October 3, 2024

Are classic cars MOT exempt in Northern Ireland?

If you own a classic car in Northern Ireland, you may be wondering if your vehicle is MOT exempt. 

With new rules having come in four years ago, there are now thousands of classic cars that are free from having an annual check-up. Here we examine which vehicles are affected, how to apply for an MOT exemption and the costs involved. 

How old does a car have to be to be MOT exempt?

MOT exempt

Northern Ireland’s former Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon announced in 2020 that any vehicle over 40-years-old is now considered a classic car, meaning they are free from getting an annual MOT.

The change means that any private vehicles that were constructed or first registered more than 40 years ago are free from paying each year to have their car checked over each year. 

Mallon said at the time: “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. 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.”

You don’t need to complete an MOT test if your vehicle is:

  • 3500kgs or under
  • Hasn’t been changed in a major way
  • Was first manufactured or registered more than 40 years ago.

Even if the vehicle is exempt from annual testing, it must be maintained in a roadworthy condition.

How to apply for classic car MOT exemption

In order for your vehicle to be MOT exempt, you should fill in the correct form for your vehicle type and present it at a Post Office when applying for road tax to confirm that the car is MOT exempt. For classic cars, this is the V112 form.

This will allow you to drive the vehicle legally, as long as it is in roadworthy condition, is taxed and insured.

If you are unsure as to when your vehicle was registered, you can check your vehicle’s registration logbook, also known as V5C, to see if your car qualifies.

What type of car is covered by the 40-year MOT exemption regulations?

The change means all manner of era-defining models have become legally fit for the road without an up to date MOT, including an Austin Montego, a Vauxhall Astra (MkII), a Mercedes Benz E-Class (W124), a SEAT Ibiza and many more.

What if my car has only recently reached 40 years?

The 40-year MOT exemption is a rolling law – it applies at the time your car reaches 40, whenever that happens.

Important maintenance checks for MOT exempt vehicles

Despite your vehicle being covered by the new 40-year MOT exemption law, we still recommend you carry out regular and thorough checks to ensure its roadworthiness. These include, but aren’t limited to:

  • Brake performance
  • Fluid levels (engine oil, brake fluid etc.)
  • Tyres and tyre treads
  • Lights and bulbs
  • Windscreens and windscreen wipers

Car insurance for Northern Ireland vehicles

No matter which MOT exempt vehicle you own, you will still need to ensure it has classic car insurance. At Sterling NI we provide competitive policy prices for all classic cars, no matter their age or condition. 

Call us on 0344 381 9990 for a quote, or book a callback at a time that best suits you.