Financial Supports

  • The Drivers and Passengers with Disabilities Tax Relief Scheme allow VRT relief and VAT refund of up to €10,000 (combined) for a driver with a disability, and up to €16,000 for a passenger. Those on the scheme are also exempt from motor tax and tolls and can get a refund on fuel duties too. The team at Southern Mobility can advise customers on this scheme, and guide them with the purchase of vehicles that meet the regulations.

    The Scheme is open to individuals who meet the specified medical criteria and have obtained a Primary Medical Certificate to that effect. You can apply for relief either as a driver with a disability or a passenger with a disability. There is also provision for a family member of a passenger with a disability to apply.

    In order to avail of this scheme, applicants must have a complete Primary Medical Certificate (PMC). The medical assessment and the issuing of the certificate are carried out by a Senior Area Medical Officer attached to the local Health Board (List of Local HSE Offices ). The scheme is open to drivers and passengers with physical disabilities.

  • A vehicle which has been admitted to the Scheme will also be entitled to an exemption from payment of annual road tax as follows:

    In the case of a new vehicle or a vehicle which is being registered in the State for the first time the relief will be granted on application to your local Motor Taxation Office on presentation of the RF100 form. You do not need any documentation from the Central Repayments Office.2. If the vehicle had been previously registered in the State the Central Repayments Office will issue you with a Certificate of Approval which should be presented by you to your local Motor Taxation Office.

  • Disabled drivers and passengers whose vehicles are tax exempt under the drivers and passengers with disabilities tax relief scheme are entitled to apply for a Fuel Grant.

    How will I apply for the Fuel Grant?

    The Fuel Grant can be applied online using Revenue’s new online service ‘myAccount’ on the Revenue website.  This will make the claim process easier as claims can be submitted and processed immediately.  All you need is your PPS number, mobile or landline number, e-mail address and home address.  Go to www.revenue.ie to sign up.

  • As of February 2020, disabled drivers and disabled passengers whose vehicles are tax-exempt do work under the drivers and passengers with disabilities tax relief scheme and are exempt from tolls on each toll road in the state.

    How it works?

    Once a vehicle is registered and verified, a unique identity disc will be provided for your vehicle. Discs should be displayed on the vehicle’s driver’s side windscreen.

    For further information and how to apply follow this link www.dtes.ie

Links for additional information:

Revenue.ie
Citizens Information Tax Exemptions
Find your local Health Office

Insurance

  • Yes. A diver with disabilities is obliged to inform their car insurance company of any changes in their health that may affect their ability to drive safely.

  • No. A driver with a disability should not be charged extra, nor refused a quote solely based on their disability.

Other FAQ’s

  • No. Provided you hold a full licence for the vehicle you are driving, if you have it adapted and return or continue to drive, you are not required to retake a driving test.

  • If the sight in the remaining eye satisfies the medical guidelines and your GP agrees, yes. However, if your condition is recent, you must allow time for adjustment.

  • Both legs?   Yes

    Both arms? Yes

    Paralysis on one side of the body (hemiplegia)? Yes

    With a neurological condition? Yes

  • A WAV is a vehicle converted specifically so that they accommodate one or more persons seated in their wheelchairs when travelling on the road.  Modifications to the vehicle might include:

    removal of seats to accommodate wheelchair

    wheelchair lift

    lowering of floor

    addition of electric wheelchair lifts which have increased the mass of the vehicle in running order by more than 5%

    Installation of certified floor system (converting from category N commercial to M passenger e.g. addition of approved seats)

    Restraints for wheelchairs

    The Vehicle Adapted for Disabled Drivers Scheme is similar to a WAV but differs as it is about the modifications to the vehicle. An IVA is required for the following modifications to the vehicle:

    Hand controls

    Swivel seats (driver and passenger)

    Alterations to the vehicles pedal controls e.g. plate extensions, raising of pedals, left accelerator pedal… etc

    Alterations to manual transmission controls

    Wheelchair/person hoist

    Extension of seat rails

    Wheelchair storage device which is located on the roof of the vehicle

  • An IVA is not  required for the following modifications to the vehicle:

    Portable ramps / simple mechanical ramps

    Child restraint seats eg child seat for the disabled an child which is attached to ISO-fianx about the about anchor point or safety belt

    A removable harness for restraining a special needs passenger

    Exterior kit for storage of wheelchair e.g similar to a bike rack connected to tow bar at the rear of the vehicle

    Swivel cushions

    Step access to vehicle

    Steering wheel spinner