Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 September 2017
609. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department has considered the confiscation of vehicles with learner plates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39226/17]
View answerI understand that the question relates to circumstances where a learner driver is not accompanied by a qualified driver.
Learner drivers are issued with learner permits subject to certain conditions, one of which is having an accompanying qualified driver. The permit is not a licence, but a permit to drive while learning, and learners must be accompanied by a qualified driver in order to be covered by the terms of their permits.
When a learner driver is identified driving unaccompanied, they receive in the first instance a fixed charge notice with a charge of €80. This places the offence in the highest bracket for fixed charges. If they do not pay the fixed charge and are subsequently convicted in court they face a fine of up to €1,000 for a first offence, €2,000 for a second or subsequent offence, and €2,000 and/or up to three months in prison for a third or subsequent offence within a twelve month period. They will also receive 2 penalty points on payment of a fixed charge or 4 on conviction in court.
I have no plans at present to allow An Garda Síochána to seize vehicles driven by unaccompanied learners, but I remain open to considering any measures which will improve road safety.
