Gardai set to implement ban on mobiles in cars

A law against using mobile phones in cars - on the statute books for nearly six months, but still to be enforced - will be activated from the middle of next month.

The Attorney General’s office confirmed tonight that regulations banning the use of mobiles at the wheel are about to be utilised.

After the introduction of legislation on the issue in March, Gardai, concerned about its enforceability, referred it to the Attorney General for clarification and amendment.

A spokesman for the Garda Siochana explained that while the use of a mobile phones in cars had been outside the law, it had not been possible to operate the rule because of difficulties over specifics of the ban.

The problem centred on whether or not fines could be imposed when mobile phones were not in use, but found elsewhere in the car. Now, though, amended regulations have been given the go-ahead by the Attorney General and the Government is set to make them a reality within weeks.

From that point drivers on the phone will be liable to fines of up to €190 for a first offence, €435 for anyone caught again, and, ultimately, possible three month prison sentences.

Some, but not all, hands-free devices will be permitted - and only the use of a phone, as opposed to merely having them in the vehicle, will be outlawed.

Convictions will count for totting up purposes in a driving penalty points system, due to be phased in for the first time in Ireland by the end of next year.