Gardaí issued a FCPN (Fixed Charge Penalty Notice) to a learner driver, which they found behind the wheel of a jeep last week.
Gardaí in Enniscorthy seized the Toyota Land Cruiser after bringing it to a halt on November 19th, 2021, as part of Operation Teorainn.
Officers detected multiple road traffic-related offences.
Jeep seized
In a statement on November 20th, 2021, a spokesperson for Wexford Garda Division said:
“Operation Teorainn Gardaí in Enniscorthy stopped this vehicle last night. The driver was driving on a learner permit and was also unaccompanied.”
“There was a child in the rear of this commercial vehicle which had no seats in the rear.”
“The child had no seat and no safety belt. The vehicle was also never taxed since registration in January.”
“Vehicle seized under Section 41 of the Road Traffic Act. Prosecution to follow by way of FCPN.”
Gardaí sent a timely message to motorists, urging them to “never ever put anyone at risk during your journey”.
“Please always ensure all passengers have and use safety belts,” the Garda spokesperson concluded.
Offences:
According to the RSA, it is against the law to drive unaccompanied on a learner permit. Penalties may apply if convicted of driving unaccompanied or if you allow an unaccompanied learner driver to drive your vehicle.
The authority states that if you are an unaccompanied learner driver and the vehicle owner, you are liable to have your vehicle impounded.
If you are an unaccompanied learner driver but not the vehicle owner, the owner faces their vehicle being impounded and being fined up to €1,000.
This is in addition to the penalty points and fines which can apply to unaccompanied learner drivers: up to four penalty points and a fine up to €120.
Furthermore, it is an offence to drive an untaxed vehicle, as it driving without displaying a current tax disc.
According to CitizensInformation.ie, if you drive without a seatbelt or allow children under 17 years to travel in your car without a seatbelt, you will incur a fixed charge fine of €60.
“You must pay this fine within 28 days, or face an increased fine of €90 payable within 56 days of the offence. Three penalty points will be added to your licence if you pay the fine on time.”
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