25/02/2005

DVTA issues warning on false RoI drivers licences

DOE Driver & Vehicle Testing Agency (DVTA) has issued a warning to motorists who use false Republic of Ireland driving licences on Northern Ireland’s roads.

It follows a suspended prison sentence imposed on a lorry driver in Larne recently convicted of driving licence offences.

The Resident Magistrate fined the driver £200 and disqualified him from driving for 12 months for having no LGV driving licence; fined him £500 and disqualified him from driving for 12 months for having no insurance; and imprisoned him for four months, suspended for 15 months, for using a fraudulent driving licence on 13 February 2005 in the Co Antrim town.

Commenting on the case, DVTA spokesperson said: “We warn drivers who might be tempted to use false driving licences from the Republic of Ireland on the roads here.

“In recent weeks our enforcement officers have detected a number of goods vehicle drivers using false Republic of Ireland driving licences in Northern Ireland and it is likely that more prosecutions will follow.”

Acceptable legal licences are those issued by Driver and Vehicle Licensing NI or by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency in Swansea or those issued by the relevant body within any EU member state.

Properly authorised permits from non-EU countries are also acceptable.

(MB/SP)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

26 August 2008
HGV Drivers Warned As Highjack Reward Offered
News today that a substantial reward has been offered for information about a gang - apparently from Northern Ireland - who carried out a £1m lorry hijacking in the north of England comes on foot of a Government initiative to warn local lorry drivers of the dangers associated with long haul trucking.
25 November 2022
Coca-Cola Announces Annual Designated Drivers Campaign
Designated Drivers can this year not only enjoy a free soft drinks, but also free parking and a full car valet at Q-Park Car Parks, thanks to Coca-Cola.
08 March 2023
fonaCAB Partnership With 'Females In The Fleet' Initiative
fonaCAB has become Northern Irish first taxi operator to partner with the 'Females in the Fleet' Initiative – established to promote equality in the taxi sector, encourage more females to become Drivers, and ensure that female Drivers maximise their opportunities and operate safely.
24 September 2015
Novice Drivers Most 'At Risk' On Roads
Novice drivers are the most at risk on Northern Ireland roads, according to statistics released by Department of Environment (DoE) in relation to the NI Road Safety Strategy (NIRSS).
29 November 2001
Police take a tough line on drink driving over Christmas
The police will be taking a tough line on drink driving over Christmas and the New Year according to the head of road policing in Northern Ireland. “Bump - And You’re Breathalysed” is the stark warning from the Police Service of Northern Ireland to mark the launch of this year’s Christmas anti-drink driving campaign.