The Government has introduced changes to Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) and annual motor tax for new cars registered on or after 1st July 2008. On and from that date, both taxes for new registered cars will be calculated on the basis of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions from vehicles.

Twelve emission/tax bands have been created, and VRT and motor tax payable will be determined by the relevant band for each vehicle. More information on the bands is available on the Motor Tax website.

The reason for these changes is to incentivise consumers to purchase vehicles with lower CO 2 emissions, an important step in reducing national greenhouse gas emissions and in meeting Ireland’s commitments for the purposes of the Kyoto Protocol.