Trailer licence plate regulations

THERE are strict rules in place regarding the format, dimensions and technical specifications of vehicle registration plates that are displayed on vehicles in Ireland. Failure to have a vehicle licence plate that conforms to the standards will result in a fine. The exact rules regarding the special format of vehicle registration plates are set down in Irish law under the (SI 318/92 Vehicle Registration and Taxation Regulations 1992 as amended. This law outlines the format, dimensions and technical specifications that must be displayed on registered vehicles in Ireland.

The main requirements of the rules about the format of vehicle registration plates are:

  • The registration number consisting of numbers and letters must be in black on a white reflective background.
  • The name of the county of registration must be in Irish, (examples are Baile Átha Cliath, Corcaigh, etc.)
  • The flag of the EU and the letters “IRL” must be placed on the left-hand side of the plate, the flag comprising 12 gold stars in a circle, the letters in white beneath it, all on a blue reflective background. No other numbers, letters, marks, etc., should appear on your registration plate.

    • Since January 2013 each year has two registration periods. The sequence takes the form of a separate three-digit year identifier for the first and second six-month periods of the year, for example, 151 and 152 respectively.

    NOTE: Vehicle registration plates must be affixed to the front and back of your vehicle and clearly visible at all times. In situations where you are towing a trailer, caravan, etc., a duplicate of the registration plate must be affixed to the back of the trailer, caravan, etc.

    Spotting loose shoes

    EVERY four to six weeks your horse requires a new set of shoes, or must have old shoes removed and replaced.

    The time interval between shoeing depends on the growth rate of your horses hooves and how he wears his shoes.

    Hunters, racehorses and horses that do a lot of roadwork may need new shoes every four weeks.

    Five signs that your horse requires re-shoeing

    1. Your horse has lost a shoe or has a loose shoe.

    2. The shoes are thin all over or worn in one particular part.

    3. The clenches have risen.

    4. The hoof is beginning to grow over the shoe. Allowing the hoof to continue growing over the shoe will result in the heel of the shoes pressing into the seat of corn.

    5. The wall of the foot has grown and the foot is now unbalanced.