New Registrations and New “Off the Road” scheme

Today, 1st July 2013, is a big-ish day for the motor industry with two important developments taking place. It’s the first time that our new registration system – scheduled every 6 months – comes into play with the introduction of the 132 registration plate. All new cars registered from today, for the rest of the year, will be registered as 132  – the “13” representing the year and the “2” representing the second sales segment of the year.  

These changes were brought in, at the request of the motor industry, for a variety of reasons including more evenly distributing the sales of new cars throughout the year – rather than have one large bump in sales at the start of the year.  This even distribution of sales will help to save jobs in the industry. A six-month system will also mirror a similar type of system in play in the UK for several years. That system has proven successful after a sluggish start. Maybe the same will apply for the Irish system?

We’ll have to wait until the figures come in. Anecdotally we’re aware of some super 132 dealer offers – encouraging buyers to change their habits. Maybe Irish new-car-buyers will change their spots and recognise that there are more important considerations than simply buying a new car in January. “Value” should be one of those considerations.

Another large development today is the official end of the “Off the Road” certification system in Ireland. Legislation, already enacted, comes into force which will prevent motorists signing a declaration, witnessed by a garda, saying they have no up-to-date road tax as the vehicle was off the road for a period. That system was widely abused and cost the state an estimated €54 million per annum.

The change in the law will require anyone intending to take their car off the road to make a submission in advance to the motor tax office, and not gardaí, and to pay any arrears plus a minimum of three months’ tax. Cartell highlighted the importance of addressing this issue several years ago.