Unaccompanied learner driver caught using phone on motorway, without L plates
The motorist was stopped by Kildare Gardaí in Naas, who were on patrol on the M4, after they were spotted using their mobile while behind the wheel of the car.
The driver could now be facing disqualification following the number of road rules broken during this incident.
A Garda spokesperson wrote: "Naas Gardaí pulled in this driver on the M4 after spotting them using the phone while driving.
"Went down hill from there: an unaccompanied learner with no L plates and driving on a motorway. It only takes seven points for a learner driver to be disqualified."
All learner drivers (except in category W, which includes motorcycles) must display 'L' plates. When you have passed your driving test, you must display an 'N' plate for two years.
Failure to properly display the L or N plate is an offence. You could get two penalty points and an initial fixed charge fine of €120, which increases to €180 if not paid within 28 days. If you are convicted in court, you could be fined a higher amount and will get four penalty points.
Furthermore, if you are a learner driver, you must always have someone with a full driving licence in the car with you when you are driving. This person must have had their driving licence for at least two years. If the Gardaí stop you, and you are not accompanied by a qualified driver, they can detain the car.
An unaccompanied learner driver could also face a fine and a number of penalty points.
The penalty for using your phone while driving is a fixed charge of €120, and three penalty points. This increases to a fixed charge of €180 after 28 days, and five penalty points and a more significant fine can be imposed if it goes to court because of non-payment.
According to the Road Safety Authority, distracted driving — including mobile phone use — is estimated to be a contributing factor in 20–30 per cent of all collisions on Irish roads.
The daily average detected using their phone while driving during 2024 was 60. Over 21,500 drivers received FCPNs last year having been detected using their phone while behind the wheel.
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