New Cross-Border Drink Driving Rules

 

From midnight on Thursday a new lower drink-drive limits come into force in the south of Ireland.  Northern Irish drivers could find themselves over the limit by simply driving a few miles down the road.

The current limit in Northern Ireland is 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood.  From Thursday night the limit in the republic will be 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood.  This limit is less than one pint of beer.   Those caught over the limit in the south but under the limit in the north can expect 3 penalty points on the spot  and a €200 fine for a first offence.  Further offences may result in disqualification.  People who drive for a living and learners will be subject to a new “zero tolerance” limit of 20mg per 100ml blood.

If a driver losses his licence in the Republic of Ireland in most cases her or she will be disqualified from driving in Northern Ireland as well.  There are certain circumstances under which the recognition of the disqualification can be challenged in the Courts.

Commenting on the story Wilson Nesbitt’s Neil Logan, solicitor, said:

“ Residents living in the border areas of Armagh, Enniskillen, Tyrone and Derry regularly cross the border during their day to day activities. From now on having one pint in the north will put you over the limit in the south.  

"Those who are driving for a living need to be especially careful.  Even being out the night before could put you over the new limit.  We may well see an increase in challenges to cross border driving bans as a result of the new law.”

 

If you live in Northern Ireland and require legal advice in respect of a motoring offence, contact one of our specialist solicitors by calling freephone number 0800 840 0546 .

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