More than 1,000 drivers have six penalty points or more, according to the latest statistics.The figures come as motorists now face five points, a fine and a mandatory court appearance for careless driving, including the use of mobile phones.
The statistics from the Department of Transport show that 27 drivers have 10 points, two short of automatic disqualification from driving for six months. However, only one motorist has so far reached 12 points and been disqualified.
A total of 153,312 penalty-point notifications have been issued to 141,175 motorists up to May 31st.
Of these, 20,527 were to motorists holding licences issued outside the State. However, these drivers cannot be allocated points, as there is no international arrangement for such schemes.
The latest statistics show that 6,205 penalty-point notices were issued to drivers not wearing a seatbelt.
In addition, 338 notices were issued to drivers for the non-wearing of seatbelts by rear-seat passengers aged under 17, and 215 notices were issued to drivers because front-seat passengers aged under 17 were not wearing seatbelts. The vast majority of points notifications, 146,498, were issued for speeding.
From today, motorists found guilty in court of careless driving, which can include the use of a mobile phone while driving, now face a five-point penalty. The new rules relating to mobile-phone use will only be temporary, however, caused by a delay in introducing specific legislation for the offence and a further delay in introducing a new Garda computer system.
Under the upcoming Road Traffic Bill, the use of mobile phones by motorists will carry one penalty point, or three if contested in court. The Government hopes to have the Bill before the Dáil in the next three weeks.
However, even when the Bill is passed there will still be a delay in implementing the new phone offence until the Garda Pulse 2 computer system is deemed compatible with the Courts Service computer system and the National Driver File.
The system is due to begin later this month, by way of a pilot scheme in several Garda districts, with full implementation due to take between two and three months.
Unlike other penalty-point offences, there is no roadside option for motorists prosecuted for careless driving, and so the case must go to court.
Careless driving is defined as "driving a vehicle in a public place without due care and attention, or without reasonable consideration for other people in that area".
It can cover a multitude of offences, from causing death to driving a vehicle with broken or defective lights, dangerous reversing or not dipping headlights.
This latest extension of the points system, which came into effect at midnight, coincides with an increased Garda presence on our roads over the bank holiday weekend as part of Operation Lifesaver, the latest national road safety campaign, which will run until midnight on Monday.
A spokesman for the Department of Transport said the next offence to incur points was likely to be dangerous overtaking, which will carry two points, or five if contested in court.