Mallon announces new legislation to exempt vehicles of historic interest from MOT testing

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has announced that changes to legislation to exempt private vehicles of historic interest from annual MOT testing, come into effect from today 12 October.

Minister Mallon announces new legislation to exempt vehicles of historic interest from MOT testing

The change applies to private vehicles constructed or first registered more than 40 years ago and aligns Northern Ireland legislation with that in GB.

Minister Mallon said:

“I announced in July that after carefully considering the results of a public consultation and listening to the views of elected representatives in our community with a keen interest in vehicles of historic interest, my plans to bring forward legislation to exempt private vehicles of historic interest from annual MOT testing.

“I am delighted to announce that the necessary legislative process has now been completed and the new legislation comes into effect from today. This will be welcome news for all owners of classic cars and other eligible vehicles qualifying for this exemption. I commend my officials for working at pace to enable this change to take place.

“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.”

Notes to editors: 

1. The amended legislation is The Goods Vehicles (Testing) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 and The Motor Vehicle Testing (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020.
2. 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
3. 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.
4. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office at: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.
5. 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.
6. Follow the Department on Twitter @deptinfra and on Facebook @DepartmentforInfrastructure

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