Adaptations
Regulation 2 of S.I. No. 353 of1994 (as amended) outlines that vehicle adaptations do not include
adaptations of production line models which are available from the manufacturer or assembler thereof as
an optional extra (e.g. automatic transmission, tinted windows, etc.). These ‘extras’ are not regarded as an
adaptation for the purposes of this tax relief scheme.
Adapted vehicle
The vehicle will qualify if it is constructed or adapted to take into account the person’s disablement.
For example:
Drivers – hand controls, left foot accelerator, etc.
Passengers – swivel seat, extension of seat rails, etc.
1 ‘Specically adapted vehicles’
This category provides Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) and VAT relief of up to €16,000 for the purchase of
such vehicles. The vehicle must be held for three years before resale. The adaptations which shall qualify
for this enhanced relief must be one of the following:
(a) a modied rear or side entry incorporating an integrated ramp or lift and a modied oor to facilitate
direct wheelchair access, and wheelchair restraints or a wheelchair docking station; or
(b) a modied rear or side entry incorporating a lowered and modied oor to facilitate direct wheelchair
access, and wheelchair restraints or a wheelchair docking station; or
(c) extensive reconguration of primary controls necessary to enable the vehicle to be driven by the
disabled person.
2 ‘Extensively adapted vehicles’
The VAT and VRT relief in respect of such vehicles shall be up to €22,000. The vehicle must be held for
six years before resale. The adaptations which shall qualify for this enhanced relief must be one of the
following:
(a) a modied rear or side entry incorporating an integrated ramp or lift and a modied oor to facilitate
direct wheelchair access, and wheelchair restraints or a wheelchair docking station; or
(b) a modied rear or side entry incorporating a lowered and modied oor to facilitate direct wheelchair
access, and wheelchair restraints or a wheelchair docking station; or
(c) extensive reconguration of primary controls necessary to enable the vehicle to be driven by the
disabled person.
3 Vehicle Type Approval
In the case of a vehicle which is either Specically or Extensively adapted as outlined above, or where the
vehicle is being presented by a qualifying organisation, the vehicle adaptations must be certied as follows:
New Vehicles
In the case of adaptations to a new vehicle which have not been registered in any country, these
adaptations must be certied under EU type-approval (Certicate of Conformity provided by the vehicle
manufacturer) or by the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI). If a person wishes to adapt a
used car to the specications outlined above the adaptations must be carried out by a Suitably Qualied
Individual (SQI). This certication must be in place prior to applying to Revenue for this relief (DDO).
This certication is also required to be presented at the time of vehicle registration at an NCTS centre.
Imported vehicles
For imported vehicles which are adapted outside the State, these adaptations must be either:
• detailed on the foreign vehicle registration certicate of the vehicle, or
• certied by a Suitably Qualied Individual (SQI) in Ireland.
This certication must be in place prior to applying to revenue for this relief (DDO). This certication is also
required to be presented at the time of vehicle registration at an NCTS centre.
Irish registered Vehicles
Irish registered Vehicles, which are adapted after Irish registration, must be certied by a Suitably Qualied
Individual (SQI) in Ireland. This certication must be in place prior to applying to Revenue for this
relief (DDO). This certication may also be required to be declared to Revenue’s Central Vehicle Ofce.
Suitable qualied individual (SQI)
Where a vehicle is adapted and certied by a Suitable Qualied Individual within the State, the adaptation
must be detailed using Revenue’s Declaration of Conversion form (pages 5 - 8).