A learner driver in East Cork faces court after failing a drug test at a checkpoint while driving unaccompanied, leading to penalties and car seizure.
East Cork: A learner driver is in trouble after being stopped at a checkpoint in Midleton. He was driving without a qualified driver and failed a drug test. Now, he faces court and serious penalties.
When Gardaí pulled him over, they found he was an unaccompanied learner. After failing the roadside drug test, he was arrested, and his car was seized. This could lead to hefty fines and points on his license.
Driving unaccompanied can cost a learner four penalty points and a €160 fine. Not displaying L-plates adds two more points and a €120 fine. If convicted of drug driving, he could face up to €5,280 in fines and possible jail time.
Gardaí reported that this isn’t the first time they’ve encountered such offenses in East Cork. Last November, they stopped another unaccompanied learner who also failed a drug test.
Recently, Gardaí have been using a new ‘stealth truck’ to catch drivers breaking the rules. Earlier this month, they caught motorists using their phones while driving in Cork city.
In a separate incident, Gardaí in Mahon seized a quad bike from two 10-year-olds. This was the second seizure in Mahon in two months, showing ongoing issues with young riders in the area.
