A learner driver who allegedly tested positive for cannabis after running a red light has been arrested.
Using the garda mobility app, gardai determined that the operator of the vehicle was a learner driver with no L-plates displayed.
After stopping the car, gardai from the Commercial Vehicle Unit carried out a roadside test for alcohol and drugs. The driver tested positive for cannabis.
A garda spokesperson said: “They were arrested. Proceeding to follow.”
Gardai have urged learner drivers not to drive unaccompanied and to always display their L-plates.
The Clancy Amendment was introduced almost three years ago to improve safety on roads by providing gardai with additional power to seize vehicles from learner drivers who were driving a car without being accompanied by someone who is qualified.
Since the introduction of the Clancy Amendment on the 22nd December 2018, over 5,500 vehicles have been seized from unaccompanied learner drivers.
In total, over 12,500 fixed charge notices have been issued to Learner Permit drivers for driving unaccompanied by a qualified driver over the same period.
Chief Superintendent Ray McMahon Garda National Roads Policing Bureau said: "We cannot emphasise enough the importance of complying with this legislation.
“MPVs in inexperienced or unlicensed hands have the potential to severely or even fatally injure someone.
“An Garda Síochána will continue to enforce legislation that will improve road safety for all.
“Under the ‘Clancy Provision’ Learner or unlicensed drivers who choose to ignore this legislation will have their car seized and owners who allow their vehicle to be used will now face prosecution ”.
The act's provisions make it an offence for the owner of a vehicle to knowingly allow an unaccompanied learner or an unlicensed person to drive their vehicle.
The provisions also extend the power of detention under section 41 of the Road Traffic Act 1994 to allow the Garda Síochána to detain a vehicle being driven, in the Garda’s opinion, by an unaccompanied learner.
