Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 May 2026
245. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the development of legislation and the framework to allow the attendance to a speed awareness course to be imposed as a part of a sanction for certain road traffic offences; the timeline for introduction of such measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36856/26]
View answer246. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the development of legislation relating to graduated speeding sanctions intended to ensure a structured and proportionate approach to penalising speeding offences based on severity and risk; the expected timeline for the enactment of such legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36857/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 245 and 246 together.
The Programme for Government commitments relating to road safety include reviewing a graduated penalty points system and consideration of re-education courses as part of the sanctions available for certain road traffic offences.
These commitments are included in the Phase 2 Action Plan 2025-2027 under the Government’s Road Safety Strategy. Specifically:
Action 7.C. Develop the legislation and framework for attendance on a Speed Awareness Course being imposed as part of a sanction for certain road traffic offences; and
Action 7.D. Develop the legislation for graduated speeding sanctions, ensuring a structured and proportionate approach to penalising speed violations based on severity and risk.
The next Road Traffic Bill will include provisions to support the delivery of Action 7 and my Department is working to progress the development of this Bill. I will bring forward these proposals as soon as possible.
Currently, motorists who speed face three penalty points and a fixed charge notice (FCN) of €160, rising to €240 if not paid within 28 days. If after 56 days the motorist has not paid the FCN, the offence is referred to the courts, where the motorist may choose to accept the penalty points and pay a €320 FCN up to seven days before the court date. If the motorist chooses to go to court and is convicted of a speeding offence, they could be fined up to €1000 and receive five penalty points.
In addition, the forthcoming National Vehicle and Driver File Bill will provide additional legislative clarity around how multiple penalty points from a single incident are to be applied to serve as a stronger deterrent to dangerous driving.
