Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 February 2024
158. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 459 of 21 April 2021 and 313 of 30 November 2023, the current steps being taken to address the proliferation of illegal vehicle registration plates on motor cars; whether sufficient legislation is in place for gardaí to apply a fixed charge penalty notice for this offence (details supplied);; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5968/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs previously outlined to the Deputy by my colleague, the Minister for Finance, the National Car Test (NCT) includes checks on the placement, format, legibility, visibility, and colour of a vehicle’s registration plates, as legally set out under the Vehicle Regulation and Taxation Regulations 1992 (as amended). Non-compliance with any prescribed vehicle registration plate requirement is recorded as a “major defect” and a vehicle displaying non-compliant registration plates will thus fail the NCT until the issue is fixed.
While the format of the registration plate is regulated, there are no regulations in place with regard to the manufacture of such plates. The problems associated with the illegal use of false registrations plates are acknowledged, and I understand from the Minister for Finance that the possibility of addressing this through a new regulatory regime for the production and supply of plates has been considered by Revenue in the past. On balance, however, it was concluded that such controls would not be effective given the simplicity and widespread availability of technology able to manufacture number plates.
In response to the Deputy's second question, I am happy to confirm that, in line with the the Road Traffic Act 2010 (Part 3) Fixed Charge Offences Regulations 2022, a member of An Garda Síochána is fully empowered issue a fixed charge (FCN) of €60 to driver who fails to comply with number plate requirements.
I can further confirm that provisions introduced by my Department under the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 extend number plate enforcement powers, including the issuing of FCNs, to officers of the Revenue Commissioners. These measures will be commenced as soon as the necessary operational preparations have been made by the Revenue Commissioners, and my Department is currently drafting amendments to the relevant Fixed Charge Notice regulations.
