1,600 cars seized for VRT offences

REVENUE’S Customs Service seized almost 1,600 vehicles from motorists trying to dodge paying Vehicle Registration Tax last year.

Figures show that mobile units seized a total of 1,598 vehicles last year, up 43% on the year before.

Of these, 940 vehicles were valued at €14.2 million, while VRT charges of €3.8m and penalties of over €1m have since been finalised. Issues relating to the remaining 658 vehicles are still being finalised.

Vehicle Registration Tax is chargeable on registration of a motor vehicle in the state. Every motor vehicle in the state, other than those brought in temporarily by visitors, must be registered. While VRT should be paid by the end of the next working day following its arrival, Revenue often allows people up to a week to register. If, however, a person is found driving an imported vehicle outside this timeframe, it can be impounded on the spot, while that person can be subjected to fines and penalties.

During a 10-day crackdown last year, 140 vehicles were impounded while motorists were slapped with fines and penalties amounting to almost €500,000.