Slow down and be more responsible on the road lads or it's going to cost you...
Today is the first day of the new stricter penalty point system for people driving in Ireland. The Road Safety Authority's new initiative means 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. You'll still be hit with a fine but if you fail to pay it, you'll be brought to court and will be given five penalty points instead of four.
There are a number of other rules also kicking in today. If you're a newly qualified driver, you'll have to display a new N-plate on your car which will let people know you're a Novice driver. Novice drivers will be banned from driving for six months if they rack up seven penalty points, the old rule was disqualification after 12 points.
A person who is already a learner will remain on the 12-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 will not be required to display an N-plate and will not be subject to the new limit.
