Newly qualified drivers will have to display ’N’ plates for two years and will have a stricter penalty points system, from next month.
A fine of €60 will apply for novice drivers and those on learner permits who are not displaying ‘N’ or ‘L’ plates from August 1st. Those on learner permits driving unaccompanied also face a €60 fine.
The new novice rule will only apply to motorists who acquire their first full licence after August 1st.
It will not apply to drivers who recently passed their test, or to individuals holding a full licence for one category of vehicle but seeking a permit for another.
Novice drivers will also be subject to the lower drink drive level and a penalty point limit of six points.
Currently a driver is put off the road if they accumulate 12 penalty points within a three-year period.
The changes are contained in the Road Traffic (No 2) Act 2013 and are designed to reduce the number of deaths and traffic incidents on our roads.
Other measures include allowing gardaí to take blood samples from unconscious drivers and to ask suspect drivers to “walk the line”.
Drivers will also face three penalty points for speeding, illegal use of a mobile phone and not wearing a seat belt.