'Landed deep in it': Consequences for tractor driver caught using phone while pulling silage
According to the Road Safety Authority, you can only use your phone when driving if you are phoning 999 or in an emergency
A tractor driver has been issued a fixed charge notice after being caught by gardaí breaking a serious road law.
Whilst out on patrols, members of An Garda Síochána stopped this driver, who was pulling a full load of silage behind the tractor itself.
The motorist was "landed deep in it" according to gardaí, who spotted him using his mobile phone while operating the vehicle.
He was issued a fixed charge notice for the offence.
According to the Road Safety Authority of Ireland, you can only use your phone when driving if you are phoning 999 or in an emergency. It is an offence to hold a mobile phone in your hand or support it with another part of your body, for example between your head and shoulder, when you are driving. It is also illegal to send or read a text message on a mobile phone while driving.
If Gardaí charge you with a mobile and driving offence, you will get a fixed charged notice of €120. If you pay the fixed charge, you will get 3 penalty points. If you choose not to pay the fixed charge and are then convicted in court, you will get 5 penalty points and a fine of up to €2,000.