Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2026
311. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport whether additional legislative reform, funding allocations or policy measures are planned to strengthen enforcement tools and deterrent provisions relating to the unlawful use of mechanically propelled vehicles in public spaces [14606/26]
View answerThere are significant enforcement powers for An Garda Síochána in road traffic legislation relating to the unlawful use and supply of mechanically propelled vehicles.
Under the Road Traffic Act 1961, mechanically propelled vehicles can only be legally driven on public roads if they are registered and have a registration plate. In the absence of registration, a vehicle cannot be taxed. Exercising powers made by regulation under section 41 of the Road Traffic Act 1994, An Garda Síochána has the power to seize mechanically propelled vehicles being driven on public roads that have not been taxed or lack insurance, or where the driver does not hold the relevant driving licence.
It is an offence to drive a vehicle dangerously in any place under section 53 of the Road Traffic Act 1961, as amended. Under section 109A of the 1961 Act, a member of An Garda Síochána has the power to seize a vehicle that, in the member’s reasonable belief, is being, has been, or will be driven dangerously.
Section 30 of the Road Traffic Act 2004 prohibits the supply of mechanically propelled vehicles to persons under the age of 16. Under this section, ‘supply’ includes sale, gifting or otherwise making the vehicle available to a person.
I intend to introduce regulations as a matter of urgency to further prohibit the use of mechanically propelled vehicles such as scramblers in any public place. It is intended that these regulations will bring additional legal clarity and close any cases where scrambler use may previously have been legal outside of appropriate off-road settings.
I also propose to impose greater financial penalties on seized vehicles to reduce the number that re-enter circulation. These new measures will strengthen the existing enforcement powers that An Garda Síochána has in relation to the dangerous use of scramblers and powers of seizure.
