on daytime running lights at least 1.15 times as often as the average car of the same age and mileage, out of 28 with at least 30 MOTs failed on it.
Least often: VW Golf (0.1×), Mercedes A-Class (0.2×), Ford Fiesta (0.3×), BMW 3 Series (0.3×), Hyundai Tucson (0.3×).
Yes, if one doesn't work
In 2025, 10,828 car MOTs failed on daytime running lights, about 1 in 2,900.
1 in 2,900car MOTs failed on daytime running lights in 2025
1,923minor defects recorded in 2025, which pass
Yes, if a daytime running light is missing, not working, has a badly damaged lens or is likely to fall off. With several bulbs or LEDs, it fails when more than half are out; up to half out is a minor defect, which passes.
In 2025, 10,828 car MOTs failed on daytime running lights: 0.034%, or about 1 in 2,900.
Against the average car of the same age and mileage, the Hyundai i10 (30.2 times as often), Kia Picanto (24.7 times as often) and Land Rover Defender (7.7 times as often), going by 2025 MOT results.