Willie Penrose (Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 317: To ask the Minister for Transport the position regarding a person who wishes to tax a motor vehicle but is unable to do so due to the fact that the vehicle must be subject to an annual national car test; if the vehicle is required for the conduct of such a person's business, if he or she can still continue to use same without being subject to a penalty or prosecution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8725/05]

Ivor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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It is understood from the Deputy's question that the he is referring to a commercial vehicle in this instance. An application to a motor tax office to tax a vehicle that is more than one year old as a commercial vehicle must be accompanied by a valid roadworthiness test certificate for the vehicle in question. Goods vehicles, goods trailers, buses and ambulances are liable to roadworthiness testing annually. Consequently the maximum period for which the resultant test certificate can be in force is one year.

The testing of goods vehicles and trailers, buses and ambulances is conducted by authorised testers appointed by local authorities. There are in excess of 100 test centres countrywide at which such vehicles may be tested. The selection of the test centre to carry out the roadworthiness test is a matter for the owner of the vehicle. It is an offence to use in a public place a vehicle for which the appropriate rate of motor tax has not been paid or in the case of a vehicle that is liable to testing unless it has a valid certificate of roadworthiness.