As reported by CompleteCar.ie back in October, motorists suspected of being drunk while in control of a car will now be subject to a roadside impairment test similar to the sobriety tests used in the United States.
The move comes as the far-reaching Road Traffic Act (No 2) 2013 was this week brought into law by the Seanad. Alongside roadside impairment tests there are also increases in penalty points for using a mobile phone while driving, for speeding and not wearing seatbelts.
The Act also allows for "unconscious drivers" to be tested for intoxication at the scene of an accident with a blood specimen taken by a doctor for analysis, the results given when the driver regains consciousness and gives permission.
Legislation regarding hit-and-runs has been tightened with tougher penalties for those involved. When a person flees the scene of an accident, knowing injury has been caused, they will be fined €10,000 and/or seven years in jail. This rises to €20,000 and/or 10 years behind bars where an accident results in death.
'Clocking' or the tampering of a car's odometer also makes in into the act with a fine of €2,500 and/or three months in prison for those found guilty of the offence.
And finally there will also be a new 'novice' driving licence, for the first two years of a first licence. Novices will be required to display an 'N' plate.
The disqualifying level for both novice and learner drivers has been lowered to seven penalty points, compared to 12 points for a fully qualified driver.
The list of penalty point changes are:
• Speeding will now attract three points on payment of fixed charge and five on conviction (previously two and four), to bring it more in line with Northern Ireland
• Mobile phone use will now attract three points on payment of fixed charge and five on conviction (previously two and two)
• Non-wearing of seatbelts will now attract three points on payment of fixed charge and five on conviction (previously two and four)
• Other offences such as non-display of an NCT certificate, which at present involve a court appearance, will attract two points on payment of fixed charge
These changes are expected to come into effect when the Garda Pulse system is next updated.