The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport introduced changes to the penalty points system on the 8th December 2014 under the Road Traffic Act 2014.
The changes see the introduction of 14 new penalty point offences
Among the new offences are:
- Learner permit holder driving unaccompanied by qualified person
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- Offence under section 4 of the Road Traffic Act 2014 – Failure to display N Plate or N tabard
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- Contravention of ban on U-turns
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- Failure to display L-Plate or L tabard
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- Contravention of rules for use of mini roundabouts
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- Proceeding beyond no entry to vehicles sign
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- Proceeding beyond maximum vehicle length sign where length exceeds maximum displayed
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- Proceeding beyond maximum vehicle width sign where width exceeds maximum displayed
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- Proceeding beyond maximum design gross vehicle weight (safety) sign where design gross vehicle weight exceeds maximum displayed
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- Proceeding beyond maximum vehicle axle loading weight sign where vehicle axle loading weight exceeds maximum specified
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- Proceeding beyond a traffic lane control sign other than in accordance with such sign or without yielding
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- Using vehicle in a public place without an authorisation plate
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- Using vehicle not equipped with a speed limitation device or using a vehicle equipped with a speed limitation device not complying with requirements specified in Regulations
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- Using vehicle in a public place that has been modified or altered such that authorisation plate is inaccurate
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There has also been an increase in the number of penalty points attracted by existing penalty point offences.
It is also important to note that where an individual first applies for a driving permit after 1 August 2014 and in the event that that the individual acquires 7 penalty points in the period while driving under a learner permit and the 2 years subsequent to that then and in that event the individual is facing a six month disqualification period.
For a full list of the changes see www.rsa.ie/Licensed Drivers/PenaltyPoints/Types of Offences
