DVTA issues warning on false RoI drivers licences

DOE Driver & Vehicle Testing Agency (DVTA) has issued a warning to motorists who use false Republic of Ireland driving licences on Northern Ireland’s roads.

It follows a suspended prison sentence imposed on a lorry driver in Larne recently convicted of driving licence offences.

The Resident Magistrate fined the driver £200 and disqualified him from driving for 12 months for having no LGV driving licence; fined him £500 and disqualified him from driving for 12 months for having no insurance; and imprisoned him for four months, suspended for 15 months, for using a fraudulent driving licence on 13 February 2005 in the Co Antrim town.

Commenting on the case, DVTA spokesperson said: “We warn drivers who might be tempted to use false driving licences from the Republic of Ireland on the roads here.

“In recent weeks our enforcement officers have detected a number of goods vehicle drivers using false Republic of Ireland driving licences in Northern Ireland and it is likely that more prosecutions will follow.”

Acceptable legal licences are those issued by Driver and Vehicle Licensing NI or by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency in Swansea or those issued by the relevant body within any EU member state.

Properly authorised permits from non-EU countries are also acceptable.

(MB/SP)