Mallon will take forward legislation to exempt vehicles of historic interest from MOT testing

Date published: 02 July 2020

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has confirmed she will bring forward legislation to exempt private vehicles of historic interest from annual MOT testing.

The change will apply to cars constructed or first registered more than 40 years ago and will align Northern Ireland legislation with that in GB.

Minister Mallon said:

“I have given careful consideration to the results of a public consultation my Department ran last year and have listened to the views of elected representatives and those in our community who have a keen interest in vehicles of historic interest. I also wish to put on record my thanks to the Committee for Infrastructure for signalling its support for my decision.

“It is also important that owners and drivers of all vehicles are reminded that they are responsible under the law for the roadworthiness of their vehicle at all times.

“I am pleased to announce that my officials have commenced the legislative process to enable this change to take place. Helping Northern Ireland’s recovery against Covid-19 must be my priority at this time, however, I hope to put the amended legislation before the Assembly as soon as is possible in the current circumstances."

Notes to editors: 

  1. The exemption applies to vehicles which have not been substantially altered, or are no longer in production. In Northern Ireland vehicles first registered before 1960 are already exempt from periodic testing
  2. In addition, the exemption will also include other, non-car vehicle types such as motorcycles and light goods vehicles (LGVs) having no more than 3.5 tonnes maximum gross weight. These vehicles must also no longer be in production and must not be substantially changed.
  3. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office at: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.
  4. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.
  5. Follow the Department on Twitter @deptinfra and on Facebook @DepartmentforInfrastructure.


 

 

 

 

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