Belt up or pay penalty, drivers told

Motorists caught not wearing seatbelts will incur penalty points on their licence from the end of next month, the Dept of Transport confirmed today.

Drivers will have to ensure that both they and passengers under the age of 17 are belted up from August 25.

Road safety chiefs had originally hoped to have the measure in place in time for this weekend’s bank holiday but it was postponed while new regulations came into force.

Anybody caught not wearing a belt will receive two points on their licence, or four if the case goes to court.

It is hoped the measure will help cut the number of road deaths.

The penalty points system was introduced last November and so far punishes motorists found to be speeding or driving without insurance.

Today’s news was welcomed by the National Safety Council, which expressed concern at the low number of back seat passengers wearing seat belts.

A transport department spokesman said the addition of the new offence had been postponed while new laws were introduced.

Gardaí were also waiting for the necessary books to administer the points.