Drivers to phone a friend to avoid arrears

Car owners out of the country or sick will be able to “phone a friend” to declare their vehicle is off the road and avoid paying motor tax arrears.

The mechanism was announced yesterday by Environment Minister Phil Hogan as the Sept 30 deadline looms, after which drivers will not be able to declare their vehicle has been off the road.

Also after the deadline, motorists will have to pay arrears if they want to tax their car for the year ahead.