By John Healy of Healy Insurances

Drivers caught speeding, using a mobile phone whilst driving, or not wearing seat belts will now pay double the fine amount.

The increases were announced by the Minister for State at the Department of Transport, Hildegarde Naughton.
The fines that are doubling include speeding from €80 to €160, mobile phone use from €60 to €120, non-wearing of seatbelts from €60 to €120 and failing to ensure that a child is properly restrained rising from €60 to €120.

Fines relating to offences committed by learners and novice drivers are also increasing. The fines for a learner permit holder driving a vehicle unaccompanied by a qualified person will increase from €80 to €160. The fine for novice drivers not displaying ‘L’ or ‘N’ plates (or tabards in the case of motorcyclists) will double to €120.

Minister Hildegarde Naughton also announced that three new Fixed Charge Notices would come into force in the New Year.

These relate to the misuse of a disabled parking permit (€200). Illegally parking in an electric charging bay (€80) and breaching an HGV ban and entering a specified public road without a valid permit (€200).

Liz O’Donnell, Chairperson of the Road Safety Authority, said the fines continue to increase if not paid within 28 days.

"In addition to the fines it is worth remembering that the choice to speed, use a mobile phone while driving or not properly restrain a child could lead to you losing your licence,” she said.

"If you are detected speeding you will receive three penalty points on your licence, if you get 12 penalty points in three years you will be disqualified for six months.

"A lower threshold of seven points applies for learner and novice drivers.”

If you have penalty points imposed, you should bring this to the attention of your motor insurer.