Gardai now have the power to issue spot fines of €100 to people breaking lockdown laws.
New regulations allow officers to fine people who travel more than 5km from their home for exercise and refuse to comply with a direction to turn back.
Those found in breach of Level Five rules will be issued with a fixed charge penalty notice which they will have to pay within 28 days.
Gardaí say they will no longer consult with the Director of Public Prosecutions in these cases before issuing the fine.
Deputy Commissioner John Twomey said: "An Garda Síochána continues to see significant compliance by the public with Public Health Regulations, however we also continue to see some activity which is in contravention of these regulations introduced to stop the current spread of Covid-19 and protect our communities.
"I appeal to every person without a reasonable excuse for travel - Stay at Home, this is your duty as a citizen and will save lives and support our front line services, nurses, doctors, hospital staff and my Garda colleagues at this time.”
Officers are now urging members of the public to adhere to the current restrictions, and have shared seven examples of people who have been punished for breaking lockdown rules since the pandemic began.
Here are some previous court case outcomes, as provided by gardai:
• Co. Cavan, Male found in breach of travel restrictions without reasonable excuse, €150 fine
• Co. Kildare, Male found in breach of travel restrictions without reasonable excuse, €250 fine following appeal
• Co. Sligo, 2 Males found in breach of travel restrictions without reasonable excuse, Both €300 fine
• Co Dublin, Male in breach of Covid Regulations directed to return home, observed still in breach of regulations at same location 2 hours later, €350 fine
• Co. Tipperary, Male found in breach of travel restrictions without reasonable excuse, €400 fine
• Co. Dublin, Male found in breach of travel restrictions without reasonable excuse, 30 days imprisonment
• Co. Leitrim, Male found in Breach of travel restrictions without reasonable excuse, 2 months Imprisonment
