NCT testers issue baby seat warning after questions from Irish parents

NCT testers have given an update on a question often asked by Irish parents before attending their local NCT centre.

Many parents are unaware of the rules around car seats with most assuming they have to be removed from the back seat before a car is presented for a test.

This practice can be a time drain for parents who often have to bring their kids with them to the test centre.

However, now testers have reiterated to people that car seats don't have to be taken out for a test but they warned that if left in the back seat, they will be tested. 

Responding to the question on social media, NCTS said: "No, but if the baby seat is left in the car for the NCT, it will be checked that it is secure."

The RSA regularly hosts free Check It Fits events where parents can go along and check that their baby seats are securely fitted. 

Elsewhere, NCT Ireland recently revealed a number of other little known visual reasons your car could fail the NCT.

The NCT says: "Taking a few minutes to check some of the visual items below and ensuring they are all working in advance of your NCT could potentially save you valuable time and money."

One of the more obscure items that you could easily forget to check is the little bulbs on your registration plates. It is a legal requirement that your registration is visible at all times and if these bulbs aren't working, it cannot be seen at night.

Your car could fail its NCT if its registration plate lamps are "not working, faulty or not fitted; not white in colour; or if the lens is missing or broken." You can check these bulbs by turning your car on and checking the bulbs are on front and rear before the test.

You can see the full NCT visual checklist below:

Windscreen Wipers and Washers

Reasons for failure:

Missing

Not cleaning windscreen effectively

Wiped areas less than sufficient to give the driver an adequate view

Washer, not working, no water or incorrectly aimed

Seat Belts

Belts cut, badly frayed or repaired

Belts not operating properly

Tyre Condition

tread worn, distorted or damaged

tread depth of less than 1.6mm

Incorrectly seated on wheel rim

Valve Damaged

Registration Plate Lamps

Not working, faulty or not fitted

Not white in colour.

Lens missing or broken.

Stop Lamps

Missing or not clearly visible.

Not working or faulty.

Not brighter than tail lights.

Not red in colour

Insecurely mounted

Contains water/moisture

Lens missing or broken

Switch does not operate correctly

Indicator/Tell Tales

Missing, not working or faulty

Lens broken or missing

Not amber in colour

Horn

Control insecure

Horn insecurely mounted

Not working correctly

Not working or not fitted

Registration Plates Front and Rear

One or both plates missing, insecure or not clearly visible.

Numbers or letters missing or illegible or incorrect size

Numbers, letter or background of incorrect colour

Side Lamps

Not white in colour