ieExplains: No more tax discs? Here’s what motorists need to know

For the first time in over a century, cars on the road may no longer need tax discs displayed at the front of their vehicles. Picture: Dan Linehan

The Government has approved new legislation that could significantly change how vehicles appear on Irish roads. For the first time in over 100 years, drivers may no longer be required to display motor tax discs on their windscreens.

Here's what you need to know:

What's the current situation?

Currently, vehicle owners in Ireland must display three discs on the front windscreen of their car: their motor tax disc, NCT certificate, and insurance disc.

The motor tax disc has been a feature of Irish roads since 1921.

What's changing?

Under new legislation - the National Vehicle and Driver File Bill 2025, approved by Cabinet this week - the legal requirement to display a motor tax disc will be abolished.

What's causing the change?

The Government says that advances in Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology have made physical tax discs obsolete.

ANPR cameras, used nationwide by gardaí, can automatically identify number plates and check tax status using real-time access to the National Vehicle and Driver File.

What is the National Vehicle and Driver File?

It’s the central digital register of all vehicles and licensed drivers in Ireland. 

It’s used not only by gardaí but also by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and other state agencies.

ANPR cameras, used nationwide by gardaí, can automatically identify number plates and check tax status using real-time access to the National Vehicle and Driver File. Picture Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin.

Will I still need to display my insurance and NCT discs?

Yes, for now.

However, the Government has indicated that similar digital reforms could follow through secondary legislation once the current bill is enacted.

What else does the bill cover?

A major addition is the legal provision to allow local authorities to access and process road collision data from the RSA and Gardaí — something previously restricted by GDPR rules.

This will help councils target accident-prone areas with safety measures and infrastructure improvements.

What are the benefits of the change?

The minister of state for road transport, Seán Canney, said the bill will not only modernise vehicle compliance but also contribute to road safety through better data sharing and infrastructure planning.

It’s also expected to reduce admin for drivers and improve enforcement efficiency.

When will it be in law?

Responding to a parliamentary question from Emer Currie, transport minister Darragh O’Brien has said the Bill is being prioritised.

It will next go to the Office of Parliamentary Counsel for drafting, with timelines dependent on Oireachtas scheduling.

Timelines thereafter will be subject to Oireachtas scheduling, but the Government has "made clear its commitment to enact the Bill and progress the provisions therein as a priority."