Changes to penalty points laws likely
Friday, November 06, 2009
Changes to the penalty points laws for drink driving could be on the way in a bid to appease Fianna Fáil backbenchers opposed to reducing the blood alcohol level.
Transport Minister Noel Dempsey wants to reduce the blood alcohol limit cut from 80mg per 100ml of blood to 50mg.
However around 20 TDs and Senators are against lowering the level.
It is now being proposed that anyone caught driving with a blood alcohol content between 50ml and 80ml would receive six penalty points and a €200 fine for a first offence - rather than the mandatory disqualification.
It is understood, some backbenchers want the number of points reduced further - possibly as low as two.
Legislation is due to be published before Christmas.
Brought to you by MOTORNET.ie