Gardaí brought a tractor driver to a halt in Co Laois earlier this afternoon (Wednesday, July 14th, 2021).
Laois Roads Policing Unit issued a Fixed Charge Penalty Notice to the driver of the agricultural vehicle.
Tractor driver on phone
In a post on social media, a spokesperson for Garda Síochána Laois/Offaly, said:
“Laois Roads Policing Unit on patrol today in south Laois stopped a learner permit holder who was driving a tractor and towing farm machinery while holding a mobile phone. Fixed Charge Notice issued to the driver.”
Mobile phones and driving
According to the RSA (Road Safety Authority of Ireland), you can only use your mobile when you are driving if you are phoning 999 or 112, or in an emergency.
It is an offence to hold a mobile phone in your hand or support it with another part of your body. For example, between your head and shoulder, when you are driving.
Also, since April 2014, it is illegal to send or read a text message on a mobile phone while driving. If Gardaí charge you with a mobile and driving offence, you will get a fixed charged notice of €60.
Furthermore, if you pay the fixed charge, you will get three penalty points. If you choose not to pay the fixed charge and are then convicted in court, you will get five penalty points and a fine of up to €2,000.
Gardaí stop jeep and trailer
Earlier this month, Gardaí stopped a jeep and trailer in Co Kilkenny.
Kilkenny Roads Policing stopped the jeep and trailer as the driver was on their mobile phone and not wearing a seat belt.
However, Gardaí discovered numerous other road traffic-related offences including no tax for 3,319 days and utilising green diesel. The driver is set to appear in court.
Gardaí seize €34m worth of cocaine disguised as coal
Meanwhile, Gardaí have seized €34m worth of cocaine disguised as coal.
An Garda Síochána took possession of two shipping containers that arrived a number of weeks ago at Rotterdam Port.
GNDOCB believe an attempt was being made by an organised crime group to import up to half a tonne of cocaine into Ireland.
Read more on this.
