Attempts by drivers to cheat the new penalty points system are not working, and could lead to the motorists involved facing larger fines, the Garda has warned.
Some speeding motorists have submitted cheques for €81 or €82 instead of the required €80 in payment of fines. This was done in the hope that a cheque for the outstanding one or two euro would be returned to the driver.
The idea is that if the driver does not cash this refund cheque, the file on the case will remain open - meaning the penalty points cannot be issued.
But gardaí dealing with the fines said attempts to avoid the points were futile. "The law says a cheque for the correct amount must be sent," a Garda spokesman said.
"We are returning incorrect cheques, whether they are above or below the required amount, along with a note requesting the proper amount."
He warned that if the fine was not paid on time as a result of this delay, drivers could face having to pay larger fines - and even incur more penalty points.
About 50 motorists had attempted to trick the system since the penalty points system was introduced at the end of last year, he said.