Overdue car tax fine question

hoody

Hi all,

Herself spotted an unopened letter during a cleanup over the weekend, opened it to find it was notification of a fine for not having up to date car tax back in July - she was stopped by a Guard who mentioned it but did not say that a fine would follow.

She tried to pay at the post office today but couldn't, she then rang the number to try and pay but was told that payment could not be taken as it was more than 56 days after the notice went out, and that she would have to go to court.

She's pretty upset about this because she tried to pay as soon as she knew that there was a fine to be paid, but it doesn't seem like there's any other option but to suffer through it and pay whatever fine there is? Does this typically result in a conviction?

Atlantic Dawn

More than likely a day in court and a fine issued there either for the same amount or more. Best approach would be to pay the outstanding tax on the car now and say in court she never opened the letter and plead guilty to no tax.

hoody

Thanks for reply Atlantic Dawn - outstanding car tax has been paid. Frustrating it has to go to court to be settled but not much that can be done it seems.

ct5amr2ig1nfhp

Out of curiosity, did the Garda tell her she'd get a fine for having no tax when she was stopped? Did she know her tax was out of date at the time she was stopped?

Jayop

Jefferson Jolly Keyhole wrote: »

Out of curiosity, did the Garda tell her she'd get a fine for having no tax when she was stopped? Did she know her tax was out of date at the time she was stopped?

I've been done in the past for out of dat tax and the guard explicitly told me at the roadside that he wouldn't fine me yet a fine arrived. No problem with the fine as the tax was out but a bit annoyed at him saying one thing and doing another. Not sure why he'd bother lying to me, it wasn't like I was being narky with him and he wanted rid of me.

rex-x

hoody wrote: »

Thanks for reply Atlantic Dawn - outstanding car tax has been paid. Frustrating it has to go to court to be settled but not much that can be done it seems.

Its frustrating but without sounding preachy there was two months in which to pay, its not really their problem if someone doesn't open their letters!
The reason they cant accept payment is the summons will have automatically been issued on the last day available so the court process is already in motion. To be fair though the judges are usually alright about the situation, just be honest

gavman1

Don't be to upset about the whole court thing,it's an automatic process.your missus hasn't hurt anyone.if she turns up in court and explains the situation she'll be fine.they will prob hit her with the original fine plus a set fee at worst.its really nothing but an honest mistake.

Effects

Make sure she gets proof from the post office that she tried to pay it.
Happened to a friend of mine that didn't notice a letter in time. She had proof that she at least tried to pay it which stood to her in court.
She just had the whole thing dismissed.

flossy1

Same thing happen with a speed fine , forgot ,tried to pay ,too late went to court . fined 250 Euro