Members of An Garda Síochána seized a tractor after stopping it at a checkpoint in Co. Meath in recent days, over the bank holiday weekend.
The machine was stopped at a Covid-19 checkpoint in Derver, in the “Royal County” on Saturday (October 24).
Taking to social media on Saturday, Gardaí based in Meath explained:
“The Divisional Roads Policing Unit came upon this tractor at the Covid checkpoint in Derver on N3 today.
The tax had expired seven years ago and both front tyres bald.
“The tractor was detained under Section 41 Road Traffic Act, [and the] driver issued with fixed charge on-the-spot fines,” the Garda post added.
The Divisional Roads Policing Unit came upon this tractor at the Covid checkpoint in Derver on N3 today. The tax had…
Posted by Meath Crime Prevention on Saturday, October 24, 2020
According to VRT Ireland, motor tax for agricultural tractors amounts to €102 annually.
Meanwhile, according to the Road Safety Authority (RSA), by law, it is a driver’s responsibility to make sure that their vehicle meets legal requirements and is in a roadworthy condition at all times.
“If you drive with damaged or worn tyres, you are putting your own life and the life of others at risk. You also risk prosecution,” the RSA says.
- Be the right kind and size for your vehicle;
- Be properly inflated;
- Be free from defects; and
- Have adequate tread depth.
“If you are convicted of the offence of driving with dangerous tyres, you could be fined up to €2,500, or receive a three-month prison sentence, or both. You will also have five penalty points on your licence on conviction.”