Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 531: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he considering proposals to introduce penalty points for the offence of failing to display L plates and / or being unaccompanied by a qualified driver; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24166/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Currently, where the holder of a learner permit is detected driving a mechanically propelled vehicle when not accompanied by and under the supervision of a qualified person, where so required, they commit an offence under section 42 of the Road Traffic Act 1961. Following conviction in court, they are subject to a maximum fine of €1,000 in the case of a first offence. Section 54(c) of the Road Traffic Act 2010 amends the First Schedule to the 2002 Act which, when commenced, will provide for the inclusion of this offence within the penalty point system. I do not intend that the offence of failing to display an 'L' plate will be brought within the scope of the penalty point system at this time. It is planned to commence section 54 of the 2010 Act later this year.