78,000 drivers may have penalty points voided over legislation error

A legal mistake by the Government could result in up to 78,000 drivers having 200,000 penalty points quashed, Opposition TDs have said.

Transport Minister Paschal Donohoe said he could not rule out the prospect of a mass legal challenge as he spoke about defects in legislation on the penalty points regime.

The loophole affects drivers awarded penalty points since August, including 49 who were banned from driving as a result.