The Government has just announced that the fine for drink driving is to be increased from €500 to €1,000. The amount of alcohol set as the limit has not been changed, nor the number of points lost from the licence – i.e. a minimum of 4. The legal limits are strict: 0.5 grams of alcohol per litre of blood = 0.25 mg per litre of exhaled air (0.15 for new drivers, or drivers of commercial or special vehicles). Anyone who is over 0.60 mg faces three to six months in prison and a ban of up to four years.
In the same law, radar detectors have been outlawed: drivers who use them face losing 3 points from their licence and a fine of €200. As far as children are concerned, the law now requires those under three years of age to be seated in the rear in a child car seat; those between three and twelve years of age to be seated in child restraint, whether in front or rear seats; those of any age who are under 135 cm in height to travel in a child seat.
For young cyclists, those under 18 must now wear a safety helmet regardless of where they’re cycling. Previously youngsters were only required to wear a helmet on urban roads. Despite pressure groups requesting for legislation requiring adults to wear safety helmets, this has not been included in the law.
These new rules will come into force towards the end of the year when the new legislation is approved.
JA
