'Full of paperwork' - Limerick councillor slams complex rules for vintage and classic cars

CAR ENTHUSIASTS in Limerick who own vintage and classic vehicles could soon benefit from streamlined registration rules, if one local councillor has his way.

At the March meeting of Adare - Rathkeale Municipal District, Councillor Adam Teskey tabled a motion asking that the district write to the Minister for Transport to request new regulations for registering vehicles which do not have current registration or where log books are required.

He said he believes the move is important for the “preservation of our motoring past,” noting that the issue often arises when people find themselves in ownership of a vintage vehicle without the proper paperwork.

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Cllr Teskey highlighted the current “high level of bureaucracy in place”, suggesting there should be an online portal where owners can upload the relevant details and photos to obtain registration for their vehicle.

At the same meeting, he also submitted a question seeking a detailed guideline from the Motor Tax section as to how individuals can register vintage or classic vehicles in their name using just the registration number.

In a written response, Matthew White, Director of Finance at the Motor Tax office, outlined the process for registering vintage and classic vehicles.

He confirmed that any vehicle which is 30 years or older qualifies as vintage and may be eligible for a concessionary tax rate.

Mr White explained that if a vehicle is already recorded on the National Vehicle and Driver File, owners must submit an RF111 form and the old Vehicle Registration Certificate to have the taxation class updated to “vintage.”

For vehicles registered in Ireland prior to 1993, the Registration (Log) Book must also be submitted.

Where a vehicle is acquired without proper registration documents, Mr White advised that owners must either complete a Statutory Declaration or, if the Registration Book is missing, submit an RF134 form with a €12 fee to secure a replacement.

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If the NVDF details do not match the vehicle, he said the owner must then re-register the vehicle with the National Car Testing Service, which carries a €200 fee and may issue a “ZV” number or standard registration.

For vehicles not recorded on the NVDF but with an existing registration number, he said the relevant Motor Tax Office can check original registration records — for example, “IU” vehicles were originally registered in Limerick, “IN” in Clare.

For vehicles registered after 1993, owners are directed to contact the Change of Ownership Section in the Department of Transport in Shannon, which has a separate statutory declaration form.

Cllr Teskey described the response as “full of paperwork,” highlighting the complexity and bureaucracy involved in registering vintage and classic vehicles.