Northern Ireland has its own Highway Code which, according to the NI Direct website, is based on the edition used in Great Britain, but contains some differences.
Here is the new legislation you need to be aware of when you are taking to the roads in Northern Ireland:
Speed limiters
Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) Systems in Northern Ireland
Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) systems are now a mandatory feature in all new cars registered in Northern Ireland. This follows the implementation of EU regulations that came into effect on July 7, 2024.
How ISA Systems Work:
- Alerting, Not Limiting: Unlike some satellite navigation systems that directly limit speed, ISA systems primarily act as an alert system. These systems use a combination of road sign recognition cameras to directly read speed limit signs and GPS-linked speed limit databases to access and display speed limits for specific roads. When the system detects that the vehicle exceeds the speed limit, it will alert the driver through visual and/or audible warnings.
Key Points:
- Mandatory for New Vehicles: All newly registered cars in Northern Ireland must be equipped with an ISA system.
- Driver Override: While the system activates by default, drivers retain the ability to override the alerts and continue driving at a higher speed.
- Focus on Safety: The primary goal of ISA systems is to enhance road safety by increasing driver awareness of speed limits and encouraging safer driving practices.
Mobile phone use in vehicles
In February 2021, Northern Ireland increased penalties for using a hand-held mobile phone while driving, aligning them with those in Great Britain. The new penalties include six penalty points and a fine of £200. If your case goes to court, you may face disqualification on top of a maximum fine of £1,000.
Proposed Changes to Driving Laws in Northern Ireland for 2024: A Closer Look
The Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland has proposed several significant changes to driving laws aimed at improving road safety. These proposals include a mandatory minimum learning period for learner drivers, the introduction of logbooks, and a potential extension of the “R” plate display period for newly qualified drivers.
Mandatory Minimum Learning Period for Learner Drivers
One of the key proposals is the introduction of a mandatory minimum learning period for learner drivers. This would require learner drivers to spend a minimum of six months learning to drive before being eligible to take their driving test. This measure aims to ensure that learner drivers have sufficient experience and competence behind the wheel before being granted a full driving licence.
Introduction of Logbooks
To complement the mandatory minimum learning period, the Department for Infrastructure is proposing the introduction of logbooks for learner drivers. These logbooks would serve as a record of the learner driver’s driving experience, including the duration and nature of their driving lessons. This would provide driving instructors and examiners with valuable insights into the learner driver’s progress and identify any areas that require further attention.
Potential Extension of “R” Plate Display Period
Another significant proposal is the potential extension of the “R” plate display period for newly qualified drivers. Currently, newly qualified drivers in Northern Ireland are required to display “R” plates for one year. The Department for Infrastructure is considering extending this period to two years. This measure aims to further enhance road safety by providing additional visibility and awareness for newly qualified drivers, who are statistically more likely to be involved in accidents.
Potential Benefits of the Proposed Changes
The proposed changes to driving laws in Northern Ireland have the potential to bring about several positive outcomes including improved road safety, reduced accidents, enhanced driver education and great accountability for learner drivers and instructors.
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