Drivers without MOT disc face fines

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Fines of up to £200 are to be handed to vehicle owners in Northern Ireland who fail to display an MOT disc on their windscreens.

At present car owners must display a tax disc on their windscreen, but from May 1 2008, drivers will have to display a separate MOT disc showing their vehicle is roadworthy.

The Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) is making the display of MOT discs a legal requirement in a bid to remind motorists when their vehicle is due for a test.

The MOT is an annual test of car safety and roadworthiness. It is illegal to drive a non-exempt vehicle that requires a test on public roads without a current MOT.

Brendan Magee, Chief Executive, DVA said: "Compliance with the vehicle test system is a major factor in ensuring that the vehicles used on Northern Ireland's roads are roadworthy. "The introduction of the mandatory display of the MOT disc will not only act as a reminder to vehicle users that their vehicle is due a test but it will aid enforcement by the DVA."

A Department for Transport spokesman said there were no plans to introduce the MOT disc to the rest of the UK.

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