The PSNI has explained its approach towards drivers who are experiencing trouble booking an MOT.
Cars are due their first MOT after four years but motorists in Northern Ireland are facing major delays when seeking a test appointment.
It means that In many cases, drivers have been unable to get their vehicles tested before their current MOT certificate expires, which has a knock on impact for taxing a vehicle.
Read more: MOT Northern Ireland: PSNI advice to drivers on avoiding prosecution amid backlog
Speaking to BBC's Good Morning Ulster on Monday, Chief Inspector Graham Dodds said the situation is "very concerning".
The head of the PSNI's Road Policing for Northern Ireland added: "I am pleased to say that a very sensible approach is being adopted by the PSNI and our partners in the DVA.
"Essentially what we are asking people to do it to remain calm. Wait for the letter to come out saying you need an MOT, don't book one before that. That will only further gum up the system.
"Once the letter comes out, we advise to book the earliest appointment. It might be a case of going somewhere you don't normally go but make that effort and book it.
"That will show that you have responded to the letter, you have tried to book it, and even if then you can't get a date before your MOT lapses, we will take that in good faith.
"As long as it shows you have made that effort to go on to book it, we in the PSNI are not there to try and catch people out - our interest is road safety, public safety and people's wellbeing.
"What we are asking people is to try their best and above all, ensure the vehicle is maintained in a road worthy condition."
Chief Inspector Dodds said that if the driver does "everything they possibly can" then officers will not look to prosecute for having no MOT.
In relation to taxing a vehicle, he says "there is a way to deal with that as well".
"If you book your MOT and maintain your vehicle in a road worthy condition, if five days before your tax is due to lapse, you can go to the DVA website and ask them to get you an urgent appointment.
"Our colleagues there are flat out, every day of the week to do this. We are not going to be out to book people who have tried everything.
"I am not aware of anybody who has gone to the DVA and evoked that emergency five day notification, that hasn't got through."
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