The backlog for motorists trying to get an appointment for an NCT has caused havoc in recent weeks.
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 €2000, and/or up to 5 penalty points and/or imprisonment for up to 3 months.
But with such a backlog, many are concerned they could be caught out without an NCT while waiting for a test.
However, they needn't worry too much.
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.
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