If you're a taxi driver in Ireland, getting your taximeter verified by Legal Metrology is not optional β it's a legal requirement. Without a valid verification seal from Applus, you cannot legally operate your taxi. Yet many drivers find the process confusing, especially when changing to a new meter or when a new national tariff is introduced by the NTA.
This guide explains exactly how taxi meter verification works in Ireland, who carries it out, how to book, and how Pulsar Europe makes the whole process straightforward.
What is Applus Taxi Meter Verification?
Applus is the authorised verifier appointed by the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) to verify taximeters on behalf of Legal Metrology. Verification confirms that your taxi meter is accurately measuring distance and time, and that it has been programmed with the correct NTA-approved national tariff.
Without a valid Applus verification seal, your meter is not legally approved for use in an Irish taxi. GardaΓ and NTA enforcement officers can and do check verification seals during roadside inspections. An out-of-date or missing seal can result in a fine and your taxi licence being put at risk β it's not worth the gamble.
Every time a new NTA fare tariff is programmed into your taximeter, Irish law requires the meter to be re-verified by the Legal Metrology Service. This isn't a one-off process β it applies each time the tariff changes. Pulsar Europe handles all TTI documentation and can walk you through the booking process every time.
When Do You Need Verification?
You need an Applus taxi meter verification in Ireland in four main situations: when you fit a brand new taximeter; when your existing meter's verification has expired (verification must be renewed periodically); when a new national tariff is introduced by the NTA and your meter is reprogrammed; and if your meter is damaged, tampered with, or replaced for any reason.
If you're unsure whether your current verification is still valid, check the physical verification seal on your meter. It will carry a date stamp. If you've recently had your meter reprogrammed for a new tariff and haven't been back to Applus since, you are most likely operating without valid verification β get it sorted as soon as possible.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Meter Verified
Your taximeter must first be programmed with the current NTA-approved fare tariff by a qualified installer. If you buy your ATA meter from Pulsar Europe, this is done before the meter leaves us β you receive it ready for the road. If you already have a meter and need it reprogrammed for a new tariff, contact us and we'll arrange that through our nationwide installer network.
Once your installer has programmed the meter, they will provide you with a Taximeter Trader Information (TTI) form by email. This is a formal document confirming that the meter has been correctly programmed. Keep this β you cannot book your Applus appointment without it. At Pulsar Europe, we generate and send the TTI form to you directly as part of our standard service.
Visit legalmetrology.ie to book your verification online, or call the Applus booking line on 01 413 5951. Verification appointments are available at testing centres around the country. Slots can fill up quickly β especially in the weeks following a new national tariff introduction β so book as early as you can. Pulsar Europe can advise you on wait times and the nearest available testing centre.
Bring your vehicle and your TTI form to the verification appointment. Applus will test your meter against a calibrated reference to confirm it's measuring correctly, and verify that it's running the correct NTA tariff. The whole appointment typically takes 30β45 minutes. Once passed, your meter receives its verification seal and you're road-legal.
What Does Verification Cost?
The Applus verification fee is set by the NSAI and applies per meter. The fee is relatively modest and is a fixed cost regardless of which approved taximeter type you bring. For the most up-to-date fee schedule, check legalmetrology.ie or call the Applus booking line. Pulsar Europe can also confirm current fees when you contact us about a new meter or reprogram.
How Pulsar Europe Helps
At Pulsar Europe, we don't just sell you a meter and leave you to figure the rest out. Getting road-legal is part of the service. Every ATA taximeter we supply is pre-programmed with the current Irish national tariff before it leaves us. We generate your TTI form and send it to you by email the same day. Our team can walk you through the Applus booking process over the phone, and our nationwide network of qualified installers is on hand if you need a professional fitting.
Whether you're fitting your first meter, upgrading from an older unit, or just need to get reprogrammed for the latest NTA tariff, call us on +353 87 283 5120 β getting road-legal is simpler than you think.
ATA Meters Available from Pulsar Europe
All ATA taximeters supplied by Pulsar Europe are NTA type-approved and come pre-programmed with the current Irish national tariff. Our range includes the PRIMUS RS-01 mirror-mount meter (Ireland's best-selling taximeter), the PRIMUS S-01 dashboard meter, the PRIMUS MIRROR five-button mirror meter, and the classic GLEIKE. All carry a 3-year manufacturer's warranty and are rated for up to 15 years of operational use.
Pulsar Europe also offers flexible payment options to help spread the cost of your equipment β ask us about this when you call.