A fifth (20%) of drivers under the age of 44 admit to breaking the law by using faulty tires or avoiding inspection, according to a new survey.

Around 10% of drivers of all ages are guilty of at least one of these actions, according to a survey of 2,691 British drivers by the RAC.

MOTs check a number of vehicle parts, such as headlights, seat belts, tires and brakes, to ensure they meet legal standards.

Cars in Britain are generally required to be inspected first after three years on the road, and then annually until they are 40 years old.

The maximum price for a car is £54.85, including repair bills.

Vehicle tires must always meet specific requirements to be considered legal regarding factors such as tread depth and condition.

Nearly one in five drivers (19%) surveyed said they are trying to save money by postponing necessary vehicle repairs or have reduced or discontinued maintenance on their vehicles due to cost.

The RAC warned this could lead to more cars breaking down and could be “false economics” if it results in bigger repair bills in the future.

RAC breakdown spokesman Simon Williams said: “It’s very worrying that so many drivers under the age of 44 risk breaking the law by not having their vehicles inspected and running them on tires that need to be replaced, just to save some money.

“Safety is paramount on our roads. MOT is a legal requirement for good reason: skipping an MOT jeopardizes the safety of all road users, including the driver.

“Tyres are a vehicle’s only contact with the road, so it’s vital they are in good condition and have plenty of tread.

“Motorists who decide not to have their car serviced or repaired may think they are saving money, but they may find themselves facing a much larger garage bill for something that might have been cheaper to fix beforehand.”

Drivers who drive a vehicle without a valid MOT can be fined up to £1,000.

Police can fine drivers caught with illegal tyres, but in serious cases or repeat offenses, court action may be taken.

The survey was conducted by research firm Online95 between March 23 and April 15.