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Penalty points tougher from today

People taking to the roads over the bank holiday weekend are being warned a number of traffic off...
Newstalk
Newstalk

07.03 1 Aug 2014


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Penalty points tougher from to...

Penalty points tougher from today

Newstalk
Newstalk

07.03 1 Aug 2014


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People taking to the roads over the bank holiday weekend are being warned a number of traffic offences carry tougher penalty points from today.

It means that from now on, anyone caught breaking a speed limit, using a mobile phone while driving, or not wearing a seat belt will get three penalty points instead of two.

People who are brought to court for not paying those fines will then be given five penalty points instead of four.

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Other rules kicking in today also mean newly-qualified drivers will have to display a new 'N' plate on their car for two years, to show they are a 'Novice' driver.

Under the terms of the Act, Novices will face disqualification from driving for six months if they reach seven penalty points, as opposed to the current twelve.

The seven-point limit will also apply to people who get their first learner permit from today.

A person who is already a learner will remain on the twelve-point limit while they are a learner and when they become a Novice. Likewise, a person already in their first two years of a full licence before 1st August will not be required to display an N-plate and will not be subject to the seven-point limit.

Novice drivers, like learners, will be subject to lower alcohol limits. 

Ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend, the Transport Minister Paschal Donohoe said, "These new measures will put road safety at the top of people’s minds and, I hope, bring about a greater culture of compliance with our life-saving rules of the roads."


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