Our People
Contact our offices
Make an enquiry
How can we help?
We have recently received a number of enquiries from motorists as to whether a disqualification imposed by a court in the UK will be enforceable in the Republic of Ireland and vice versa.
This is the subject of much debate at the moment and is receiving a lot of interest amongst academics.
The new position will be that any UK drivers who are disqualified for an offence in Ireland will be subject to that ban when they return home to the UK. Similarly, the position is identical in respect of any disqualification imposed on an Irish motorist whilst driving in the UK.
loading staff
The relevant law in this matter is governed by section 57 of the Crime (Intentional Co-operation) Act 2003 in the UK and by the Road Traffic Act 2002 in Ireland. This refers to "unexpired" bans from foreign jurisdictions. It is our understanding of the legislation that any part of an unexpired disqualification from the Republic of Ireland will be mutually recognised in the UK. A disqualified driver, to whom the section is applicable, would receive a section 57 notice advising them that their ban would be enforceable in the UK.
At this stage, mutual recognition applies to disqualification imposed in relation to specific offences. Totting up disqualification fall outside the scope of the relevant law.
It is expected that there will be law passed in the future to enable the mutual recognition of penalty points across the the UK and the Republic of Ireland.
Contact Stephensons by completing our online enquiry form or call our 24/7 driving offence helpline for free initial advice on 0203 816 9274.
We're widely accredited for our work - regulatory & criminal justice
It is our business to deliver legal services that work for our clients, you can trust our specialists to take care of things on your behalf. Over the years our regulatory and criminal justice team has been recognised by industry awards and accredited for their excellence.
Based on count 247
We're Great
It is our business to deliver legal services that work for our clients, and you can trust our specialists to take care of things on your behalf.
I found them to be very efficient, organised, knowledgeable and caring. They truly care about their clients and seek to give them the best possible service and really go the extra mile.
View from a satisfied motoring offences client
New sentencing rules to give an alternative approach for the courts
It might have been picked up on most people’s radars in the last few weeks that the Sentencing Council has revised the sentencing guidelines for speeding meaning motorists convicted of serious speeding offences are set to face harsher penalties....
Twitter block 1 tweet
The national law firm, Stephensons, has announced the appointment of seven new trainee solicitors , commencing their contracts next month. The chosen seven – who were among more than 40 applicants from Stephensons' paralegal...
Motoring Offences reorder
We're always here for you
As an award-winning top 150 law firm, with over 450 staff based in offices across the country, you're never far from the advice you need.
Find your nearest Stephensons office and arrange a meeting
As an award-winning top 150 law firm, with over 450 staff based in offices across the country, you're never far from the advice you need.
