OFFICIALS FROM Revenue's customs service seized more than 300 vehicles, including 49 high-value cars, netting more than €3 million in taxes and penalties in 2007.
Figures obtained from Revenue show that there were 318 vehicles detained during VRT (vehicle registration tax) operations last year.
According to the customs service, "all were detained in relation to VRT offences".
"The vast majority were unregistered vehicles which were found driving on Irish roads."
VRT is a tax chargeable on the registration of a motor vehicle in the State.
All vehicles in the State other than those brought in temporarily by visitors must be registered with the Revenue Commissioners.
Officers from Revenue's customs service based at Dublin Port carry out regular VRT compliance operations in Dublin, Kildare, Meath and Wicklow.
These operations include VRT enforcement on high-value vehicles.
Last year, 223 vehicles were seized by officials from Dublin port, of which 49 were high-value cars.
These included models such as Ferrari, Bentley, Aston Martin, Porsche, BMW and Mercedes. The Revenue collected €1.25 million in VRT, VAT and penalties from these 49 vehicles, which is an average of €25,510 for each vehicle.
According to Revenue, "as a result of these seizures, several cases were referred for tax audits which, in 2007, have indicated additional significant tax yields of over €1 million".
It added: "Our aim is to maximise the Revenue value-added to every intervention that we make."
Meanwhile, officials from Rosslare port seized 11 vehicles in 2007, including four cars, three vans, an articulated lorry and a four-wheel drive vehicle.
Waterford port customs officers impounded 77 vehicles worth more than €1 million, while there were six vehicles seized at Dublin airport and one at Foynes port in Co Limerick.
Customs officers are entitled to seize a car for which VRT has not been paid. Officials have impounded vehicles on the spot and left the drivers to make their own way home.
Vehicles can, however, be returned to their owners once all taxes and fines have been paid.
Also last year, customs officers seized dozens of imported vehicles which were converted to passenger use after the owners had registered them as commercial vehicles and paid a lower rate of VRT. A number of files were sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions as a result.
Revenue has warned: "Any delay in registering your vehicle or paying the tax may make you liable to substantial penalties, including forfeiture of the vehicle and prosecution."
Anyone who brings a vehicle into Ireland from abroad must register it and pay VRT by the end of the next working day following its arrival in the State.