Points hike for dangerous driving

Penalty points for the most dangerous motoring offences — speeding, mobile phone use, and non-wearing of seat belts — are set to increase under legislation being introduced by the Government.

A new Road Traffic Bill, announced yesterday by Transport Minister Leo Varadkar, will also oblige all motorists who have just passed their driving test to display an ‘N’ plate on their vehicle for a period of two years to distinguish them as a novice driver.

Such motorists will also face disqualification if they accumulate six penalty points within a three-year period.