Having a car accident is always a stressful and upsetting experience. At best, you have damaged your vehicle and it’s likely to be expensive. At worst, there may be injuries to your person – or to others involved. It’s something we all aim to avoid.
Try to stay calm after the accident has happened, as there are certain things you must do immediately in the aftermath.
Read on for our step-by-step advice on what to do following a car crash. Hopefully you will never need it.
Always stopyour car
Failing to stop after a collision is illegal. If you drive away from the scene of the accident, you could end up with a six-month prison sentence or a £5,000 fine. Stop the car and turn off the engine – it could be unsafe to drive – but make sure you switch the hazard lights on.
If you have a warning triangle, place it to the side of the incident where cars are approaching. Be careful not to risk your own safety by standing in the road.
Also, as one helpful Motoring Research reader kindly pointed out, don’t use a warning triangle on the motorway. You will be breaking the Highway Code if you do.
Check the people involved
It’s a courtesy as much as a necessity, but speak to everyone involved and check they are OK. You’ll also want to get an impression of the other driver, if one is involved. Try to assess whether they may be under the influence of drink or drugs.
Take note of any injuries that you or anybody at the scene has received. Alternatively, write a note to confirm that nobody is injured, if that is the case. It could help prevent a false claim later.
Use your mobile phone to call the relevant emergency services if needed, be it police or ambulance, and don’t be afraid to flag down another motorist for help. Even if nobody is injured, you should report the accident to the police within 24 hours on the non-emergency number (101).
Assess the accident damage
Once you have dealt with the people, check over the vehicles. Make a note of all the damage caused, including inside the cars (if an airbag has deployed, for example). Grab your phone and take as many photographs as you can.
Note down details of the other car – including the make, model, registration number and colour – then write down the location, weather conditions and time of the accident.
You’ll also want to check whether any personal items carried in the car have been damaged by the incident.
Exchange details
Swap phone, address and insurance details with the other driver involved. Don’t admit liability for the accident, however. This is for the insurance companies to decide.
Note down the names of everyone involved, including witnesses and the ID numbers of emergency services personnel on the scene.
As an aside, it’s a good idea to keep a notepad in your car for such situations, although the notes function on your phone will also do the job.
Tell your insurance company
As soon as is convenient, preferably at the scene, inform your insurance company about what has happened. You don’t have to go through it all in the moment, just let them know.
When the time comes to talk through the accident more fully, be sure to have your insurance paperwork to hand.
If the accident happens outside your insurance company’s operational hours, you should be able to call a recovery line for assistance.
The potential for arguments and tantrums makes more than half of parents feel reluctant to undertake a road-trip with their children.
Some 55 percent of respondents to a survey by Vauxhall said they would be apprehensive about undertaking a long drive with their family.
In addition, close to half (47 percent) said the idea of a car journey with their children would be more stressful than holidaying abroad.
Notably, the predictable question of ‘Are we nearly there yet?’ is asked just three times before parents find themselves feeling annoyed.
Road-trip hunger games
When it came to creating the biggest whinges, Vauxhall found that children being hungry was top of the list. More than a third (34 percent) of respondents said this would be the first grievance aired.
Meanwhile, 14 percent of those surveyed said their offspring would lose all composure if they went through an area without any phone signal.
Vauxhall’s study also found that getting bored (50 percent), sibling arguments (37 percent) and keeping kids entertained (35 percent) provided the biggest challenges on a long drive.
Nearly three quarters (71 percent) of parents prepare snacks and drinks to prevent hunger-related challenges before they arise. Some 45 percent highlighted music streaming via smartphone connectivity as helpful for keeping kids amused.
Making car journeys family-friendly
Vauxhall’s research study also found that more than half (52 percent) of parents have threatened to turn the car around because their children weren’t behaving. And a third (34 percent) have followed up on that age-old threat, too.
Steve Catlin, managing director at Vauxhall, said: “Road-trips are a great opportunity to connect as a family, but when the conditions aren’t perfect, it can cause tensions to boil over. As parents, we all know that making sure you have the right snacks, space and road-trip playlist can go a long way to ensuring a harmonious journey.
“Equally important is having a car that can help make the journey easier. The new Vauxhall Frontera is designed to be family-friendly, with a spacious interior, the right tech to keep everyone connected, and features such as the Intelli-Seat to help long journeys pass in comfort.”
Drivers purchasing a new Toyota can now take advantage of a fixed-priced car insurance deal.
Offered across a variety of Toyota models, it allows customers to fix their annual insurance premium for three years.
Toyota says this insurance offer will bring ‘convenience, peace of mind and potential cost savings’ to car buyers.
Supplied by Toyota Insurance Services, the new policies have been designed with the Japanese marque’s vehicles in mind.
Financial peace of mind for drivers
Subject to customers meeting the eligibility criteria, annual comprehensive premiums via the Toyota fixed-priced insurance offer will be:
Toyota Aygo X: £300
Yaris Hybrid: £450
Toyota Yaris Cross: £450
Toyota Corolla: £495
Toyota Prius: £720
Toyota C-HR: £840
Toyota bZ4X: £840
Toyota RAV4: £1,080
The fixed-price offer means there will be no annual premium increases for customers, with the ability to pay monthly also available.
Should drivers need to make a claim for accident repair, this will be carried out by qualified Toyota technicians using genuine Toyota parts.
Wide range of Toyotas included
Toyota’s insurance offer is available to retail customers purchasing a new car between 1 November 2025 and 31 January 2026. Vehicle registration has to be completed by 28 February 2026.
To qualify, customers must be aged between 27 and 76, hold a full UK driving licence and have held UK residency for a minimum of one year. They should also have no convictions or pending prosecutions over the past five years, and not have made any fault insurance claims during the last three years.
Customers will not be locked into insuring with Toyota for the full three-year period, allowing the potential to renew with another insurer if preferred.
A no claims discount will also be earned by customers for the period that they take advantage of Toyota’s insurance deal.
BMW, Mattel and AirConsole have worked together to launch Hot Wheels: Xtreme Overdrive – an exclusive new in-car racing game.
BMW and Mini models with the latest software can play the game via their car’s central touchscreen, using smartphones as controllers.
Announced at the 2025 Tokyo Motor Show, Hot Wheels: Xtreme Overdrive is the latest game to become available through the AirConsole in-car gaming platform.
It follows the launch of Uno Card Party for BMW and Mini models last year, along with AirConsole’s expansion to other marques.
BMW and Hot Wheels go racing
Hot Wheels: Xtreme Overdrive has been given a deliberate BMW theme. On one of the tracks in the game, players race the BMW Vision Neue Klasse X concept car.
In addition, one of the eight playable vehicles in the game is a digital representation of the new BMW iX3 electric SUV.
The partnership between BMW and AirConsole will see Hot Wheels: Xtreme Overdrive remain exclusive to the German marque until June 2026.
Up to four passengers can play the game at one time, albeit only when the vehicle is stationary.
Turning cars into entertainment hubs
The AirConsole app is available for BMW or Mini models using BMW Operating System 8.5 in combination with BMW ConnectedDrive Professional, or Operating System 9 in combination with BMW Digital Premium or the Mini Connected Package.
It will also be offered for the next generation of BMW vehicles using Operating System X, starting with the new iX3.
“Cars are no longer just about driving, they’re becoming entertainment hubs,” said Anthony Cliquot, CEO of N-Dream. BMW’s continuous investment into exclusive content with AirConsole is a testament to in-car entertainment’s growing importance.”
Ford has launched a practical ‘Ranger Ready’ training course, aimed at teaching Ranger owners how to get the most from their truck.
Ford’s research showed that 98 percent of pickup truck drivers in the UK have helped someone in need during the past 12 months.
However, many pickup owners admit to lacking the knowledge required to use their vehicle safely for helping others.
As a result, the Ranger Ready programme is designed to give pickup truck drivers hands-on experience of using their vehicle in recovery situations.
All the gear, but little idea
Some 80 percent of those surveyed by Ford said they felt confident when it came to towing other vehicles. However, just over half (55 percent) said they knew the vehicle being recovered should be placed in neutral.
Many were also unsure about the correct use of safe towing points, with some believing that bumpers are a suitable anchor point.
More than a third (39 percent) of pickup drivers said they had helped to rescue another vehicle, but most have received no formal training.
Instead, truck owners often rely on instinct or advice from friends. As Ford notes, this can mean well-intentioned help results in an accident or even injuries.
Boosting truck owner confidence
Ford’s Ranger Ready programme has already trialled giving a group of pickup drivers practical instruction.
A group of Ranger owners were chosen to test the experience. They received training in how to rescue other vehicles, safe off-road driving techniques and how to reverse with a trailer.
Those who participated in the course reported an increased level of confidence and knowledge about how to undertake off-road rescues.
“The data that we unearthed quickly confirmed something we instinctively knew: there’s an in-built heroism in the UK’s pickup community, a real desire to help others,” said James Cooper, Ranger brand manager at Ford of Europe.
“But the data also revealed a crucial gap. Despite drivers’ good intentions, not everyone has the know-how to help as much as they would like. That’s where Ranger Ready comes in.”
A new special edition Mini has been revealed, bringing together two classic British brands.
The Mini Paul Smith Edition made its debut at the 2025 Tokyo Motor Show, showcasing a fresh look for the Cooper Electric hatchback.
Sir Paul Smith has a long history with the Mini marque. The famous fashion designer first created a limited edition classic Mini in 1998.
The latest Paul Smith Edition follows the theme of exclusive exterior colour combinations, along with special interior details.
Classic Paul Smith design
Buyers will be able to choose from three paint colour options, two of which are exclusive to the Paul Smith Edition.
Statement Grey is a modern interpretation of a classic Mini Austin Seven colour from 1959. Inspired White is a homage to the retro Mini Beige shade. And Midnight Black is a popular choice from the modern Mini range.
The roof can be finished in Nottingham Green (a tribute to Sir Paul’s birthplace) or Jet Black. Opting for the green sees a Paul Smith ‘Signature Stripe’ added above the rear window, with gloss and matt stripes for the black roof. More Nottingham Green can be found on the wing mirrors and front grille surround.
A special black and blue colour combination is used for the Mini badge. The 18-inch Night Spoke alloy wheels are finished in Dark Steel, complete with Nottingham Green centre caps.
Signature Stripes inside the Mini
On the inside, Sir Paul’s handwritten motto of ‘Everyday is a new beginning’ can be found on the door sills, with a hand-drawn rabbit logo on the floor mats.
Paul Smith tone-on-tone striped patterns are incorporated into the knitted dashboard trim, while the steering wheel features a ‘Signature Stripe’ detail.
Sports seats are trimmed in Nightshade Blue, with Paul Smith stripes and a stitched logo. A Dark Steel finish is used for the interior door handles, speaker grilles and cup holders.
First deliveries due next year
Sir Paul Smith said: “It’s not often that you see two icons of British design work together in this way and it’s wonderful that our partnership has carried on over so many years. The Mini Paul Smith Edition has been a real privilege and a wonderful opportunity. New colours and new unexpected details will be a welcomed surprise.”
Prices for the Mini Paul Smith Edition start from £32,705 in Cooper Electric guise, with the first deliveries expected in spring 2026.
Mini will extend its Paul Smith range to include petrol-powered Cooper models in the near-future.
The majority of UK drivers feel concerned that vehicle headlights have become dangerously bright.
More than four in five (82 percent) of motorists said they were worried about being dazzled as darker days arrive with the end of British Summer Time.
Research by the RAC found that 38 percent of survey respondents were nervous about driving in the dark.
Of this group, three quarters (75 percent) said bright headlights were responsible for their anxiety on the road at night.
Bright headlights cause concern
Research undertaken by the RAC earlier this year found that a quarter (25 percent) of drivers were driving less due to the risk of being dazzled by other motorists.
More than one in five (22 percent) told the RAC they wished they could drive less at night, but had no other choice.
Bright headlights were not the only cause for worry when driving at night, with nearly two-thirds (63 percent) of respondents saying spotting hazards was harder in the dark.
A third (33 percent) reported being nervous about driving in the dark as they find judging the distance to other vehicles harder. And 23 percent said they feel less confident when driving at night.
‘A problem that needs tackling’
RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis said: “Unfortunately, for a lot of drivers the annual onset of darker evenings coincides with another unwelcome arrival – that of overly-bright headlights that they believe make driving more difficult due to dazzle and discomfort.
“While most of us have no choice other than to adapt to driving at night more often as the clocks go back, the fact headlight glare is the leading cause of nervousness underlines it’s a problem that needs tackling. At the same time, it’s important to remember that brighter headlights can give drivers a better view of the road ahead – so there’s a balance to be struck.”
The MP for Crawley, Peter Lamb, is set to raise the issue of headlight glare during a Westminster Hall debate on Wednesday 29 October 2025.
Headlight issues are also expected to form part of a new road safety strategy, expected to be published by the government later this year.
The new electric Kia PV5 Cargo van has achieved a new Guinness World Record for battery range.
With its 72.1kWh battery fully charged and a maximum payload on board, the Kia PV5 covered 693.3 kilometres – equivalent to 430.8 miles.
Behind the wheel of the Kia was George Barrow, an award-winning commercial vehicle journalist from Van Reviewer. He was joined by Christian Nigemeier from Hyundai.
Impressively, the record was broken in real-world conditions, driving on public roads near Frankfurt in Germany.
A real-world record breaker
The route used for the record-setting run was deliberately chosen to replicate what an electric van driver might encounter each day. Roundabouts and traffic lights were included, along with an arduous elevation gain.
When developing the PV5, Kia’s engineers found that every 100kg of additional payload reduced the van’s range by 1.5 percent.
Carrying its maximum payload of 2,652kg, the Kia PV5 managed 12 laps of the test route before finally coming to a stop. The journey itself took 22 hours and 30 minutes, with GPS and in-cab cameras to document the run.
Marc Hedrich, president and CEO of Kia Europe, commented: “The fact that much of our target audience could operate for almost two full working days on a single charge speaks volumes about its real-world capability. The PV5 combines efficiency, flexibility and intelligent connectivity in one package.”
Extending the range of electric vans
“I’m genuinely excited to have been part of this incredible Guinness World Records achievement. It was a demanding but unforgettable journey,” said George Barrow after the record-breaking run.
“I was seriously impressed by how far the Kia PV5 can go: more than 430 miles on a single charge and with a full payload. That’s no small feat, and I have a feeling this record won’t be easy to beat. The PV5 and Christopher were great team-mates for this challenge. I’m proud to have been part of a record that pushes the boundaries for electric vans.”
“As an engineer, this challenge was both technical and personal,” said Christopher Nigemeier, senior engineer at the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre.
“George brought an incredible amount of driving experience from testing other vans, while I had the advantage of knowing the PV5’s powertrain inside out. It became a friendly competition between us – who could squeeze the most out of each kilowatt-hour.”
Kia will display the record-breaking PV5 Cargo at next month’s Solutrans Tradeshow in Lyon, France.
Multi-purpose vehicles, better known as MPVs or people carriers, are the most space-efficient and sensible cars you can buy. However, they faces a fight for survival as families’ heads are turned by the aspirational image of SUVs. Many buyers seem happy to sacrifice the space and versatility of an MPV for the extra style and car-park kudos of driving an SUV.
As our list of the best MPVs reveals, however, you shouldn’t be too quick to dismiss practical people carriers. Whether you’re after a five- or seven-seater, you’ll find an MPV can easily become a part of your family. There are even upmarket options – and MPVs with fully electric powertrains, too.
Here are the best MPVs you can buy in 2026, with our choices presented in alphabetical order.
BMW 2 Series Active Tourer
The 2 Series Active Tourer might be the least desirable BMW on sale. Accordingly, most people go for the X1 or X3 SUVs instead. You’d be wrong to dismiss it, though, as the 2 Series Active Tourer brings a touch of quality to the compact MPV class.
Along with upmarket styling (yep, we’re getting used to that giant kidney grille now), it offers plenty of technology and excellent engineering. There is also lots of room for rear-seat passengers, a big boot and a surprisingly engaging driving experience.
Engine options include mild-hybrid petrols, along with the plug-in hybrid 225e xDrive, which offers a combined output of 245hp. Using its all-wheel drive system, this version can accelerate from 0-62mph in just 5.5 seconds – more than fast enough for a family holdall.
Citroen e-Berlingo
Once you have lived with a car with a pair of sliding doors, you’ll wonder how you managed without them. A wide opening into the passenger area, ease of access in tight parking spaces and a feeling that you’re riding in the back of the A-Team van are just some of their benefits.
The Citroen Berlingo is now electric-only, powered by a 136hp motor and 50kWh battery pack. That makes for an official range of 170-180 miles, which certainly isn’t spectacular. However, if you can charge at home, the Berlingo is perfect for school-run duties. You can choose the five-seat M version or the seven-seat XL, with the latter offering up to 4,000 litres of luggage space and a load length of three metres. It drives a bit like a van, but it doesn’t look like one.
We said: ‘In an industry that blurs the lines, there’s something refreshingly honest about the Citroen Berlingo. Put simply, no car at this end of the market is so very useful. Well, apart from the platform-sharing Peugeot Rifter and Vauxhall Combo Life.’
Part-people carrier, part-estate and part-SUV, the clever Dacia Jogger cherry-picks the best bits from several categories of car. Above all, it offers seven seats and a huge amount of practicality for remarkably little cash. Granted, prices have increased in recent months, but the entry-level Jogger still costs a smidge over £20,000. For that budget, all its rivals are second-hand.
Buyers can now choose from only two trim levels: Expression and outdoor-themed Extreme, with the basic Essential now dropped from the range. Engine options consist of a 109hp petrol or 140hp petrol hybrid with an automatic gearbox.
We said: ‘A kerb weight of just 1,200kg helps the Jogger feel quite lively, too. It’s certainly more fun than many modern SUVs. And when you’re seven-up and taking it steady, the long-travel suspension and sensible 16-inch wheels do a good job of soaking up bumps.’
With the Galaxy and S-Max now dead, Ford’s MPV offerings are now solely van-based. They include the Tourneo Connect, which translates its upright sides and flat tailgate into vast interior space. Two sliding side doors make access easy and the interior feels much roomier than an SUV.
Sharing its platform with the Volkswagen Caddy, the Tourneo Connect comes with the choice of three powertrains: 114hp 1.5-litre petrol, 120hp 2.0-litre diesel or 150hp petrol plug-in hybrid.
The Tourneo Connect comes with five seats as standard, although you can upgrade to a seven-seat version. For those who need even more room, a long-wheelbase Grand Tourneo Connect is also available.
Ford Tourneo Custom
There is no denying the commercial vehicle origins of the Ford Tourneo Custom, which is essentially a fancier version of the Transit Custom van. This is no bad thing, however, as it translates into plenty of practicality and a wide array of engine options.
Customers can choose from diesel, plug-in hybrid and fully electric power for the Tourneo Custom. The electric e-Tourneo covers up to 190 miles on a full charge, and is capable of towing a trailer weighing up to 2,000kg.
Inside, the Tourneo Custom can seat up to eight people, and offers more than 5,000 litres of luggage space if you remove the rear chairs. Ford offers four trim levels, including the off-road-focused Active and the luxurious Titanium X.
Lexus LM
Think of the Lexus LM as less an MPV and more a roomier alternative to luxury saloons such as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class or BMW 7 Series. Indeed, this is the most expensive Lexus since the LFA supercar, with prices starting from more than £94,000.
The range starts with a seven-seat model, but opting for the flagship Takumi version reduces this to just four seats. With the latter, a gigantic 48-inch display screen is included for the rear passengers, along with massage seats and a 23-speaker Mark Levinson sound system.
A hybrid-assisted 250hp 2.5-litre petrol engine is the only powertrain available, although there is a choice between front- and all-wheel drive. In reality, the driving experience matters little, because the Lexus LM’s appeal is all about the supreme comfort of those travelling in the back.
Mercedes-Benz B-Class
The B-Class has been part of the Mercedes-Benz range since 2004, and is now into its third generation. Compared to the A-Class on which it is based, it tends to be somewhat forgotten about, but exists as a credible rival to the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer.
Think of the B-Class as an A-Class with a higher roof, creating much more headroom inside. Three adults can sit in comfort in the rear of this Mercedes MPV, although there is no seven-seat option. Luggage capacity is respectable, with 420 litres on offer.
Buyers can pick from a 1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with mild-hybrid technology, or a 150hp 2.0-litre diesel. All versions of the B-Class come with the futuristic MBUX infotainment setup, including voice commands and artificial intelligence.
Mercedes-Benz V-Class
With a starting price of around £77,000, the Mercedes-Benz V-Class isn’t cheap. It’s also a bit long in the tooth, so why does it warrant a place on our list of the best MPVs?
Well, it has the potential to seat eight, which makes it more practical than most people carriers. Both the Long and Extra Long variants come with the option of seven or eight seats in Premium trim, with the fanciest Exclusive model limited to seven.
Either way, the V-Class is a spacious, upmarket and supremely practical MPV. The Mercedes-Benz badge sets it apart on the school run, plus there’s an electric EQV version. Just don’t be surprised if other parents ask you for a price of a quick dash to Gatwick.
We said: “The V-Class people carrier might be the least alluring member of the huge Mercedes-Benz range, but it’s also the most practical. Quite simply, the V-Class is big – and it’s clever, too.”
The e-Rifter is a Citroen e-Berlingo in a more conventional suit. Subjectively, it looks more stylish than its equally French sibling, while Peugeot’s ‘i-Cockpit’ dashboard design makes it feel more SUV-like inside. The small steering wheel is an acquired taste, though.
Rear sliding doors, a huge boot and lots of headroom give the e-Rifter several advantages over Peugeot’s range of SUVs, while the electric powertrain should deliver low running costs – albeit a rather limited driving range (172 miles in the official WLTP test).
The five-seat e-Rifter offers 775 litres of luggage space, which swells to 3,000 litres with the back seats folded flat. Need even more room? The extended-wheelbase version is 350mm longer and has seven seats, plus a whopping 4,000 litres for cargo with all the rear seats folded down.
Toyota Proace Verso EV
The Proace Verso shares many parts with the Peugeot e-Traveller, Vauxhall Vivaro-e Life and Citroen e-SpaceTourer. Although it was previously available with a 2.0-litre diesel engine, Toyota’s big MPV is now electric-only. You get the benefit of Toyota’s impressive warranty: up to 10 years and 100,000 miles.
You can opt for seven, eight or nine seats, while extras include leather trim and a panoramic sunroof. The electric motor gives an official range of up to 195 miles, while rapid charging from 10 to 80 percent requires 45 minutes.
Yes, it’s a ‘van with windows’, but the Proace Verso is a very comfortable – and appealingly under-the-radar – way to travel. Prices start from around £45,000 – less than half what you’d pay for a Mercedes-Benz EQV.
Volkswagen ID. Buzz
MPVs and ‘cool’ do not typically go together, but the retro-inspired Volkswagen ID. Buzz proves the exception to the rule. Teased via concept cars since 2001, the all-electric ID. Buzz finally debuted in 2022.
Aside from its nostalgic styling, the ID. Buzz offers a choice of two wheelbases, giving five, six or seven seats. Powertrain options include a sporty GTX model, and it has a battery range of up to 280 miles.
Be prepared to pay a premium to enjoy Volkswagen’s throwback special, though, with prices starting from beyond £60,000. Opting for the sportier GTX increases this to almost £70,000.
We said: ‘On looks alone, Volkswagen has created a hit. Oozing retro charm, especially with optional two-tone paintwork, the ID. Buzz generates an incredible amount of attention and goodwill on the road. Be prepared for questions in car parks, plus people wanting selfies with this modern classic-in-waiting.’
It may look a little like a van with windows, but the Volkswagen Multivan actually shares its platform with the perennial Golf hatchback. Replacing both the Sharan and Caravelle, the Multivan sacrifices outright style in the pursuit of cavernous interior space.
There is a choice between Life or Style trim levels, along with two wheelbases and five, six or seven seats. Powertrain options include a diesel engine (remember them?), a 202hp turbocharged petrol and an efficient plug-in hybrid.
Adding too many options can make the Multivan very pricey. However, the entry-level Life version costs from just over £50,000, and offers all the equipment and space you will realistically need.
We said: ‘Look beyond the infotainment system and the price, and the Volkswagen Multivan is a brilliant reminder of why MPVs make so much sense. SUVs might be more fashionable, but the sliding doors of the Multivan are portals to a world of endless practicality.’
An overwhelming majority of British motorists are unaware of how to use their fog lights correctly.
Research conducted by eBay found that almost two thirds (60 percent) of drivers use their fog lights at the wrong times.
The Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) says that fog lights should only be switched on when visibility drops below 100 metres.
However, more than 13 percent of those surveyed said they would use fog lights when visibility was less than 300 metres, putting them at risk of a fine.
An illuminating issue
UK motorists also admit to being negligent when it comes to maintaining their car fog lights. Although 15 percent say they check them every month, a quarter (24 percent) admitted to never inspecting their lights.
The latter drivers prefer to leave it until the annual MOT test to find out if their car’s lights work properly.
Doing so could see drivers fined, should they be stopped by the police with faulty or non-functioning lights, with a potential cost of up to £1,000 (and three penalty points) for the most serious cases.
Being in the dark when it comes to lights is a more general problem, however. According to eBay’s research, almost half (48 percent) of UK drivers said they used full-beam headlights when it is dark, regardless of oncoming traffic.
Drivers risking MOT failure
A reluctance to get involved with vehicle maintenance was expressed by a fifth (20 percent) of those surveyed, who said they would feel uncomfortable sourcing replacement headlight bulbs.
This is despite the fact that, between June 2024 and June 2025, the DVSA recorded more than 4.3 million MOT failures relating to lights.
Some 31,000 MOT fails were down to issues relating to front or rear fog lights – a timely reminder to ensure these lamps are working.
Abir Tewari, UK director for parts and accessories at eBay, said: ”As the days get shorter, more motorists will be making journeys in the dark. It is important that all drivers know when to use the appropriate lights on their vehicle and how to keep them maintained.
“At eBay, we embrace the spirit of DIY, and our My Garage and Assured Fit functions help motorists of all skill levels carry out essential maintenance by identifying exactly the right parts for their vehicle.”
