Menu
08/08/2019
Police Issue Warning Over MOT Tests
Police have issued guidance relating to MOT appointments as drivers remain unclear on where they stand amid the current appointment backlog.
Officers said they are constantly inundated with messages and calls about driving on the roads without an MOT.
The confusion comes as many drivers have been left potentially at risk of breaking the law by driving without a valid vehicle certificate due to being unable to secure an appointment.
The Department for Infrastructure is understood to be creating thousands of new slots in an attempt to clear the backlog, and confirmed there would be no leniency for drivers who had been unable to secure a test in time.
MOT tests are designed to ensure that all vehicles being driven on the road meet safety and environmental compliance standards.
It is an offence to drive a vehicle of MOT age, four years since the date of first registration, that doesn't have a valid test certificate.
Drivers are liable for prosecution except in the following circumstances:
• If you are driving it to the test centre for a test you have already booked.
• Your vehicle fails its MOT test and you are driving it away from the test centre to somewhere it can be fixed.
• Your vehicle fails its MOT and you are driving it to or from a place where you had arranged for it to be fixed.
Police have warned that booking an MOT test is the driver's responsibility.
A spokesperson commented: "You could be prosecuted for driving a vehicle if it doesn't meet construction and use regulations or is in a dangerous condition.
"Without a valid MOT, your insurance policy may be invalidated. You could consider going to another MOT centre in NI. An MOT certificate from England, Scotland or Wales is valid in NI."
(JG/CM)
Officers said they are constantly inundated with messages and calls about driving on the roads without an MOT.
The confusion comes as many drivers have been left potentially at risk of breaking the law by driving without a valid vehicle certificate due to being unable to secure an appointment.
The Department for Infrastructure is understood to be creating thousands of new slots in an attempt to clear the backlog, and confirmed there would be no leniency for drivers who had been unable to secure a test in time.
MOT tests are designed to ensure that all vehicles being driven on the road meet safety and environmental compliance standards.
It is an offence to drive a vehicle of MOT age, four years since the date of first registration, that doesn't have a valid test certificate.
Drivers are liable for prosecution except in the following circumstances:
• If you are driving it to the test centre for a test you have already booked.
• Your vehicle fails its MOT test and you are driving it away from the test centre to somewhere it can be fixed.
• Your vehicle fails its MOT and you are driving it to or from a place where you had arranged for it to be fixed.
Police have warned that booking an MOT test is the driver's responsibility.
A spokesperson commented: "You could be prosecuted for driving a vehicle if it doesn't meet construction and use regulations or is in a dangerous condition.
"Without a valid MOT, your insurance policy may be invalidated. You could consider going to another MOT centre in NI. An MOT certificate from England, Scotland or Wales is valid in NI."
(JG/CM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
28 January 2020
MOT Tests Suspended Across NI
MOT tests for cars and light vehicles have been suspended for further notice. The Department for Infrastructure announced on Monday evening that tests have been suspended "with immediate effect". The move comes after faults with vehicle lifts were identified.
MOT Tests Suspended Across NI
MOT tests for cars and light vehicles have been suspended for further notice. The Department for Infrastructure announced on Monday evening that tests have been suspended "with immediate effect". The move comes after faults with vehicle lifts were identified.
30 October 2002
Minister calls for introduction of MOT disc
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Angela Smith has announced proposals for the introduction of an MOT disc for motorists in Northern Ireland. It is hoped that the MOT disc, like the tax disc, will act as a reminder to motorists when their MOT test is due.
Minister calls for introduction of MOT disc
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Angela Smith has announced proposals for the introduction of an MOT disc for motorists in Northern Ireland. It is hoped that the MOT disc, like the tax disc, will act as a reminder to motorists when their MOT test is due.
24 August 2022
DUP Calls On O'Dowd To 'Get A Grip' On MoT Backlog
The DUP has called on Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd to "get a grip of the MoT backlog". DUP South Down MLA Diane Forsythe was speaking after she received a reply from the DVA which failed to outline a realistic plan to address the fiasco of trying to get an MoT.
DUP Calls On O'Dowd To 'Get A Grip' On MoT Backlog
The DUP has called on Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd to "get a grip of the MoT backlog". DUP South Down MLA Diane Forsythe was speaking after she received a reply from the DVA which failed to outline a realistic plan to address the fiasco of trying to get an MoT.
06 March 2014
NI Car Registrations Continue To Grow
The number of new drivers and new car registrations in Northern Ireland continues to grow, according to figures released by the Department of the Environment (DOE). Over 8,600 new cars were registered during the last quarter of 2013, indicating an increase of 20% on the same period in 2012 and the highest figure recorded for the quarter since 2009.
NI Car Registrations Continue To Grow
The number of new drivers and new car registrations in Northern Ireland continues to grow, according to figures released by the Department of the Environment (DOE). Over 8,600 new cars were registered during the last quarter of 2013, indicating an increase of 20% on the same period in 2012 and the highest figure recorded for the quarter since 2009.
01 December 2003
MOT waiting times back on target
The Driver & Vehicle Testing Agency (DVTA) today revealed that waiting times for MOT tests have come down significantly since the summer and are now back on track. Chief Executive Stanley Duncan said he was pleased with the progress made and that it had been a tough period for customers and staff who have had to cope with a massive surge in demand.
MOT waiting times back on target
The Driver & Vehicle Testing Agency (DVTA) today revealed that waiting times for MOT tests have come down significantly since the summer and are now back on track. Chief Executive Stanley Duncan said he was pleased with the progress made and that it had been a tough period for customers and staff who have had to cope with a massive surge in demand.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
