Straight answers to practical questions about driving, travelling, parking and getting around Northern Ireland.
A random re-check is a quality-control measure used by DVA to monitor testing standards.
Yes. DVA can randomly select a vehicle for an MOT re-check as part of its quality-control system.
DVA arranges a re-check of the vehicle and reassesses the disputed test decision.
No. If you intend to appeal the MOT decision, do not repair or modify the vehicle before DVA re-checks it.
The deadline is 14 days from the initial MOT test for an appeal made after you have left the test centre.
You can appeal a DVA MOT result after leaving the test centre by contacting DVA, but the appeal must be made within 14 days of the original test.
Only some School Keep Clear markings are legally enforceable, but drivers should avoid parking on them even outside the signed hours.
Parking restrictions can operate on Sundays and bank holidays if the signs or zone rules say they do.
No. A residents parking permit is tied to the zone for which it was issued and is not transferable to another residents parking zone.
Yes, an eligible business within a residents parking zone can apply for a business permit if it meets the scheme conditions.
Yes. Eligible residents or businesses can buy visitor permit scratchcards for use by visitors.
A standard resident permit currently costs £30 a year, with some qualifying residents eligible for a free permit.
In a residents parking zone, eligible residents or businesses can apply for permits linked to that particular zone.
No private resident has a general right to reserve an ordinary public-road parking space with cones.
Parking on a grass verge is not automatically lawful simply because there are no yellow lines.
Parking across a driveway or lowered kerb can obstruct access and can be unsafe or inconsiderate even where there is no yellow line.
Do not stop in a taxi rank merely to pick up a passenger unless the signing specifically permits it.
No, unless your vehicle is a taxi class permitted to use that rank.
Yellow kerb markings indicate loading restrictions; the nearby upright sign tells you when the restriction operates.
Loading or unloading means a genuine collection or delivery activity that requires the vehicle to be there, not ordinary parking while you carry out unrelated tasks.
No. A loading bay is for active loading or unloading during the times and conditions shown on the sign.
Normally, briefly setting down or picking up a passenger can be permitted on yellow lines where no separate no-stopping restriction applies.
Double yellow lines mean no waiting at any time unless signs specifically indicate a seasonal variation.
Usually yes, once the signed restricted hours have ended, provided no other restriction applies.
A single yellow line means waiting is prohibited during the times shown on the nearby sign or controlled-zone entry sign.
Most decriminalised yellow-line parking restrictions in Northern Ireland are enforced by DfI traffic attendants, while PSNI retains responsibility for criminal road-safety offences and police directions.
DfI publishes consultations, notices of intention and made traffic orders online, including proposals for speed limits and other restrictions.
A traffic regulation or control-of-traffic order is a legal instrument used by DfI to create enforceable road restrictions.
A public road becomes one-way when DfI introduces the necessary traffic restriction and signs the road accordingly.
Residents can request yellow-line restrictions, but only DfI can introduce enforceable waiting restrictions on the public road.
