Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 May 2026
439. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration for information on the implementation of Grace's Law; the number of arrests made, prosecutions pending and convictions under the new legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40925/26]
View answerOn 1 April the Road Traffic (Control of Certain Vehicles) Regulations 2026, known as Grace's Law, were signed into law by my colleague Darragh O'Brien TD, the Minister for Transport, who has responsibility for road traffic legislation and policy. The regulations implement an explicit ban on scrambler use in any public place.
The regulations prohibit the use of an off-road motorcycle, such as a scrambler or a quadbike, in any place, except on private land with the written consent of the landowner or use by the landowner. They impose a requirement of consent where restricted vehicles are used on private land, and will make enforcement easier. The mere use of scramblers is now explicitly an offence, assisting An Garda Síochána operationally by ensuring that members no longer have to form a reasonable belief about dangerous use of the vehicle.
Gardaí have significant legislative powers to combat the antisocial and dangerous misuse of scramblers, quad bikes, e-scooters and other such vehicles including under the Road Traffic Act 1961, the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997, and the Criminal Law Act 1997 and the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023. I am assured that An Garda Síochána continues to adopt a proactive approach in addressing the illegal use of scramblers, quads, e-bikes and e-scooters.
Further to the regulations that introduced a ban on the use of scramblers in public places, it should be noted that the ban has only been in effect since the beginning April and as such the number of arrests, prosecutions and convictions made under this legislation are not yet available. Tackling dangerous driver behaviours and promoting compliance with road traffic laws will continue to be addressed through road safety education and public awareness campaigns and the enforcement of road traffic laws.
