John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1533. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of vehicles that were confiscated by Gardaí at the roadside for non-display of road tax in 2024; and the normal protocol for dealing with a driver with an out-of-date or non-display of a motor tax disc. [18958/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

By law, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, which includes the enforcement of road traffic legislation and the Fixed Charge Notice system.

I am informed by Garda authorities that 12,857 vehicles were seized in 2024, where one of the reasons recorded on the Pulse system was '41(c) No Tax'.

A Fixed Charge Notice (FCN) can be issued for a vehicle where the tax is expired or no tax disc is displayed.

I am further advised that the vehicle can be seized under Section 41 Road Traffic Act if the tax has expired.

I would clarify that the offence in question is non-payment of tax rather than non-display. The relevant legislation is copied below for reference.

'(c) a member of the Garda Síochána is of opinion that any excise duty payable under section 1 of the Finance (Excise Duties) (Vehicles) Act, 1952, in respect of the vehicle, being a vehicle which is or which the member reasonably believes to be registered in the State, has not been paid in respect of a continuous period of 3 months or more immediately prior to such use.'

Figures are based on incidents occurring from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024, inclusive. This information is based upon operational data from the Pulse system as was available on 15 March 2025 and is liable to change.