Motorists now face significantly higher charges when reclaiming vehicles seized by An Garda Síochána, including scrambler bikes.
Under the revised fees, introduced on 14 August, the charge for the first day of storage has doubled from €125 to €250. Each additional day will cost €70, up from €35.
For vehicles weighing more than 3,500kg, typically heavy goods vehicles, the initial charge has risen from €250 to €500. The daily fee thereafter has increased from €50 to €100.
E-scooters are not covered by these revised charges.
Minister of State at the Department of Transport Mr Seán Canney said vehicle owners should bear the expense associated with removing and storing seized vehicles. He added that the higher fees more accurately reflect those costs while providing a stronger deterrent against road traffic offences.
Ms Susan Gray of road-safety campaign group PARC welcomed the increases, noting that the charges had remained unchanged since 2011.
Ms Gray said the previous €125 fee had failed to discourage some offenders, particularly inexperienced learner drivers travelling without an accompanying qualified driver, who were often able to reclaim their cars and return to the road the next day.
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