Thomas Gould
Question:665. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the legislation in place governing the sale of cars to underage drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12761/20]
View answerDáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 June 2020
665. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the legislation in place governing the sale of cars to underage drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12761/20]
View answer666. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the legislation in place governing the sale of cars to unlicensed drivers or drivers in possession of learner permits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12762/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 665 and 666 together.
In accordance with Section 30 of the Road Traffic Act 2004, it is illegal to supply a mechanically propelled vehicle to a to a person who is under the age of 16 years. Furthermore, it is illegal to supply a mechanically propelled vehicle to a person who has attained the age of 16 but is under the age of 17, other than a vehicle in respect of which the person is entitled to hold a driving licence to drive from the age of 16.
Once they reach the minimum age requirements for the respective driver licence category, there is nothing wrong with a person who is unlicensed buying/owning a car, as long as they do not drive it. For example an elderly person might own a car which someone else drives for them. Likewise there is nothing wrong with a learner driver owning a car, provided they do not drive it unaccompanied.