Is it illegal to drive a vehicle with 3 locking nuts on tyre instead of 4?
It is ILLEGAL, as it contravenes the Construction and Use Regulations. The offence is “driving a vehicle in an unroadworthy condition”. To secure a conviction, the Police have only to show that the vehicle was fitted with four nuts, but one was missing or broken at the time of the offence. You have only one of two defences in law. First, that the nut has just sheared off or worked loose. However, this will not work if there is the very slightest trace of rust. Secondly, although you were aware of the fault, you were driving the vehicle for the sole purpose of taking it for a repair. In such cases, you would be well advised to travel at no more than 30mph, or the Police may charge you with the additional offence of “driving without due care and attention”. Anyone who advises you to drive a vehicle in that condition is guilty of the offence of “being an accessory before the fact”. Driving a vehicle in such a state also invalidates your insurance policy, so if you had an accident, the Pol
