Little-known traffic law could land Irish drivers a €2,000 fine in icy conditions

As freezing temperatures grip the country, Irish drivers are being reminded of a little-known road traffic law that could result in fines of up to €2,000 if ignored.

Frost and ice have made morning commutes challenging, if not impossible, in some parts of the country over the past week, with many motorists relying on various methods to defrost their windscreens. 

Irish drivers are being reminded of the specific road traffic regulation that prohibits leaving a vehicle unattended with the engine running on a public road. 

Drivers should be aware that leaving a car engine running while unattended is a breach of Section 102 of the Road Traffic Act, 1961. 

This law, designed to prevent unsafe practices, means that motorists who leave their vehicle idling while defrosting could face severe penalties and fines. 

The relevant legislation is outlined in Regulation 87 of the Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) Regulations, 1963. This regulation states that when a vehicle is stationary on a public road, the driver must not leave it unattended unless:

• The engine is not running
• If the engine is in a separate compartment, it is closed
• Any doors capable of being locked are locked, and the key is removed from the vehicle

For a first offence, the fine can reach up to €1,000. A second offence could result in a fine of up to €2,000, while a third offence within a 12-month period could lead to both a €2,000 fine and up to three months in prison. 

Section 102 of the Road Traffic Act, 1961 states:

(a) in the case of a first offence, to a fine of up to € 1,000,

(b) in the case of a second offence (or of a third or subsequent such offence other than an offence referred to in the next paragraph) to a fine of up to € 2,000, and

(c) in the case of a third or subsequent offence in any period of twelve consecutive months—to a fine of up to € 2,000 or, at the discretion of the court, to up to three months imprisonment or to both a fine and imprisonment.

The warning comes as drivers continue to seek quick fixes for combating the icy conditions which have ground parts of Ireland to a halt over the past week. 

One hack that is doing the rounds is a simple and cost-effective way to combat condensation and icy windscreens in cold weather is the tea bag trick. 

Black or green tea bags, known for their natural moisture-absorbing properties, can help reduce dampness inside a car. 

By placing a few tea bags on the dashboard or other areas prone to fogging, drivers may notice a significant reduction in condensation buildup.

While not as affordable as professional dehumidifiers, this eco-friendly solution offers an affordable way to keep windscreens clear during icy conditions. 

It's an easy step drivers can take to enhance visibility and safety while avoiding costly fines for leaving their car unattended while idling.