Learner Drivers reminded over laws

Since the introduction of the Clancy Amendment on December 22, 2018, over 5,500 (5,827) vehicles have been seized from unaccompanied learner drivers.

An Garda Síochána has moved to remind Learner Permit holders that they must be accompanied by a qualified driver.

It is now two years since the introduction of the Clancy Amendment introduced to improve safety on our roads by providing gardaí with an additional power to seize vehicles from Learner drivers who were driving a vehicle without being accompanied by a qualified driver.

Since the introduction of the Clancy Amendment on December 22, 2018, over 5,500 (5,827) vehicles have been seized from unaccompanied learner drivers.

These provisions make it an offence for the owner of a vehicle to knowingly allow an unaccompanied learner or an unlicensed person to drive his or her vehicle. The provisions also extend the power of detention under section 41 of the Road Traffic Act 1994 to allow the Garda Síochána to detain a vehicle being driven, in the Garda’s opinion, by an unaccompanied learner.

In total, over 12,500 (12,616) fixed charge notices have been issued to Learner Permit drivers for driving unaccompanied by a qualified driver over the same period.

Chief Superintendent Ray Mc Mahon Garda National Roads Policing Bureau speaking In Garda headquarters today said: “We cannot emphasise enough the importance of complying with this legislation. MPVs in inexperienced or unlicensed hands have the potential to severely or even fatally injure someone.”

An Garda Síochána say they will continue to enforce legislation that will improve road safety for all. Under the ‘Clancy Provision’ Learner or unlicensed drivers who choose to ignore this legislation will have their car seized and owners who allow their vehicle to be used will now face prosecution.