All you need to know about the changes.
The Road Traffic (Amendment ) Bill 2017 has passed through the Oireachtas after senators voted in favour of the legislation.
The new laws will see the introduction of an automatic driving ban for first-time offenders, including those detected at the lowest limit. Stricter penalties on drink-drivers have also been introduced and it will now be an offence for car owners to allow a learner to drive their car unaccompanied without a qualified driver.
Liz O’Donnell, Chairperson of the Road Safety Authority, has welcomed these changes and feels that its “passing reflects a long standing commitment by the vast majority of public representatives to support laws that improve road safety.”
She adds: “Enforcement statistics for the first six months of 2018 showed in excess of 4000 motorists arrested for driving under the influence. These numbers show that despite some improvement in driver behaviour over the years, there remains a stubborn cohort of people to continue with high risk behaviour, endangering themselves and other road users.I would appeal to road users to be especially careful on the roads over these summer months and help us reduce road traffic fatalities and serious injuries.”
The new laws will come into place after the bill is signed by President Higgins.
The Seanad has now adjourned for its summer break and it is due to return on Wednesday 19 September.
With the passage of the Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill 2017 into law, the Seanad is now on recess for the summer. We would like to wish you all a wonderful, and peaceful break. pic.twitter.com/jInfpZqxxa
— Seanad CEG (@SeanadCEG) July 17, 2018
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
