The Penalty Points system was introduced with effect from 31 October 2002 for the offence of breaching a speed limit. The system was extended to insurance, seat belt wearing and careless driving offences in 2003 and 2004. In early April 2006, the penalty point system was extended to a total of 35 offences, all of which are safety related offences. Penalty points are applied to the driving licence records of those convicted of such offences, and to those who pay a fixed charge in order to prevent the instigation of court proceedings. Driving licence records are held in the National Driver File. Offences can be detected by Garda interception or, in the case of speeding offences, by speed cameras. Where a Garda interception takes place you must show your driving licence to the Garda so that he or she can take your licence number. In most cases, a fixed charge notice will then issue, and you have the option of paying the fixed charge or allowing the matter to proceed to court. Most penalty point offences also attract fixed charges, but a small number of offences result in automatic summons to court without the option of paying a fixed charge. Where an offence is detected by camera, the fixed charge notice will be sent to the registered owner. The Road Traffic Act also provides that unless another person is identified as the driver it will be assumed that the registered owner was driving the vehicle at the time of the occurrence of the alleged offence When a driver accumulates 12 points, automatic disqualification for a period of six months follows.

A driver who accumulates 12 penalty points will receive a notification will be disqualified from a particular date. The notification also directs the person to surrender their licence to the appropriate licensing authority within 14 days of that date. It is an offence not to surrender your licence. It is also an offence to drive while disqualified.