Expert answer

Hi Paul,

The C3 Aircross PureTech Feel 110 has CO₂ emissions of 141g/km and so will cost you €400 per year to tax.

Read Motor Road Tax Prices in Ireland Explained for more.

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Hi Antony,

A motorhome is going to be charged at the commercial VRT rate, of 13.3 per cent of the vehicle's Irish market value. Now, as you say, that value can be difficult to work out ahead of time, and the best that you can do really is to scan the classified ads and start seeing what other similar vehicles are on sale and what kind of money they’re going for. That will at least give you a ballpark in which to start. The good news is that once you do have it imported, motor tax is charged at just €102 a year for camper vans and motorhomes. 

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Hi Peter,

Well, actually you shouldn’t have to pay motor tax at all. If you yourself are a disabled driver, or the person who drives with you is, you can apply for exemption from motor tax. You just need to get in contact with Revenue and fill in a couple of forms, and they’ll then send you an exemption tax disc. 

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Hi Michael,

I’m assuming that’s the 1.6 petrol engine, with a five-speed manual gearbox? If so, that has CO₂ emissions of 155g/km, which will mean motor tax of €390 per year. 

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Hi Gerard,

No, it doesn't sound to me that you can. However, you can change the status of the vehicle from commercial to private. Just call your local motor tax office to do that. You'll pay tax based on the engine size, though, which can be expensive. And, perhaps more troublesome, it's not always easy for a private individual to insure what was previously registered as a commercial vehicle. Do some ringing around before you commit to it.

Read Buying a commercial vehicle for private use for more

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Hi David,

The actual process of changing the tax status on a van from commercial to private use is relatively straightforward — you simply ring up your local motor tax office (you’ll find your nearest one here: https://www.gov.ie/en/service/1fc151-find-your-local-motor-tax-office/) and tell them what you want to do. They’ll then shift you onto the old engine capacity-based tax system (you’ll pay €710 a year for a 2.0-litre engine) and the job’s done.

Except it isn’t, quite. You will need proof of insurance first, and insurers are — for some reason — reluctant to switch policies over. It’s worth finding a good local broker to help you get the insurance sorted out first of all. 

Read Buying a commercial vehicle for private use for more info.

Expert answer

Hi Frank,

The process of taxing it is relatively straightforward — just ring up your local motor tax office (list here: https://www.gov.ie/en/service/1fc151-find-your-local-motor-tax-office/) and ask them to switch you over. The problem is twofold — with a 3.0-litre Range Rover Sport, you’re going to be paying the second-highest rate of motor tax (€1,494 per year) because a commercial re-registered for private use is taxed on the old engine capacity-based tax system. Insurance can also be a major issue — it shouldn’t be, but it is, so get hold of a good local broker to help you navigate those waters before you take the leap. 

Read Buying a commercial vehicle for private use for more information.

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Hi John,

Citroen is currently reviewing options on potentially introducing the Ami to Ireland in the future. Initially the car was only to be produced in left-hand drive, but this is now being reconsidered due to high levels of interest in the car from the UK market. If the car was to be officially sold here it would be liable for the applicable VAT and VRT rates and would require motor tax and insurance, in the same way that the Renault Twizy does. These would also apply if you were to privately import one. 

Expert answer

Hi Gerry,

If it is taxed according to its emissions, then the annual rate is now €2,400 for such cars. Read our Motor Road Tax Prices in Ireland Explained feature for full details.

Expert answer

Hi Ann,

Taxing a van privately is easy. You just need to inform your local motor tax office that you are changing its use. You'll probably pay more in annual motor tax, as it goes by the engine size.

Insuring a commercial vehicle privately is not so easy, annoyingly. We advise you employ the services of a good broker to find you an insurer, as most of the large insurers will just give you the "computer says no" answer...

Give our Buying a commercial vehicle for private use feature a read too.