Gardaí stopped a tractor driver after spotting him using a mobile phone while driving then also carried out a roadside breath test.

The driver was initially pulled over by members of the Cork County Roads Policing Unit in Bandon for using his mobile phone while driving.

On social media an Garda Síochána outlined that members of the Cork County Roads Policing Unit policing unit then decided to follow up with the driver.

"A roadside breath test was conducted, which returned a positive result for alcohol," gardaí stated.

They also detailed that further testing "established that the driver was three and a half times over his applicable legal alcohol limit".

Drink driving

The drink driving limit in Ireland is 50mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood.

However, lower alcohol limits apply to certain categories of drivers, including drivers of commercial vehicles such as tractors.

The limit for drivers of commercial vehicles currently stands at 20mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood.

Gardaí have advised: "Whether driving a car, van, truck or agricultural vehicle, the message is the same.

"Put the phone away; never drink and drive."

Road safety

Tractors have to meet strict safety standards on Irish roads.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) Revised Standards for Agricultural Vehicles guide, first introduced in 2016, outlines the key requirements.

According to the RSA, a simple walk-around a tractor can often help you assess whether it is road legal.

Any attachments, such as trailers, should adhere to the requirements for maintenance, and match the agricultural vehicle's size, weight, and systems.

According to the RSA, a manufacturer’s plate must be fitted to an agricultural tractor and an authorisation plate to an agricultural trailer.

Non-compliance could result in a court summons where a conviction could lead to a fine up to €2,500, a prison sentence, or both.