Some 958 tractor drivers have received penalty points in the last five years.

The most common misdemeanour was driving a tractor while holding a mobile phone, with 698 tractor drivers hit with three penalty points each and a fine of €60.

Driving without reasonable consideration was the next rule drivers were found to have breached, with 92 drivers fined €80 each and hit with two penalty points.

In the last five years, 28 tractor drivers were stopped by gardaí and found to have no insurance. This penalty results in five penalty points and a fine of up to €5,000.

Eighteen tractor drivers were caught for speeding, resulting in a fine of €80 and three penalty points, while two received penalty points for overtaking.

Eight tractor drivers were caught for not wearing a seatbelt, 10 for failing to obey traffic lights and three failed to stop for gardaí.

Some 19 had bald or damaged tyres and five were fined for driving a “dangerously defective” vehicle. Nineteen tractor drivers were fined for careless driving in the last five years, eight of whom had their dangerous driving offence reduced.

Younger drivers

Over the last five years, three tractor drivers received penalty points for being a learner driver unaccompanied by a qualified driver. Breaking this rule invokes two penalty points and a fixed charge of €80. The driver is also liable to have the vehicle impounded. If the driver does not own the tractor, then the owner may also face a fine of up to €1,000.

Four tractor drivers were handed fines and penalty points for not displaying an N-plate, while two have been fined for not displaying an L-plate.

Two tractor driver received penalty points and fines for driving under the influence of alcohol.

Total fines

In the last five years, tractor drivers have been fined up to €205,100 in penalty point fines. Smaller fines range from €80 to €60. However, the fine for driving with no insurance is up to €5,000.

Motoring fines

  • No insurance: up to €140,000.
  • Driving with mobile phone: €41,880.
  • Driving without reasonable consideration: €7,360.
  • Speeding: €1,440.
  • Bald/damaged tyres: €1,520.
  • No seatbelt: €480.
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