MoT exemptions extended for some cars, says Minister

MoT exemptions extended for some cars, says Minister

17 February 2021

STORMONT roads minister Nichola Mallon has announced that MoT exemptions have been extended for some vehicle groups in Northern Ireland for a further four months.

The minister said she wants to ensure that drivers can legally keep their vehicles on the road for their essential journeys.

MoT tests at centres — including the one at Cloonagh Road in Downpatrick — were suspended in January last year after faults were detected in some of the lifts. Testing was then subsequently delayed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

To allow drivers to remain on the roads, the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) issued temporary exemption certificates.

Mrs Mallon said the latest four month exemption she has introduced applies to a number of vehicle groups, including private cars, light goods vehicles and motorcycles aged between four and nine years old. The extension will apply from March 26.

The roads minister has also reminded owners and drivers of all vehicles that they are responsible under the law for the roadworthiness of their vehicle at all times.

Testing for older vehicles including all private cars, light goods vehicles and motorcycles that are aged between 10 and 39 years old will be brought forward to ensure that they can be tested before their existing MoT certificates s expire.

Mrs Mallon has also confirmed that test certificate exemptions for these particular vehicles will not be applied to ensure that any road safety concerns in these vehicles are tested and rectified through the MoT testing process.

“All test centres are operational and the DVA has worked hard to increase its vehicle testing capacity, focusing on testing priority category vehicles including those vehicles that are not able to avail of a test certificate and those with certificates due to expire to keep people on the road,” she continued.

“Given the current situation with Covid-19, in order to keep DVA staff and customers safe, necessary and proportionate control measures around MoT testing have been introduced. Due to these safety measures, the DVA is operating at reduced vehicle testing capacity.”

Mrs Mallon said she wants to ensure that all customers can legally keep their vehicles on the road for their essential journeys and that road safety remains a significant priority, reminding owners and drivers of all vehicles that they are responsible under the law for the roadworthiness of their vehicle at all times.”

PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd said while understand the continuing need to extend the period of temporary exemption certificates in these unique circumstances, it remains critically important that all drivers take responsibility for the maintenance and condition of their vehicles in the absence of an official testing regime.

He continued: “Do not miss regular servicing intervals and regular checks should include ensuring windscreen wipers are in good condition and the washer reservoir topped up with a good windscreen wash solution. Tyres must be in good condition and tread depth must meet the minimum legal requirement of 1.6mm and all lights must be clean, working and correctly adjusted.”

“If police officers detect any vehicles being used in a dangerous condition, they can consider issuing rectification notices, fixed penalties, prosecution or in the most serious cases, prohibit further movement and seize any offending vehicle.”