Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2026
362. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the last time a review was carried out of the appeal mechanism for the penalty points system for road traffic offences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11653/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State with responsibility for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that there is no specific statutory penalty points appeals procedure provided for in the Road Traffic Acts. On that basis, I cannot point the Deputy to any previous review as there is no appeals mechanism to review.
A driver can, in very limited and exceptional circumstances such as the theft of a vehicle, a verified detection error or a genuine medical emergency, apply to An Garda Síochána for the cancellation of a fixed charge and, by extension, any penalty points associated with that charge. A driver who cannot provide sufficient grounds for such a cancellation has the option of refusing to pay the fixed charge and arguing their case in the District Court.
My Department is of the view that the cancellation procedure and the option of going to court provide adequate recourse to drivers who feel they have been unfairly issued with penalty points, and does not consider the introduction of an additional statutory appeals mechanism to be necessary at this time.
