Wheel spacers are a popular upgrade for improving stance, wheel fitment, and handling—but many drivers worry about whether fitting them could cause problems with MOT tests or insurance cover.
The short answer?
Wheel spacers are not illegal in the UK—but they can affect both your MOT and insurance if they’re poorly chosen, badly fitted, or not declared.
This guide explains exactly where you stand and how to stay on the right side of the rules.
Are Wheel Spacers Legal in the UK?
Yes, wheel spacers are legal to use on UK roads.
There is no law that bans wheel spacers outright. However, they must meet general vehicle safety requirements, meaning the vehicle must remain roadworthy and compliant with MOT standards.
Legality depends more on installation quality and resulting vehicle condition than the spacer itself.
Do Wheel Spacers Affect Your MOT?
Wheel spacers are not automatically an MOT failure, but they can cause issues if they lead to safety-related faults.
What MOT Testers Look For
An MOT tester won’t fail a car simply for having wheel spacers fitted. Instead, they assess:
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Wheel security
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Wheel bearing play
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Tyre condition and clearance
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Suspension components
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Steering operation
If spacers cause a problem in any of these areas, the vehicle can fail.
Reasons Wheel Spacers Might Cause an MOT Failure
Your car may fail if spacers result in:
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Loose wheels or bolts
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Excessive wheel bearing play
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Wheels or tyres rubbing on arches or suspension
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Tyres protruding beyond the bodywork
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Damaged studs, bolts, or hubs
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Poor-quality or cracked spacers
Correctly fitted, high-quality spacers usually pass MOTs without issue.
Hub-Centric vs Lug-Centric Matters
Hub-centric spacers are strongly recommended. Lug-centric spacers can cause vibration and stress, which may lead to detectable wear or looseness during inspection.
Do Wheel Spacers Affect Insurance?
Yes—wheel spacers are considered a vehicle modification by most UK insurers.
This means you must declare them.
What Happens If You Don’t Declare Them?
Failing to declare wheel spacers can result in:
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Invalidated insurance policy
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Reduced payout or refused claim
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Policy cancellation
Even if spacers didn’t contribute to an accident, undeclared modifications can still cause issues.
Will Declaring Spacers Increase Your Premium?
In many cases, no—or only slightly.
Wheel spacers are generally considered a low-risk modification, especially when:
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They are modest in size
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Installed professionally or correctly
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Used for fitment rather than extreme stance
Each insurer is different, so always check.
How to Fit Wheel Spacers Safely (and Stay Compliant)
To avoid MOT or insurance issues, follow these best practices:
Use high-quality, hub-centric spacers
Ensure correct spacer thickness
Fit longer wheel bolts or proper bolt-on spacers
Torque bolts to manufacturer specification
Re-torque after 50–100 miles
Check tyre clearance and bodywork coverage
Declare the modification to your insurer
If the car drives smoothly, wheels are secure, and nothing rubs, you’re usually in good shape.
What About Wheels Sticking Out Past the Arches?
This is a common concern.
If tyres or wheels protrude beyond the bodywork, the car can fail an MOT and may not be road legal. This is often an issue with overly thick spacers combined with wide wheels.
The fix is simple: choose the correct spacer thickness and avoid extreme fitment on road cars.
Final Thoughts
Wheel spacers do not automatically fail MOT tests or invalidate insurance—but they must be fitted correctly and declared.
Used responsibly, wheel spacers are a safe, legal upgrade that improves stance and fitment without compromising compliance. Problems only arise from poor-quality parts, incorrect installation, or lack of disclosure.
Looking to fit spacers? Simply click here and enter your vehicle details to find suitable spacers.