New garda powers on breath tests take effect today

GARDAÍ can insist on motorists taking a breath test if they believe they have committed any traffic offence from today.

Up to now, gardaí had to form an opinion that a driver had consumed alcohol, which meant, in reality, that he or she was incapable of driving, never mind driving in a safe manner.

The increased powers follow an amendment to the Road Traffic Act 2002 and are a step closer to random breath tests that will be introduced next year.