The latest changes to the Road Traffic No 2 Act 2013 were enacted in the Seanad yesterday. Here's what to expect..
Penalty points for using a mobile phone will rise from two to three, and that there will also be roadside impairment test to check for drug driving.
There will also be higher penalty points for speeding, and not wearing seatbelts; and the act allows “unconscious drivers” to be tested for intoxication.
Roadside impairment testing, where Gardaí can carry out cognitive tests to establish if a driver is under the influence of an intoxicant. The result of the test can be used if a prosecution proceeds.
A new Road Traffic offence of tampering with an odometer (clocking) with a penalty of €2,500 and/or three months in prison.
There will be tougher penalties for involvement in a hit and run accident:
When a person flees the scene, with intent to escape liability, and does not offer assistance, knowing injury has been caused, €10,000 and/or seven years
Where death results, €20,000 and/or 10 years.
The act changes the level of penalty points for several offences, and these changes will come into effect when the Garda Pulse system is next updated.
Speeding will now attract three points on payment of fixed charge and five on conviction (previously two and four);
Mobile phone use will now attract three points on payment of fixed charge and five on conviction (previously two and two);
Non-wearing of seatbelts will now attract three points on payment of fixed charge and 5 on conviction (previously two and four);
Other offences such as non-display of an NCT certificate, which at present involve a Court appearance, will attract 2 points on payment of fixed charge.
When it comes to taking a blood specimen in hospital from a driver incapacitated following a road traffic collision, the new laws specify:
The permission of the treating doctor will be required before the specimen can be taken and the results of the analysis will be revealed only when the driver can, subsequently, give permission.
There will also be a new ‘novice’ driving licence, for the first two years of a first licence. Novices will be required to display an ‘N’ plate.
The disqualifying level for novice and learner drivers will be set at seven penalty points, just over half the level for other drivers.
Plus, learner drivers will have to produce a log book indicating that they have taken a minimum of accompanied driving experience before taking a driving test.
This is as well as the 12 formal lessons with approved driving instructors that are already required of them.
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Originally Posted by Ketron
