An Garda Síochána

Tuesday, 27 January 2026

Questions (325)

Michael Murphy

Question:

325. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport when the statutory fee for the release of a vehicle impounded by An Garda Síochána, currently €125, was last increased; the rationale for the current level of the fee; whether he has received representations from An Garda Síochána regarding concerns that the fee does not act as a sufficient deterrent, particularly in respect of repeat offending by learner drivers; and whether he will consider a review of the fee, including by reference to comparable charges in other jurisdictions. [6041/26]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

The Road Traffic Act 1994 (Detention of Vehicles) Regulations 2011 (SI 460/2011) sets out An Garda Síochána's powers to detain mechanically propelled vehicles in use in a public place. These regulations were made following consultation with the Minister for Justice.

Under Regulation 3, a Garda may, for reasons set out in Section 41 of the 1994 Road Traffic Act, detain, remove and store a vehicle. Reasons for seizure under Section 41 include no valid driving licence, no valid insurance, no valid roadworthiness certificate and no motor tax.

Regulation 5 states the fees to be paid for release of a vehicle detained under Regulation 3. The fees are intended to cover the costs of detaining, moving and storing a seized vehicle, which are borne by An Garda Síochána.

The fees are specified in Department of Transport regulations as the reasons for seizure are offences under the Road Traffic Acts, which fall under the remit of the Minister for Transport. However, the fees are determined by An Garda Síochána and the Department of Justice and are set on notification from the Minister for Justice to the Minister for Transport.