Do I need to pay VRT to use this van for my family?

Hi there.

Three weeks ago, I purchased a (2021, 2.0-litre) Renault Trafic that has previously been converted to a crew cab. I have a large family, so my aim was to use this as a private family car. I have insured it as a private van and there is still commercial tax on the van, but as I want to use it for private reasons, I will have to tax it for private use when the tax is up.

I have been told by a family friend that as it's now being used for private reasons, I may be liable for VRT on the van; can you tell me if this is true?

Brian Long (Cork)

May 2025 Filed under: commercial vehicle

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Expert answer

Hi Brian,

That is a slightly unusual situation we've not come across before and we'd urge you contact Revenue yourself for clarification.

With that in mind, my belief would be that you should not be liable for VRT so long as the van was converted properly to a crew cab vehicle and certified as such. It's important that it was not converted to what may be construed by Revenue to be a regular passenger vehicle - unless, of course, the owner that did the conversion already paid VRT to do that (which is highly unlikely).

In short, you're not changing the vehicle; you're just using a commercial vehicle for private use. If you yourself converted a van in this manner, then it may be a different situation.

But as I said at the top, this isn't a common situation and getting official clarification is advised.

Shane O' Donoghue - Complete Car Advisor