Irish drink-drive limit to fall
- Published
The alcohol limit for drivers in the Irish Republic is to be reduced
The alcohol limit for drivers in the Irish Republic is set to be reduced.
The limit for qualified drivers has been cut from 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood to 50mg.
The provision was contained in the Road Traffic bill passed in the Irish parliament's lower house.
UK government advisor Sir Peter North recommended the same reduction in a recent report. The government said no decision had been made on the proposal.
The bill, which passed through on Wednesday, was not actually voted on as agreement on its contents was reached on all sides.
The limit for learner and professional drivers in the Republic of Ireland has been cut from 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood to 20mg.
Drivers who are detected as being over the limit would receive three penalty points and a fine of 200 euros, if they do not challenge the conviction in court. However, they would not receive a driving ban.
The bill now moves to the Irish parliament's upper house for a hearing next week.