Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has signed new regulations that will double the charges payable by owners of scramblers and other mechanically propelled vehicles (MPVs) seized and detained by An Garda Síochána.
The new regulations, which come into effect on 14 August 2026, double the charges for the detention, removal and storage of scramblers and MPVs. The revised fees are intended to better reflect the costs involved in removing and storing detained scramblers while strengthening the deterrent against illegal and dangerous scrambler use.
Under the new charges:
- Scramblers and MPVs up to 3,500kg
- New charge: €250 for detention, removal and the first day’s storage, plus €70 for each additional day.
- MPVS over 3,500kg
- New charge: €500 for detention, removal and the first day’s storage, plus €100 for each additional day.
Minister Canney said: “These regulations double the charges for scramblers and MPVs seized by An Garda Síochána and send a clear message that illegal and dangerous scrambler and vehicle 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 and vehicles 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.”
The regulations amend the Road Traffic Act 1994 (Detention of Vehicles) Regulations 2011 by increasing the charges payable where a scrambler and other MPVs have been detained, removed and stored by An Garda Síochána in accordance with the legislation. The revised charges will apply from 14 August 2026.
