The EU Parking Permit must be renewed every two years.  An out of date parking permit is invalid and has no entitlements. Parking penalties then apply. The Road Traffic Act 2002 empowers the Minister for Transport to apply a fixed charge system to breaches of road traffic law and from 3 April 2006 the offence of illegally parking in a disabled person’s parking bay was brought within the remit of this enforcement regime.  Where illegal parking in a disabled person’s bay is detected, a member of An Garda Siochána or a traffic warden employed by a local authority can issue a Fixed Charge Notice.  The person liable to be prosecuted for the offence has the option, in lieu of going to court, of making a fixed charge payment in the amount of €150.

The Parking Permit must only be used by the person to whom it is issued. The vehicle on which it is displayed must be parked to facilitate access by the holder, whose name and photograph are displayed on the card. Any abuse / misuse will result in its immediate withdrawal. The above illegal parking penalties will also apply. In addition, those found guilty of fraud in relation to a parking permit (e.g. false declaration at the time of application, forgery of permits, the lending of a permit to another person) are liable on conviction to a maximum fine of €3,000 or a maximum term of 6 months imprisonment.