Getting a car VRT'd without a valid MOT

atlantean

Having looked at the VRT section on the NCT website I noted that a car over 4 years old coming from say the UK requires a valid MOT as part of the documentation in order for the NCTS to register the vehicle.

9) For vehicles over 4 years old, an unexpired roadworthiness certificate confirming that an equivalent to the NCT test has been passed. The vehicle will be called for a roadworthiness test (NCT) shortly after registration.

My first question was why does it need an MOT as the car will have to pass an NCT once registered. How could someone buy a restoration project in the UK which does not have a valid MOT (and probably would not have a hope of passing one either), import it into Ireland and keep it legal?

Earlier today I rang NCTS customer service to enquire about this. When I got through I was told I had to be transferred to the VRT department. Fair enough! Then a second person came on the phone only to tell me again that I had to be transferred to their VRT department. Finally I got a recorded announcement informing me that I had got through to the VRT department — which was ONLY for bookings! If I had a question I should look at the NCT website and if I could not find the answer there I should contact my local revenue office!!!

A lot of help that was!

corktina

I had forgotten this requirement, thanks for the timely reminder!

macplaxton

From the VRT Manual Section 1 (pdf)*

1.4.3.3 Documentation Acceptable to Revenue
In order to register any vehicle, proof of identity i.e. a Passport or a Driving Licence along with all the other required documentation must be presented at the NCTS.

1.4.3.3.1 Used Vehicles
1. Evidence of previous registration e.g. foreign certificate of registration, a certificate of permanent exportation or a certificate of de-registration, as appropriate (this document will be retained by the NCT Centre so please ensure you make a copy of it before you go to the test centre).
2. Invoice which must have the date of purchase/sale clearly indicated.
3. Documentation verifying the registered owner’s name and address (Utility Bill, Bank Statement). The information leaflet Owner Name and Declarations provides additional information regarding owner's name and address details.
4. Personal Public Service Number (PPSN) of the person in whose name the vehicle shall be registered. Documentary evidence of the PPSN will be required. This includes a payslip, P60 or any documentation issued by the Revenue Commissioners which include your PPS number, name and address.

5. For vehicles imported from Northern Ireland, where the invoice is dated more than 30 days earlier than the date the vehicle is presented for registration, details of where the vehicle was stored are required. For vehicles purchased elsewhere (including the UK), shipping details to confirm the date of arrival of the vehicle in the State are required. Where satisfactory evidence of the date the vehicle entered the State is not available, an additional charge may be raised by Revenue for the period from the invoice date to the date of registration.
6. Where an exemption from VRT is claimed, the exemption notification issued by Revenue.
7. Documentation (as approved by the Revenue Commissioners) confirming the level of CO2 emissions of the vehicle at the time of manufacture. Where evidence of the level of CO2 emissions of the vehicle at the time of manufacture is not available at registration VRT will be charged at the highest rate applicable.
8. For vehicles over 4 years old, an unexpired roadworthiness certificate confirming that an equivalent to the NCT test has been passed. Where this documentation is not available, the vehicle may be called for an NCT roadworthiness test shortly after registration.

Documents 1 – 4 above are compulsory and the vehicle will not be registered unless they are all presented with the vehicle at registration.

*the rest of the VRT Manual sections published under FoI are available online HERE

As far as I see it, it doesn't need a valid MOT in order to be registered, but they could call it in shortly after registration for a NCT test if it doesn't have one.

I think it all stems from the nonsense a few years back when they started basing the NCT anniversary on the registration date in Ireland for imports. As far as I'm aware there is nothing in legislation to back-up this change and everything states that NCT tests should be timed with reference to the date first registration (any where in the world). Which would also bring into question the "shortly after registration" point.

In fact I know of at least one person who had their NCT validity period extended on arguing that very point with them...

I can't see how point 8 is valid either if the vehicle is question is exempt from NCT. Another point to argue with them.

I would say anyone arguing the above points with the Revenue would have a good case as it would be treating imported vehicles unfairly against indigenous vehicle stock with the extra NCT requirements.

macplaxton

There is a discrepancy in the wording between the NCTS site and the Revenue manual.

"will be"

and

"may be"



It does seem to me that the muppets who drafted the legislation in the past didn't exactly do a good job of it.

(Remember the different rates - depending on distance - on air passenger duty? That fell foul of EU law on have discriminating rates within the EU. :rolleyes:)

hi5

And on the NCT website.......

6) For vehicles imported from Northern Ireland, where the invoice is dated more that 30 days earlier than the date the vehicle is presented for registration, details of where the vehicle was stored. For vehicles purchased in the EU, we require shipping details to confirm the date of arrival of the vehicle in the state. For vehicles outside the EU, we require the single administrative number and the date it was issued by customs at the point of entry to the EU.


7) Where an exemption from VRT is claimed, the exemption notification letter issued by Revenue.


8) Documentation (as approved by the Revenue Commissioners) confirming the level of CO2 emissions of the vehicle at the time of manufacture (if this information is not on the foreign certificate of registration). Where evidence of the level of CO2 emissions of the vehicle at the time of manufacture is not available at registration VRT will be charged at the highest rate applicable.


9) For vehicles over 4 years old, an unexpired roadworthiness certificate confirming that an equivalent to the NCT test has been passed. The vehicle will be called for a roadworthiness test (NCT) shortly after registration.

The difference a few words(or lack of) makes.

atlantean

macplaxton wrote: »

It does seem to me that the muppets who drafted the legislation in the past didn't exactly do a good job of it.

I have to agree with you there!

I think you also have answered my question in your post above - more than the NCTS could do,