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Like so many countries there are regulations in force at the present and unlike the regulations for seat belts for example, many drivers simply ignore the rules and continue to use their mobile whilst driving.
From May 1st, anyone caught texting or accessing information will face a mandatory court appearance and a fine of up to €1,000 for a first offence.
Penalties will rise to €2,000 for a second offence and a possible three month jail sentence.
The new rules will also mean that a driver will not be able operate a "Hands free" mobile phone.
So if you are hiring a car in Ireland, taking your vehicle to Ireland or purely live there then that mobile should not be used whilst driving.
It will be interesting to see how effective these larger fines will be in stopping the dangerous use of using mobiles whilst driving and if other countries increase the penalties for the offence.
