Disqualified motorist caught driving tractor which was last taxed seven years ago

The tractor towed away after its seizure by gardaí. Photo: An Garda Siochána Mayo

Gardaí in north Mayo seized a tractor in Ballycastle last week and its driver was left facing a series of charges.

The tractor had not been taxed for over 2,600 days - over seven years. 

The driver was disqualified from driving at the time and, consequently, had no insurance and no valid driving license.

The driver will appear before the courts facing a number of charges, including driving while disqualified and driving without insurance.

The penalty for driving while disqualified includes a fine of up to €5,000 and/or six months imprisonment, plus an additional two-year disqualification.

The penalty for no insurance is also a fine of up to €5,000 and/or six months imprisonment and a two-year disqualification.

Gardaí have stressed that insurance and a valid driving license are legal requirements for everyone’s safety on public roads.