The offence detected most often is that of mobile phone use, up by more than 11 per cent last year to 24,000 cases. It is a cause of distraction that results in a large number of crashes, including many minor rear-ending incidents on motorways, but also fatal collisions, usually when mobile phone use is combined with higher speeds. Many drivers watching TV or streaming services are not holding their phones, so cannot be sanctioned for mobile phone use. “Most of the time, we have to see you [holding a phone],” one Garda source said. As is the case for the offence of mobile phone use, a fixed charge notice also applies.

Source: The Irish Times February 24, 2026 16:32 UTC