If a car has no MOT can you legally park it in a lay-by?

[BettySpaghetti]

OK, aside from the fact I know that it would be illegal to drive it to the lay-by on the roads but is it illegal to leave it in a lay-by for a day or two(with a For Sale on).

If its illegal to park it there what would happen if you were "caught"?

Yes, it is illegal. If the Police spotted it they would seize it.

If it doesn't have an MOT then it can't be taxed -so I don't think you could legally leave it in a layby. It would have to be kept on prviate property and declared SORN.

Don't have a clue what would happen if you were "caught". I think you might well get cuaght though as police are likely to be interested in a car seemingly abandoned in a layby.

And isn't it illegal to leave a car out with for sale sign anyway? (don't know why this is in my head)

As I thought then (ie. illegal) although I think its OK to have For Sale signs on cars -you see that all the time

Thanks

It is illegal for the car to be in a layby and not to be taxed. And in order to be taxed it needs to be insured and have a valid MOT if required at the date of obtaining road tax.

Terms of insurance vary according to company, but most will want you to confirm that the car is road worthy (ie would pass an MOT if you took it to one).

It is illegal to drive a car which has failed an MOT except to an appointment for another MOT.

I haven't seen anything which would indicate that it is illegal for an insured and taxed car to be left on the road (but not driven).

The issue about for sale signs is a local one only - one council has introduced this rule. You also have a difficulty in that any potential purchaser cannot test drive the car.