Louise O'Reilly
Question:71. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether motor tax discs, and other motor discs, should go paperless; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34539/23]
View answerWednesday, 12 July 2023
Questions (71)
Written answers
The law requires that three paper discs are displayed on most motorised vehicles using the public roads.
Section 73 of the Finance Act 1976 requires the display of a valid motor tax disc on a vehicle.
NCT test results must be displayed on a test disc on the vehicle, as required by S.I. No. 415/2017 - Road Traffic (National Car Test) Regulations 2017. Regulation 12 of these regulations give effect to Article 10 of Directive 2014/45/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 3 April 2014 on periodic roadworthiness tests for motor vehicles and their trailers.
S.I. No. 355/1984 - Road Traffic (Insurance Disc) Regulations, 1984 (as amended) requires the display of an insurance disc on certain motor vehicles, when used in a public place. The Regulations prescribe the dimensions, form and content of the disc.
I am aware of the potential for new digital technologies to replace these discs, and in doing so to reduce burdens and costs on citizens. These are matters being explored by my Department but no firm decisions have been taken as yet, as further examination is required. The purpose of the discs is to demonstrate compliance of the vehicle with the relevant laws and for enforcement purposes. Therefore, the application of roadside enforcement technology, such as Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), by An Garda Síochána, will also need to be considered as part of any changes.