Seat-belt penalty points in force from today

Driving without a seat-belt has been added to the list of offences covered by the penalty points system for motorists.

From today, motorists who do not wear a seat-belt will receive two penalty points and a €60 fine.

They will face the same penalty for every person in the car under the age of 17 who is not wearing a seat-belt or strapped into a suitable child seat.

If the motorist brings the case to court, he or she could receive four penalty points and a fine of up to €800.

Passengers over the age of 18 who fail to wear a seat-belt will also receive an on-the-spot fine of €25 from today.