The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Paschal Donohoe recently introduced a number of changes under the Road Traffic Act 2014.

Penalty points for speeding, holding a mobile phone while driving and not wearing a seatbelt or not using child restraints will all increase from two to three points, provided the fixed charge is paid within the stipulated period.

For those who do not pay the fixed charge and are subsequently convicted in court, the points will increase from four to five.

The Minister also signed into law the new category of novice driver, which came into effect from 1 August.

The new measures mean that people who received a first full licence from 1 August are considered novice drivers for their first two years on the road. Novices are required to display an N-plate during that time.

Under the terms of the Road Traffic Act 2014, novices will face disqualification from driving for six months if they reach seven penalty points, as opposed to the current level of 12.

Ollie Cronin, Rural Youth Committee