Driver obligations

Drivers are obliged to ensure their compliance with the rules on driving as set out in the relevant legislation (most commonly Council EC Regulation 561/2006). Failure to do so could leave the driver vulnerable to prosecution under the Transport Act 1974. With fines of up to € 2500 per offence for non-fraudulent breaches of drivers’ hours (also applicable to operators), drivers should be keen to ensure their compliance.

what are the drivers’ hours rules?

Fraudulent breaches of drivers’ hours’ legislation previously could be dealt with in the District Court € 2500 per offence, but fines in the Circuit Court were limited to €5000 per offence and this can have a detrimental effect on their vocational driving licence for persistent breaches.

The RSA is responsible for enforcing EU and national transport legislation on tachographs, EU driver hour rules, Road transport working time directive and the licensing of road haulage and passenger operators to engage in the hire and reward operations.

Since 2009 the RSA have initiated prosecutions against drivers and operators in respect of breaches of this legislation and since then there has been a significant year on year increase in the number of prosecution cases completed.

Yearly totals;

2018 – 28
2017 – 85
2016 – 110
2015 – 147
2014 – 135

The number of cases completed for the current year is updated periodically. There is a natural time lapse from an offence being committed, prosecution, possible appeal and this information being made available.

www.RSA.ie > Professional Driver > Prosecutions

Roadside inspections