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 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. 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 up to 3,500kg
New charge: €250 for detention, removal and the first day’s storage, plus €70 for each additional day.
Scramblers 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 seized by An Garda Síochána and send a clear message that illegal and dangerous scrambler 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 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 has been detained, removed and stored by An Garda Síochána in accordance with the legislation. The revised charges will apply from 14 August 2026.
