The Road Traffic Bill 2006 will introduce: • Mandatory alcohol testing.
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• Banning of driving while holding a handheld mobile phone with a fine not exceeding E2,000. The minister has the power to ban the use of other electronic equipment at a later date.
• The introduction of hundreds of speed cameras and other detection technology by private contractors.
• Increases in periods of disqualification and fines for drink-driving and other offences.
• Automatic disqualification for striking a bridge leading to death or serious injury -four years for the first offence and six for subsequent offences. Penalty points will apply to a bridge strike that does not cause death or serious injury.
• Reform of the licensing regime and long-term reliance on provisional licences.
• Strengthened powers for the gardai to impound vehicles including those from outside the state, and those without insurance or tax, or without a certificate of roadworthiness.
• Abnormal load permits must only be used by the applicant.
CONTACTS Department of Transport Lowcall 1890 443311 www.transporLie www.penaltypoints,ie