Eoin Hayes
Question:403. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Transport the measures being taken to tackle mobile phone use by drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31133/26]
View answerTuesday, 28 April 2026
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Written answers
As the Deputy will be aware my Department has responsibility for the Road Traffic Acts and associated regulations while enforcement is primarily a matter for An Garda Síochána. Under Section 3 of the Road Traffic Act 2006, it is an offence to hold a mobile phone while driving a mechanically propelled vehicle in a public place. While it is legally permissible to speak on a mobile phone via a hands-free device, S.I. No. 178/2014 clarified that it is an offence to send or read text messages and emails even if a hands-free device is in use.
If an individual is detected by An Garda Síochána holding or physically interacting with a mobile phone while driving, the penalty is a fixed charge notice of €120 if paid within 28 days and 3 penalty points. The fixed charge increases to €180 after 28 days and again to €240 if not paid within 56 days, while the number of penalty points applied to a driver's licence can increase to 5 points in the event of an unsuccessful court challenge.
The increased deployment of safety cameras in the coming years is a key action to be delivered under Action 6 of the Phase 2 Action Plan under the Road Safety Strategy. To assist An Garda Síochána, a National Safety Camera Strategy has been developed. While the development of this Strategy focussed primarily on cameras to detect speeding, red-light and bus-lane offences it has been designed to be scalable to allow for the introduction of camera-based enforcement of other road traffic offences in the future, such as mobile phone usage and non-seat belt wearing. In that regard , work is underway on the next Road Traffic Bill which will to advance Programme for Government commitments including in relation to camera enforcement of mobile phone use while driving.
Tackling dangerous driving behaviours such as mobile phone use also comes down to education and driver awareness. There has been a significant increase in spending on public awareness, communications and education campaigns by the RSA. In 2026 the RSA has again ringfenced funding of €18 million for awareness, education and promotional campaigns, which matches the funding level from 2025. In addition, the RSA Road Safety Matters transition year programme which is currently being rolled out includes key units focusing on distracted driving including mobile phone use as well as on alcohol, drugs, and the use of seatbelts.