CAR, motorbike and light van owners will be given a six-month MOT exemption to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

The exemption will start from March 30 and any MOT due after that will be exempt for six months but drivers are being warned that they must keep their vehicles in a roadworthy condition otherwise they will face prosecution.

There are different temporary rules for MOT tests for lorries, buses and trailers.

If your vehicle tax is due, you can tax your vehicle as soon as your MOT due date has been updated.

The government is allowing MOT centres and garages to remain open and RDM Ltd based at Llechryd is one of those continuing to operate though under strict conditions.

Owner Robert Davies said: “I know many garages have closed but we are doing our best to continue to provide a service and drivers should be aware that even though they might have an MOT exemption, they could still be fined if the car is not roadworthy.

“We are doing our utmost to protect our customers and staff.

“When you arrive at our forecourt you are requested to park in the yellow designated bay outside our reception, you will be acknowledged by our service reception staff and requested to leave your keys in the ignition to allow us to sanitize the vehicle for arranged work to be carried out.

“Customers will then be contacted by phone when the vehicle is ready to take a card payment, keys will then be in the vehicle once we can visually confirm you are on site and ready to drive away.

“We want to thank our customers for their understanding in these measures now in place to minimise the risk to us all.”

The Premier stores at the company’s Llechryd and Penparc sites remain open from 7am until 7pm and 8am till 4pm on Sunday.

Any queries or help with anything call 01239 682502

You must make sure your vehicle is safe to drive (‘roadworthy’). It can be unsafe even if your MOT expiry date has been extended. You can be fined up to £2,500, be banned from driving and get 3 penalty points for driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition.