Guide to Penalty Points in Ireland
What You Should Know About Penalty Points in Ireland
Thinking about doing a check of your penalty points in Ireland? We’re here to help!
Penalty points are a record of offences that a driver in Ireland can receive. If you gain 12 penalty points within a 3-year period, you will be disqualified from driving. For those with a learner permit or provisional license, the threshold is even lower. The penalty points system, in place since 2002, aims to improve road safety in Ireland. Penalty points last on your record for 3 years and can significantly increase your car insurance premium.
How to Check Penalty Points in Ireland
So, you’re wondering “How can I check my penalty points in Ireland?” Well, the process is straightforward. While you can't yet check your penalty points in Ireland online, you can email or call the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) for this information.
To check your penalty points, email your full name, date of birth, and either your Driver Number or PPSN to [email protected]. Or, if you prefer to call, dial 0818 700 800 to speak to a customer service rep. Make sure you have the same information ready so they can verify your identity. Regularly performing a penalty point check helps you stay informed about your driving status in Ireland and manage your behaviour on the road. Contacting the NDLS directly will ensure you have accurate, up-to-date information.
Common Offences and Penalty Points
Check out some of the most common driving offences that can result in penalty points and fines in Ireland. According to the Road Safety Authority (RSA):
• Speeding: 3 penalty points and a fine of €160
• Holding a mobile phone while driving: 3 points and a €120 fine
• Failure to wear a seatbelt: 2 points and a €60 fine
• Dangerous overtaking: 3 points and an €80 fine
• Running a red light: 3 points and an €80 fine
• Driving without a valid NCT: 3 points and a €60 fine (also liable to have car seized by Gardaí if the NCT is too long out of date)
o Check out our guide to the NCT here!
• Driving without car insurance: Mandatory c ourt appearance, 5 penalty points on conviction, and a court fine
• Failure to stop at a stop sign/line: 3 points and an €80 fine
• Careless driving: Mandatory court appearance, 5 penalty points on conviction, and a court fine
• Driving on a cycle track: 1 point and a €60 fine
• Failure to yield right of way at a yield sign/line: 3 points and an €80 fine
• Parking in a dangerous position: 3 points and an €80 fine
• Using a vehicle with defective or worn tyres: 2 points and an €80 fine
• Learner permit holder driving unaccompanied by a full-licenced driver: 2 points and a €160 fine
• Failure to display L or N plates: 2 points and a €120 fine
These penalties highlight the gravity of traffic violations in Ireland. Practicing safe driving is crucial to preventing fines and upholding a clean driving record.
The system continues to evolve to address new road safety challenges. Staying updated with the latest information on penalty points in Ireland in 2024 is crucial for all drivers. This ensures compliance with current regulations and helps avoid unexpected penalties.
Consequences of Accumulating Penalty Points
Accumulating too many penalty points can lead to serious consequences, including driving disqualification. Full license holders face a 6-month disqualification upon reaching 12 points within 3 years, while learners or provisional licence holders have a limit of 7 points. In addition to disqualification, penalty points can increase insurance premiums and attract greater attention from law enforcement.
Impact of Penalty Points on Your Insurance
Penalty points can have a significant impact on your car insurance premiums. Insurers view penalty points as indicators of risky driving behaviour, which can lead to higher premiums. The more penalty points you have, the higher your insurance costs are likely to be. Regularly doing a penalty points check and maintaining a clean driving record in Ireland can help keep your insurance premiums low.
Regularly performing a check of your penalty points in Ireland is essential for all drivers. Staying informed about your penalty points status helps you manage your driving behaviour and avoid disqualification.
At Coverinaclick.ie, we want to ensure that all our drivers are safe on Irish roads and have access to cheaper car insurance with the best benefits. If you want great car insurance for young drivers or need more information, reach out to us today!
