Expert answer

Hi Jimmy,

OK, first of all have you reported all of this to the Gardaí? That should definitely be your first port of call. When reporting, ask the Guards for an incident number or a case number, and then  write to your local motor tax office, explaining the circumstances, quoting the incident number and if possible the name of the investigating Garda. That should be enough to clear it up, but it would also be a good idea to have a chat with your solicitor about it. 

Expert answer

Hi Anna,

Yes, you can, and all you have to do is get in touch with your local motor tax office. However, you’ll need to let your insurer know of the change of use too, and that may affect your premium.

Expert answer

Hi John,

That model has CO₂ emissions of 179g/km, so will have annual motor tax of €750.

Expert answer

Hi Martin,

Yup, the problem is that 2008 was the switchover year to CO₂-based taxation, and the old Toyota petrol engines were pretty high up the charts in that respect. Actually, are you sure it’s 1.4? Because we only have data for a Corolla Verso with a 1.6-litre engine from that year. That engine had emissions of 177g/km, which would account for the high motor tax cost, but in theory a vehicle bought in 2008 should be eligible to revert to the old engine capacity system, which would bring down the cost a little. It’s certainly worth raising the issue with your local motor tax office to see what’s possible.

Expert answer

Hi Bill,

You can absolutely tax and insure a commercial vehicle for private use and, as it is more than 30 years old, it’ll be really cheap to import and to tax — the VRT will be a flat rate of €200 while the motor tax will be €56.

Insurance will, as ever, be the wrinkle — generally, if you want to put it on a classic scheme, most insurers will insist that you have another ’normal’ car for everyday use, and it might be tricky putting down your son as a named driver. I’d suggest getting in touch with a good local broker, who might be able to unearth a better deal for you than just searching around on the internet. 

Expert answer

Hi John,

The only form you’ll need will be form RF100 (you can find that here: https://www.dublincity.ie/sites/default/files/content/RoadsandTraffic/MotorTax/Documents/RF100_Car_GDPR.pdf) and I think a call to your local motor tax office would be a good idea as you’re taxing it privately. It shouldn’t be an issue — you just have to declare it — but they’ll be able to help you over any potential hurdles. 

Expert answer

Hi Kevin,

Yes, I would definitely query that with the motor tax office — in theory, when you use a commercial vehicle for private use it reverts to the old by-engine-capacity tax system, so you should not be paying the CO₂ rate. Call and ask them to double-check that and you may be refunded the difference. 

Expert answer

Hi Nicola,

Sadly, that is the correct rate. A 2009 Auris, which would have been on the CO₂ tax system from the get-go, with the 1.4-litre VVTi petrol engine, has CO₂ emissions of 163g/km, and is therefore liable for €570 a year in motor tax or, as you currently pay, €160 every quarter. 

Expert answer

Hi Roger,

Yes, in theory, you can register any commercial vehicle for private use, once you let the local motor tax office know. There can be issues with getting private insurance on some models, so check that with your insurer or broker first, and with a Hilux you’ll probably end up paying quite a chunk in tax, as it’ll switch to the by-engine-capacity system. 

Expert answer

Hi Ann,

For all counties, motor tax is processed centrally, and if you head over to https://www.motortax.ie/OMT/ you’ll find everything you need there.