Motor Tax Court Summons

bunny24

Hi guys,

Just looking for some advice from someone who has been in the same situation/knows anything.

I was stopped for no tax back on 1st September & was told I'd have a fine out within 2 weeks. The fine didn't come until mid November & at this stage I was not expecting it. I know it's no excuse but I only get paid monthly from work & with Christmas I wasn't able to afford the fine within the first 30 days. I had budgeted to pay it on my next payment which was just before Christmas. At this stage the fine had rose to €90 as it was over 30 days.

I could not for the life of me find the letter I had been sent. I knew I didn't have much time left so on December 23rd night I went in to my local Garda station & was told I still had time to pay it as it had not gone for summons yet. I was delighted and asked could I pay then & there but was told I had to pay in the post office & I needed the fine notice number.

I emailed that night for the number and I was emailed back the next day (Dec 24th) with it. However I checked my emails that morning & had not received anything and by the time I checked again it was after 4 and the email said I only had until 1 o'clock that day to make payment over the phone as they were shut for Christmas. The post office was also closed at this time.

The next working day I went into the post office & gave my fine notice number only to be told that I needed a second number - a trans number I believe it was called.

I didn't call the telephone line until the following Monday as I assumed they would be closed for Christmas. I explained everything and was basically told tough luck & to expect a summons out in the post.

I know I had plenty of opportunity to pay but I'm sure people can understand an unexpected payment arriving just before Christmas really threw a spanner in the works. I believe I did make reasonable attempts to pay it also.

I don't want to go to court telling a sob story because I know they probably hear these every day. Does anyone know what I can expect or have any advice? I've never been to court for anything before.

MarkAnthony

Go in, respectfully recount your story and expect it to fall on deaf ears. If it doesn't then bonus.

Losty Dublin

Even with Christmas in the way of things, you had the guts of 2 months to sort it out. As Mark said, if they give you some leeway then count them blessings