The backlog for motorists trying to get an appointment for an NCT has caused havoc all year long.
Some people are facing waits of up to six months for their vehicles, which presents a pretty big problem for those already on the road who are waiting to be seen.
The penalty for driving without an NCT certificate is a fine of up to €2,000, and/or up to 5 penalty points and/or imprisonment for up to 3 months.
READ MORE: Daniel Kinahan 'taking refuge in Qatar' days before World Cup kicks off
This has been a major problem since the start of 2022.
It reared its head again earlier this week when a Cork councillor called for more discretion to be given to motorists after one of his constituents was stopped and fined just one week before she was due to attend a centre for her NCT test.
She received an €80 fine and three penalty points, reports Cork Beo.
Back in July, we asked the Gardai about the rules surrounding NCTs and waitlists.
A Garda spokesperson told the Irish Mirror: "It is a legal requirement for a vehicle over a certain age (4 years) to have a valid NCT certificate.
"An Garda Síochána is cognisant of the delays experienced by the Road Safety Authority in the provision of dates for the NCT .
"Where a motorist is detected driving a vehicle without a valid NCT certificate and no date of re-examination can be produced in evidence by the driver, the driver may be prosecuted for not having a valid NCT certificate and they are liable to have their vehicle seized.
"Where a vehicle is detected without a valid NCT certificate and the driver is able to produce evidence of a date for a test having been scheduled, a Garda will take this evidence into consideration."
Drivers are also reminded that the NCT must be conducted every year on vehicles that are over ten years old.
However, those who own cars, vans, and other vehicles that are four to nine years old will need to have them inspected every two years.
READ NEXT:
- Daniel Kinahan 'taking refuge in Qatar' days before World Cup kicks off
- Irish feud victim targeted in 'hit and run that could have been avoided' may never walk again
- Huge band of snow on weather map heading towards Ireland as Met Éireann does big u-turn on forecast
- Pete Taylor pictured with both legs in casts - after chasing 'thief' in Barcelona
- Donald Trump announces he will be running for president again in 2024
