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)