Expert answer

Hi Farzana,

Unlike the UK, where specific mention of a taxi is required on the signage, in Ireland (including Dublin), taxis are permitted to use all bus lanes. However, technically they are only allowed do so when they are actively working, which typically means carrying a fare-paying passenger. This policy is outlined in the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations, which state that fare-carrying taxis may operate in bus lanes during the course of business.

There is one exception: contra-flow bus lanes - those that allow buses to travel against the general flow of traffic - are typically restricted to buses only. Taxis are generally not permitted to use contra-flow bus lanes unless explicitly indicated by signage.

Expert answer

Hi Louise,

It would be €710 a year. See our Motor Road Tax Prices in Ireland Explained guide for more information.

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Hi Barry,

If it’s registered as a commercial and is being imported to be registered as one in Ireland, then the VRT should be 13.3 per cent of its OMSP. That’s the Open Market Selling Price Revenue believes the vehicle to be worth in Ireland, which can be tricky to estimate, especially for something so rare, relatively speaking.

If Revenue says it’s worth €35,000 then the VRT as a commercial would be 13.3 per cent of that, or €4,655.

If this is a private vehicle then the VRT rate depends on the CO₂ emissions, and it’s likely to be in the top band, at 41 per cent. At the same OMSP, that would be a VRT bill of €14,350.

Don’t forget about the NOx levy, which will be high for that vehicle, but if it has been registered and used in Northern Ireland you shouldn’t have import duty or VAT to pay.

Expert answer

Hi Martin,

We know that the EV5 will arrive at the very end of 2025 into Ireland, but Kia won't say much about the versions available at this stage. We are attending an event in Europe later this month where we should learn more about the car, so keep an eye out for the news from that.

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Hi Shane,

When you're taxing a commercial vehicle for private use then the rate goes by the engine size. 

The Wildtrak can be had with 2.0 or 3.0-litre diesel engines, while the Ranger can be had with a 2.0-litre diesel or 3.0-litre petrol option. The 2.0-litre engines cost €710 a year to tax and the 3.0-litre units (doesn't matter what fuels them) are €1,494 per annum.

Read our Motor Road Tax Prices in Ireland Explained feature for full details.

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Hi Martin,

I'm afraid not. Kia Ireland has confirmed to us that the all-wheel-drive versions will not be offered here due to low demand.

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Hi Vincent,

The Xpeng brand has only just arrived in Ireland this month so we don't believe there will be any used examples available as yet. It actually launched in Ireland ahead of the UK, so you won't find any used ones over there to import either.

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Hi Aileen,

Motor tax for cars only goes by the engine size if it was registered before 2008. If the 1.6 you’re talking about is older than that then the annual motor tax should be €514 (assuming the engine size is 1,501-1,600cc).

If the car is newer, then its tax goes by its CO₂ emissions. We’d need to know full details of the car before we could look that up for you, as the engine size and type alone aren’t sufficient.

Read our Motor Tax Prices in Ireland Explained page for more information.

Expert answer

Hi Don,

Assuming this is a used vehicle, the answer depends on the van’s history.

Previously in use in Northern Ireland:

If the van has been in use in Northern Ireland for a reasonable period (three months is generally accepted as the minimum), it can be registered in the Republic of Ireland without additional Customs Duties and import VAT. Proof is required, such as a copy of the V5C document showing the last registered keeper in Northern Ireland and the date of registration to that keeper.

Not previously in use in Northern Ireland:

If the van was first registered in Great Britain and then brought into Northern Ireland after December 31, 2020, you must provide evidence that it was imported into Northern Ireland in accordance with the Windsor Framework. This includes a copy of the Customs Declaration lodged in Northern Ireland that clearly identifies the vehicle. Without such proof, the vehicle may be subject to Customs Duties and import VAT upon registration in the Republic of Ireland.

Expert answer

Hi Seoirse,

I’m afraid there’s no way for you to do that yourself in the settings. It requires a change to the car’s country code, which can only be done by Volkswagen or via some “OBD” tools that independent garages use. If you have a good mechanic, mention that to them and see if they’re willing to help.