Developments in drink driving legislation

The Road Traffic (Amendment) Act 2018 increases the penalties for drivers who are caught drink driving at blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels between 50-80mg.

This legislation is effective from Friday, October 26, 2018.

Under the legislation, drink driving offences committed at BAC levels between 50mg and 80mg will incur an automatic disqualification of 3 months and receive a fine of €200 fine. Previously the offence carried a €200 fine and three penalty points.

The legislation does not change the legal limits for drink driving but does increase the penalties so offenders will lose their licence at a lower level than previously.

This is necessary to change the behaviour of the small group of people who continue to drink and drive.