Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2026
324. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the sections of the Road Traffic Act 2023 that have not been implemented/commenced to date; the reason for the delays; the regulations that have yet to be brought in; and proposed date for commencement.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9126/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 was signed into law by the President on the 23 June 2023. It is a large piece of legislation consisting of 59 sections which cover a multitude of topics.
To date there have been 10 Commencement Orders, covering a range of issues such as BusConnects, dangerous driving, the antisocial use of scramblers, road infrastructure, provisions relating to the Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland (MIBI), allowing insurers to access endorsements on driving licences, and provisions for e-scooters and e-bikes.
This means that 48 sections of the Act are now fully commenced and 11 sections are either partially commenced or are awaiting commencement. My Department is liaising with relevant stakeholders on the remaining sections which includes provisions relating to autonomous vehicles, MIBI, driving instruction, fixed charge notices, breath tests, N-Plate details, use of cameras, and motor tax. Work is ongoing to bring these provisions into effect and any necessary regulations will be drafted once the powers are commenced.
The Deputy may wish to note that I intend to introduce regulations in the coming weeks under section 11(b) of the Act, which was commenced by Statutory Instrument 392/2023, to implement a total ban on all scrambler use in any public place. These regulations will further enhance the enforcement powers of An Garda Síochána in relation to the antisocial use of scramblers and close any cases where scrambler use may previously have been legal outside of appropriate off-road settings.
