14/02/2019

377 Cars Seized From Unaccompanied Learner Drivers In 50 Days

Almost eight unaccompanied learner drivers have been caught on Irish roads every day since the introduction of new legislation on 22 December.

According to the latest statistics, gardaí seized 377 vehicles being driven by unaccompanied learner drivers between 22 December and 10 February.

Learner drivers are required by law to be accompanied by a driver who has held a licence for at least two years.

While it was already an offence for learner drivers to operate a car unaccompanied, new powers were introduced in December allowing garda to impound the vehicles being used.

The owner of the vehicle can also face fines of up to €1,000 and a release fee of €125 for the first day, and €35 for each additional day or part day.

It is understood that should the vehicle owner claim that their car was taken without permission, gardaí also have the power to seek prosecution for theft against the learner.

The new powers were introduced with the Clancy Amendment, named after mother and daughter Geraldine and Louise Clancy who were killed on 22 December, 2015, when an unaccompanied learner driver lost control of her car in Co Cork.


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