Today, Tuesday May 25th, sees the introduction ‘with vigour’ of the new Traffic Act with changes made to facilitate, amongst other things, speedier collection and payment of fines.
- A 50% discount if the offender pays the fine within 20 days after notification. The percentage was formerly30%. This Express Checkout eliminates the right to appeal.
- The number of offences whereby licence points are deducted is reduced from 27 to 20. No points will be lost for speeding offences up to 151 kph on motorways or dual carriageways where the speed limit is variable upon entry to a major city.
- Fines based on severity of the infraction. €100 for minor, €200 for serious and €500 for very serious offences. These can be increased by up to 30% based upon the danger or potential created by the offender through committing the offence.
- Four ‘blue zone’ infractions will result in a vehicle being towed away.
- Radar detectors are illegal and offenders face a €6,000 fine and the immobilisation of their vehicle. Electronic navigators (GPS etc) are permitted and these may show the placement of fixed radar controls.
- Money from fines will be used to compensate accident victims, improve road conditions, signposting and generally improving road safety.
- Licences cannot be withdrawn through administrative procedures, only by the loss of points or by order of a judge.
- The owner of the vehicle is responsible for any offences committed through the use of that vehicle.
- Cycling at night without suitable lighting or markings is a €100 fine and safety helmets are compulsory.
- Newly classified as ‘serious offences’ are: programming or manipulating electronic navigators while the vehicle is in motion, having illegible documentation, parking in spaces reserved for the disabled and allowing a person without a licence to drive the vehicle.
- ITV stations require the production of valid insurance papers before a certificate can be issued.
- Fines will be notified, wherever possible, via email.