The Irish Independent reports today that new drink driving limits will come in to force from next month in Ireland. The breath test limit will be reduced from the current level of 80mg, to 50mg of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood.
A new three tier system of penalties will also be introduced:
For drivers found just over the blood alcohol limit of 50mg, an on-the-spot fine of €200 and 3 penalty points can be given. This is only applicable once in a 3 year period.
For those found with 80mg to 100mg, a fixed charge of €400 and 6 month driving ban can be imposed.
Drivers caught with a blood alcohol level over 100mg must appear in court, where a fine of up to €5000 and a minimum ban of one can be imposed.
The Irish Road Safety Authority have a website which provides information about drink driving - http://www.drinkdriving.ie/.
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