Answering all your motoring queries is MICHAEL McALEER
From Patrick L: I was lucky enough to get an appointment for an NCT, but the car failed and needs to go for a retest. I understand that with the backlog I might now fall into the points trap. Is that going to be a problem? Also will I face an additional charge for a full test if I don’t get the test within the requisite 30 days?
On the first point, there should be no problem booking a retest now that the operators have hired extra staff and with the improved bandwidth of the website.
However, if there is a backlog at your local test centre, then it is best to travel with the Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) you should have received after the first test. This can be used to “explain” to any garda why you are still on the road, despite having an out-of-date NCT.
Our advice would be to get the problem rectified quickly and get an appointment made so that you don’t fall into this grey area, though that’s often easier said than done. The recommendation is to make your retest booking within 21 days of the original test. An NCT spokeswoman says in these “exceptional circumstances”, with so many people applying for tests, that if the booking is made within the 21-day timeframe a retest can be arranged relatively quickly. If you overrun the 30 days because of the backlog, then you should only be charged for the retest. The tip, it seems, is to book early, but it still all seems to be rather vague in terms of the rules.
From A Canning: We are hoping to travel to the continent for the first time with our car next month and were simply seeking some travel tips. There are a few basics outlined in the guide books, but nothing specific. Anything we need to watch out for? Have any rules changed lately? What about penalty points?
The AA website (aaireland.ie) offers very good advice on driving abroad. There have been a few rule changes over the years, and the general advice would be to ensure you have a reflective vest in the car in case you break down by the roadside, as several countries require this; spare lightbulbs in the boot (again a requirement in some countries), and that your car is in good working order.
In terms of rules, one of the basics is that you drive with dipped lights during the day in Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Austria, and outside built-up areas in Italy.
The cross-border recognition of penalty points is still not in place – as any driver from the North will attest – so there is no issue here. However, in most EU countries these days, a system of on-the-spot fines applies and you will need to pay either part or all of the fine there and then, appealing it later. Be prepared for this if you are caught speeding, for example.
You will need to adjust your headlights for France, but simple stickers work on many light lenses, and these are sold on ferries or in auto shops. Also, if your car registration doesn’t carry the IRL Euro symbol, then you will need IRL stickers.
From PH: I’ve been in the market for an old Rolls-Royce for years but the prices – or the condition – has always ruled it out. I’ve finally spotted one in Birmingham. I’d hope to import it in the next few weeks but I still cant get a clear answer as to the way I go about it. Does something like a Rolls-Royce require any special dispensation? The brand does not seem to appear on the Revenue’s online calculator.
It’s the grand dame of motoring, but to the best of my knowledge the Dáil has never passed any special legislation on the brand. The rules are straightforward: you don’t indicate the age of the car, but if it’s over 30 years of age then you will only pay €48 annual motor tax and just €50 in VRT. Strangely, the VRT calculator doesn’t list Rolls-Royce. A quick call to the local motor tax office will provide you with an estimate if the car is younger than 1979.
We have received a lot of correspondence regarding last week’s query on dual mass flywheels in the VW Caravelle. We are seeking a more definitive response from Volkswagen and hope to return to the issue next week.
In the meantime, we’d like to thank all those who e-mailed us on the matter