A number of changes to the penalty points system are set to go into effect from this week. The new rules are contained in the Road Traffic (No 2) Act 2013 in an effort to reduce deaths and incidents on our roads. At the time of going to print, there have been 101 collisions so far this year, resulting in 110 death. During the same period in 2013, there were 100 collisions and 106 fatalities. Penalty points for nine different offences, including speeding, using a mobile phone and not wearing a seatbelt, are all set to increase.

The penalty points system was introduced in 2002. Drivers need to accumulate 12 points in the space of three years before they are taken off the road. A fine is awarded with the points and if this is not paid within 56 days a court summons is issued and additional points are added on conviction. However, a loophole in the courts system has resulted in thousands escaping penalties as points cannot be added if a driver does not produce a licence in court. Learner and newly-qualified drivers are also subject to different rules under the new act.

The disqualification threshold is now reduced to seven penalty points for those who obtain their first learner permit after 1 August and during the first two years of their first driving licence.

Newly-qualified drivers will also have to display “N” plates during their first two years on the road. From Friday, a fine of €60 will apply for novice and learner drivers who fail to not display “N” or “L” plates.

The same fine applies to those on learner permits driving unaccompanied. If stopped by the Gardaí, learner drivers will have to be able to produce a log book proving they have taken a minimum of 12 driving lessons.

So after 12 years of penalty points, how well do you know the system? Take our quiz below to find out.