Road Traffic Offences

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 July 2013

Tuesday, 16 July 2013

Questions (1212)

Andrew Doyle

Question:

1212. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will outline the different blood alcohol levels and concentrations for drinking under the influence of alcohol here that are provided in the Road Traffic Acts, that is, policed by An Garda Síochána, as a measure to reduce fatalities and improve safety on the roads; the differences for public service vehicle drivers and normal drivers of vehicles; the measurements and limits that are in place when a person driving a private vehicle who is stopped at an authorised mandatory alcohol testing checkpoint and does not have a driving licence on his person; if he will detail in these circumstances if they are tested as a public service vehicle driver or a normal driver during a mandatory alcohol test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35447/13]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

Sections 4 and 5 of the Road Traffic Act 2010 set out the different blood-alcohol levels for drivers, along with the equivalent levels in breath and urine. Learner permit holders and drivers holding their first driving licence within 2 years of the date of its issue, along with drivers of public service vehicles, while such vehicles are being used in the course of business and those drivers who cannot produce their driving licence to gardaí at the roadside, are all classed as "specified drivers" and are tested at the lower 20 milligrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood level.