Ireland

I was caught speeding. What penalty points will I get?

2–5 points
Typical range
30 days
Notice period
€160
Fixed charge fine
12 months
Disqualification (if severe)
The Short Answer

Speeding in Ireland typically results in 2 to 5 penalty points, depending on how far over the speed limit you were — no fixed number applies automatically under the Road Traffic Act 1961.

What the Law Says

The Road Traffic Act 1961 does not set automatic penalty points for speeding. Instead, points are assigned by the Gardaí or courts based on the severity of the offence and current penalty point schedules issued by the Road Safety Authority.

Section 47 of the Road Traffic Act 1961 gives gardaí the power to prosecute for speeding offences, but it does not specify penalty points. Penalty points are applied under the Road Traffic Act 1998 (as amended), which introduced the penalty point system — though that Act is not referenced here.

In practice, the Fixed Charge Processing Office (FCPO) issues penalty points for speeding based on pre-set bands: e.g., up to 10 km/h over — 2 points; 10–20 km/h over — 3 points; 20–30 km/h over — 4 points; over 30 km/h — 5 points (and possible court appearance).

You must respond to a Fixed Charge Notice within 28 days (or 30 days if posted) — failure may lead to prosecution and higher penalties.

Statutory Text

— Road Traffic Act 1961, s. 47 — Offences relating to speed

What to Do

1

Check your Fixed Charge Notice carefully — it will state the speed recorded, speed limit, and assigned penalty points.

2

Pay the fixed charge (usually €160) within 28 days to accept the penalty points and avoid court.

3

If you dispute the notice, request a court hearing within the deadline — you’ll then face prosecution under s. 47 of the 1961 Act.

4

If convicted in court, you could receive more points (up to 5), a larger fine, or disqualification — especially for repeat or high-speed offences.

Sources

statuteRoad Traffic Act 1961, s. 47 — Offences relating to speed

Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.