The “Soft Touch” Era is Over: Garda Enforcement in 2026

If you are driving without a valid Test Disc in 2026, the risks have escalated significantly. Recent reports confirm that An Garda Síochána are ramping up checkpoints specifically targeting RSA compliance. The days of relying on a “booking confirmation email” to avoid a fine are disappearing fast.

With the new Road Traffic Act provisions coming into focus, understanding the link between your NCT status and your driving licence is crucial. Many drivers mistakenly believe that “points don’t apply to NCT,” but the reality is more complex.

3 Penalty Points vs. Fixed Charge Notice

There is still confusion about the penalties. Let’s clarify the law as it stands for Irish motorists this year:

• Failure to Display (The Basic Fine): If you are stopped and simply don’t have a valid disc, you face a Fixed Charge Notice of €60. This does not typically carry penalty points on its own.
• Dangerously Defective (The Real Threat): This is where drivers get caught. If a Garda inspects your vehicle and finds a defect (bald tyres, broken lights) in addition to the expired NCT, they can classify the vehicle as “dangerously defective.” This carries 3 to 5 Penalty Points and a mandatory court appearance.

Without a valid Certificate of Roadworthiness (CRW), you have no proof that your car is safe, making you an easy target for these escalated penalties.

Insurance Validity: The Hidden Risk

Beyond the Gardai, your insurance policy is at stake. Most Irish insurers require the car to be “roadworthy” and “certified.” If you are involved in a collision while on the NCT waiting list, an assessor could use the lack of a certificate to reduce or refuse your claim, especially if the accident was mechanical in nature.

How much is the NCT re-test fee in 2026?

If your car fails, you must re-book within 21 days. The visual re-test is free, but a lane re-test costs €40.00. A full test is €60.00. Avoiding this cost starts with pre-test maintenance.

Don’t Wait for the Checkpoint

The NCTS backlog is still a major issue, but it is not a legal defence in court. If your certificate is expired, you need to act immediately.

Use our NCT appointment bot to find NCT cancellation slots today. We monitor the system 24/7 to find openings that allow you to skip the 6-month wait. Check availability for your local centre on our locations page and get your car legal before the next checkpoint.

For more tips on passing first time, read our guide on common NCT fail reasons.