Figures showing over 3,500 penalty point notices have been issued since the expansion of the scheme nine days ago have been welcomed by Minister for Transport Martin Cullen.
Since the addition of 31 offences to the list transgressions punishable by penalty points, Garda figures following the announcement show 3,658 notices were issued between 3rd April and yesterday.
Some 42 per cent related to the newly listed offences, while 48 per cent were for speeding, and 10 per cent for failure to wear a seatbelt.
The number of drivers penalised is over double the average caught before the crackdown that followed the increase in penalty points offences from four to 35.
Mr Cullen said: "We cannot tolerate irresponsible and careless driving behaviour which places all road users at risk and devastates families and communities. I am glad to see that the gardaí are strongly enforcing the new offences in order to get that message through."
Although measures such as better education will help improve driving standards, rigorous enforcement of the law was central to changing driver behaviour, Mr Cullen said.
The Minister announced measures yesterday to be included in the Road Safety Bill which he hopes to have passed through the Oireachtas by next October.
Today he said the measures - which include mandatory alcohol testing, privatised speed cameras and a ban on the use of mobile phones while driving - would eventually lead to reduced deaths and injuries.