https://www.nationaltransport.ie/approved-small-public-service-vehicle-regulations-maximum-permissible-age-fixed-payment-offences-and-driver-licence-period/
Approved – Small Public Service Vehicle Regulations: Maximum Permissible Age, Fixed Payment Offences and Driver Licence Period
Following public consultation, today the NTA Board approved the signing of the below Regulations.
Small Public Service Vehicle (Contingency Measure – Vehicle Supply) (Maximum Permissible Age) Regulations
Recent climate, energy and geopolitical challenges, in particular, have made it unfeasible for all end of life SPSVs to be replaced before they reach their final operation date. These regulations facilitate the licensing of eligible taxis and hackneys for additional operation in excess of the usual Maximum Permissible Age Requirements.
These regulations permit an extension to the final operation date of vehicles due to reach their final date of operation/maximum permissible age between 13 March 2020 and 31 December 2024.
SPSV licence holders will receive communications in the coming weeks confirming the new final operation date of their current licensed vehicle.
Explanatory Info Graphic: Small Public Service Vehicle (Contingency Measure – Vehicle Supply) (Maximum Permissible Age) Regulations
Click the image below to view the Explanatory Info Graphic on the Small Public Service Vehicle (Contingency Measure – Vehicle Supply) (Maximum Permissible Age) Regulations
Small Public Service Vehicle (Fixed Payment Offences and Driver Licence Period) Regulations
The proposal was to move the current Fixed Payment Offences Prescribed Amounts from the current four bands to five and to increase the amount of each Fixed Payment Notice (fine), except for two offences where the amount remains at €250. The current bands are €40, €60, €80, €250. The new bands will include €80, €100, €150, €200, €250.
In addition to these changes, a new Fixed Payment Offence will be introduced for the refusal of a driver of a SPSV to carry a passenger in a wheelchair. The amount for this will be €250, reflecting the gravity and nature of the offence.
In relation to the Driver Licence Validity Period, this amendment to the current regulations will allow the licensing authority (in this case An Garda Síochána) to consider all parts of the application when issuing a licence. Where it may be required, it will allow the licensing authority to issue a licence for a period of less than five years.
The Regulations have an enactment date of 1 January 2023.
