Autumn road risks that could land Carlow drivers with unwanted fines and penalty points

With autumn in full swing, the return of colder weather, darker nights, and slippery roads brings a host of new risks for drivers.

From wet leaves to early morning frost, the season demands extra caution behind the wheel. But did you know that Irish drivers can face fines of up to €320 and five penalty points for failing to prepare for these seasonal hazards?

With this in mind, Chill Insurance has highlighted some of the most costly driving fines drivers can face this autumn. 

Scenario 1: Failure to leave appropriate distance between you and the vehicle in front.

Potential penalty: 3 points on payment, 5 on conviction. €160 paid in 28 days, €240 paid in next 28 days, €320 third payment option.

Cold and wet weather can cause slippery conditions, with the likes of leaves and frost coating road surfaces. This means stopping distances between vehicles will need to double from the usual two-second gap to four seconds in order to prevent a collision. Failure to do so could cost drivers up to €320 and see them branded with five penalty points on their license. 

Scenario 2: Parking a vehicle in a dangerous position.

Potential penalty: 3 points on payment, 5 on conviction. €80 paid in 28 days, €120 paid in next 28 days, €160 third payment option.

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In conditions like fog and heavy rain, choosing where to park will become an important decision throughout the autumn months. Drivers should avoid parking anywhere that could potentially cause obstruction or act as a hazard for other drivers or pedestrians. For van drivers, this is particularly important, as the height and size of vans can further reduce visibility for other road users. Make sure you’re taking extra consideration when it comes to decreased visibility around junctions and busier roads. 

Scenario 3: Using a vehicle with defective or worn tyres.

Potential penalty: 2 points on payment, 4 on conviction. €80 paid in 28 days, €120 paid in next 28 days, €160 third payment option.

An important thing to be aware of all year round, but this becomes particularly important in the colder months. Drivers need to ensure that their vehicle is equipped with tyres that have the right tread depth for the change in weather. The legal minimum is 1.6mm, with around 3mm recommended for wet weather conditions. 

These checks can also provide the chance to evaluate the need for new winter tyres, in order to avoid further complications later in the year.

Scenario 4: Not adhering to lighting-up hours.

Potential penalty: 2 points on payment, 4 on conviction. €60 paid in 28 days.

‘Lighting up’ hours begin half an hour after sunrise and half an hour before sunset and require drivers to use dipped headlights to combat potential visibility risks in seasons with changing weather, such as during the autumn months. Choosing not to use them is classed as an offence and would see a €60 fine and up to four penalty points issued. 

Scenario 5: Dangerous overtaking.

Potential penalty: 3 points on payment, 5 on conviction. €80 paid in 28 days, €120 paid in next 28 days, €160 third payment option.

The Irish autumn weather makes overtaking particularly difficult thanks to high winds, decreased visibility and slippery surfaces. Larger, more high-sided vehicles, such as HGVs, also become more difficult to pass and can be hazardous because they block the wind, leaving the potential for an unexpected surge when you pull back in. 

Drivers should consider keeping longer distances between vehicles and attempt overtaking more cautiously, sometimes even avoiding it altogether if conditions are poor. Van drivers themselves should also be mindful of how their vehicle’s size can impact other motorists, especially in windy or low-visibility conditions.

Ian O’Reilly, Head of Personal Line Sales at Chill Insurance said: “The varying weather conditions across the autumn months can present a number of potential challenges on the road for drivers. 

“That’s why it’s important to make sure your vehicle is equipped to the correct legal standard and that you follow the regulations and recommended advice in order to avoid both fines and penalty points on your licence".