Disqualified drivers now arrested immediately if caught driving, 117 charged since June

117 disqualified drivers have been charged under new laws, introduced in June.

The new powers, that came into effect on June 22, allow gardaí to arrest disqualified drivers on the spot, instead of being served a summons.

Convicted offenders face a maximum fine of €5,000 and can be jailed for up to six months.

Chief Superintendent Mark Curran is from the Garda National Traffic Bureau.

"Up to June 22 this year we had 245 arrested, so the numbers have increased," said Chief Superintendent Curran.

"At the moment we're arresting three people per day, and driving while disqualified is a very serious offence, so we have put a lot of effort into going out there enforcing this," he said.

"The message is, if you're a disqualified driver, do not drive."