The amount of money a scrambler owner must pay gardaí to have the vehicle returned to them after it is seized and detained is set to be doubled as part of the wider crackdown on scrambler use.
Minister of State for Road Transport and Independent TD Seán Canney signed the new ministerial regulation into law tonight and it will come into effect on 14 August.
Under existing rules, the amount of money a scrambler owner must pay gardaí to have their vehicle returned to them after it has been seized and detained is €125 for detention, removal and first day’s storage and €35 for each additional day for a scrambler weighing up to 3,500kg.
For scramblers weighing more than 3,500kg, the existing figures are €250 for detention, removal and first day’s storage and €50 for each additional day.
However, under the new rules, the charges for a scrambler under 3,500kg will now be €250 and €70, and for a scrambler over 3,500kg will be €500 and €100.
The new charges are designed to act as a further deterrent for against dangerous use of scramblers on Irish roads.
No similar changes are planned at this stage for e-scooters.
Announcing the changes, which are allowed for under the Road Traffic Act 1994 (Detention of Vehicles) Regulations 2011, Mr Canney said: “These regulations double the charges for scramblers seized by An Garda Síochána and send a clear message that illegal and dangerous scrambler use carries real consequences.
“In recent months we banned the use of scramblers in public places. These increased charges build on that work by ensuring there are real financial consequences where a scrambler is seized by An Garda Síochána.
“People whose scramblers are detained should bear the cost of removing and storing them.
“These revised charges better reflect those costs while providing a stronger deterrent and supporting An Garda Síochána in keeping our roads and communities safe.”