Northern Ireland is facing the prospect of new car shortages and higher motoring taxes as post-Brexit provisions under the Windsor Framework come into force at the start of 2026, triggering concern across the automotive sector.
From January 1, all new cars sold and registered in Northern Ireland will have to comply with European Union vehicle standards rather than those applied in Great Britain. Dealers warn that many British-specification models currently sold in Northern Ireland will no longer be eligible, creating the risk of significant gaps in showroom availability and, in some cases, the complete withdrawal of certain models.
EU vehicle rules typically require additional safety features, such as mandatory speed-limit alerts and steering-wheel lane-assist systems, which are not standard across all UK-market cars. Manufacturers have been slow to adapt British models to meet EU requirements, leaving Northern Irish dealers exposed just weeks before the rules take effect.
The changes will also affect company car drivers. Benefit-in-kind tax for vehicles registered in Northern Ireland will be calculated under EU rules, meaning plug-in hybrid company cars will attract higher tax bills than identical vehicles registered elsewhere in the UK. Industry figures say this divergence risks distorting fleet purchasing decisions and making Northern Ireland a less attractive base for employers.
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