Truck VRT Calculator Ireland

Truck Vehicle VRT Calculator helps haulage companies, logistics operators, and import agents estimate Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) for heavy trucks, articulated lorries, and commercial HGVs in Ireland. Trucks are taxed differently from cars and vans — often by weight class or via flat-rate charges rather than CO₂ bands. This page outlines how Revenue applies VRT to trucks, how N-categories differ, and when exemptions or special reliefs may apply.

Open Truck VRT Calculator

Use the calculator below to estimate your truck’s VRT quickly. Final liability is confirmed by Revenue at registration.

Truck Vehicle VRT Calculator

Quick estimate for trucks/HGVs and light goods vehicles. Results are indicative only; final liability is confirmed by NCTS/Revenue.

N1 typically maps to Category B; N2/N3 typically map to Category C.

VRT Category

*If eligible, reliefs may apply at registration (evidence required).

If applicable; added to VRT for some vehicles.

Route doesn’t change VRT math but may affect customs/VAT before registration.

Estimate

Category
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Base VRT
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NOx Levy
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Total VRT (indicative)
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Enter OMSP & CO₂ for Category B (CO₂ method). For Category C (HGVs), a flat charge applies.

Disclaimer: Guidance only. Rates/rules can change; special cases may require OMSP valuation. Confirm at registration with Revenue/NCTS.

How VRT is Applied to Trucks in Ireland

Understand the Category C flat-charge approach vs Category B CO₂/OMSP rules.

Truck-specific approach vs cars/vans

  • Trucks (HGVs): Many HGVs fall into VRT Category C and are generally charged a flat amount on registration rather than a percentage of value.
  • Light goods vehicles (vans, some light trucks): Often Category B. VRT is assessed by reference to CO₂-based bands applied to the vehicle’s OMSP (Open Market Selling Price).
  • Cars (M1): Category A with CO₂ banded rates applied to OMSP (separate from trucks/HGVs).

EU type-approval & weight classes

  • N1 / N2 / N3: Light (≤3.5t), medium (>3.5t–≤12t), and heavy (>12t) goods vehicles. Many N2/N3 trucks are assessed under Category C rules.
  • OMSP edge cases: Crew cabs, chassis-cab with body conversions, or unusual body types may require valuation on OMSP to determine the charge.
  • Special-use HGVs: Certain vehicles (e.g., recovery trucks, mobile cranes, road sweepers) may follow specific guidance or qualify for reliefs depending on exclusive use.

Note: Agricultural vehicles and other qualifying special-purpose trucks can receive reduced rates or reliefs when eligibility is proven at registration. Rules evolve over time, so always confirm current criteria.

Import Scenarios & Worked Examples

Example 1: 2018 Scania articulated truck imported from the UK

  • Profile: N3 HGV tractor unit (artic), commercial use, post-Brexit import.
  • Customs & VAT: UK imports generally require customs clearance before VRT; duty/VAT may apply depending on origin and documentation.
  • VRT category: Typically Category C for HGVs. Where Category C applies, a flat charge is generally due at registration.
  • OMSP: If configuration/conversion triggers valuation, Revenue may reference OMSP; otherwise the flat approach applies.
  • Outcome: Calculate customs/VAT first (if due), then apply the Category C VRT at registration.

Example 2: Light commercial truck from the EU (flat-rate applied)

  • Profile: Single-cab rigid, heavier than typical vans; no customs for intra-EU movement.
  • Assessment: If weight/type places it as an HGV (e.g., N2) and it meets Category C criteria, a flat registration charge applies.
  • If classified as N1: It may instead be Category B, where VRT is calculated by reference to the CO₂ band applied to the OMSP.
  • Outcome: Check the registration category (N1 vs N2/N3). The calculator will show a flat-rate scenario for Category C or a CO₂/OMSP scenario for Category B.

Example 3: Agricultural-use vehicle qualifying for reduced rates

  • Profile: Truck registered and used exclusively for eligible agricultural purposes.
  • Evidence: Provide documentation (proof of exclusive use, body type/specification, business activity) during inspection/registration.
  • Assessment: Where conditions are met, reduced rates or reliefs can apply in line with Revenue guidance for special-purpose vehicles.
  • Outcome: Use the calculator’s “agricultural/special use” option to see an indicative figure and prepare supporting documents for Revenue verification.

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Truck VRT — FAQs

How much VRT do I pay on a truck in Ireland?

Heavy trucks (typically N2/N3) often fall under Category C with a flat registration charge, whereas light goods vehicles (many N1) are assessed by reference to CO₂ bands applied to OMSP under Category B. The calculator provides an estimate; the NCTS/Revenue confirm the final amount.

Are HGVs taxed differently than vans?

Yes. Most HGVs use the Category C approach (flat charge). Vans and some light trucks are Category B and are calculated by reference to CO₂ bands on OMSP. Cars are Category A with separate CO₂ tables.

Do agricultural trucks pay VRT?

Vehicles used exclusively for eligible agricultural or special-purpose activities may qualify for reduced rates or reliefs. Evidence of exclusive use is required and is reviewed at registration.

What documents are required to register an imported truck?

Expect to provide ID/address, foreign registration document, purchase invoice, customs clearance (if applicable), and any paperwork supporting special-use reliefs. NCTS will inspect the vehicle and record technical data.

Do UK-imported trucks pay customs duty and VRT?

Most UK imports require customs processing first. Depending on origin and documentation, customs duty and VAT may apply. After customs, VRT is assessed at registration.

Is there VRT relief for electric or hybrid trucks?

There are provisions for commercial EVs/low-emission vehicles where qualifying criteria are met (including weight and specification thresholds). Always verify current rules before import or conversion.