Appealing a fixed charge fine

DarkJager

I just want to get some advice regarding 2 fixed fine notices I recieved for non display of a tax disc. I was stopped in total 3 times (2 of which were the same garda). The problems arose from me not having a valid tax disc on my car as I was awaiting the social welfare to start sending me my claim (I was waiting over 3 months for this and literally did not have a cent to my name due to bills and payments). I had no money to purchase the tax and was working a 3 day week, so I wasn't going to miss one day for the sake of an out of date tax disc.

The garda that stopped me twice did so on the Monday and Saturday of the same week. Considering the social welfare don't send cheques until Friday of each week, there was no way I could have had the tax in place by the second stop. I backpaid the tax once I recieved the social welfare claim, 1 week after the stops. I've payed one fine already, but I am not willing to pay the 2 other fines I have recieved. I simply don't have the money (currently unemployed) and to be honest the thought of giving another 180 quid to the gardai just turns my stomach.

I'm not requesting lectures about road tax, I simply want to know what I can expect once this goes to court.

Tom Young

A solicitor can advise you. There's a forum charter in place.