Many Irish drivers are unknowingly risking fines and penalty points with a common 'dashboard habit' which can lead to speeding or breaching other road safety laws.
Drivers across Ireland could be breaking the law without even realising it due to a surprising driving habit that is becoming increasingly more common. Some drivers are guilty of neglecting one of the most crucial dashboard instruments in their vehicle - the speedometer.
Instead, they're relying on their 'gut feeling', mobile apps or SatNav systems to judge their speed. While it is not illegal to neglect using your speedometer, a driving expert has warned that relying on alternative methods could lead to fines, penalty points and even dangerous driving convictions if they result in speeding or breaching other road safety laws, such as using a mobile phone while driving. A new survey by private plate supplier Regtransfers found that one in 10 drivers admitted to not using their speedometers to gauge their speed on the roads. Most motorists rely on their dashboard speedometer to ensure they stay within the legal limits - but a concerning 14% admitted to using alternative methods. The rise of mobile technology has played a significant role in this trend. With dedicated SatNav devices and mobile apps providing real-time speed monitoring, some motorists are choosing to depend on these tools rather than the built in speedometer. In fact, 8% of those surveyed said they primarily use their SatNav or phone app to measure their speed. The remaining 6% consisted of an even split between two other methods - using other road users to judge speed, or their own "natural intuition and instincts". This habit could land drivers in legal trouble, as misjudging speed can result in hefty penalties. While SatNavs and mobile apps may seem convenient for tracking speed, using them instead of a speedometer can be risky - and may even breach Irish road safety laws. In Ireland, the Road Traffic Act 2006 strictly prohibits holding mobile phones while driving. According to Section 3 of the Act, holding a mobile phone while operating a mechanically propelled vehicle is an offence, unless in an emergency situation. The law also allows for additional regulations restricting the use of in-vehicle communication devices, information equipment and entertainment systems to prevent driver distraction. While hands-free devices are not outright banned, the Road Safety Authority of Ireland warns that they increase crash risk and could still lead to prosecution for careless or dangerous driving. It said: "You are four times more likely to have a crash if you use a mobile phone when you are driving." A spokesperson explained: "Mobile phones can be very helpful to a driver. You can call for help when your car breaks down; tell the emergency services that there's been a crash; or let someone know that you're delayed. However you shouldn't use your mobile phone when you are driving, as it's not safe and could be illegal. "You can only use your mobile when you're driving if you are phoning 999 or 112, or it is another type of emergency. It is an offence to hold a mobile phone in your hand or support it with another part of your body, for example between your head and shoulder, when you are driving. "If the gardai charge you for this offence you will get a fixed charge notice of €60. If you pay the fixed charge you will get two penalty points. If you choose not to pay the fixed charge and are then convicted in court you will get four penalty points and a fine of up to €2,000. "Using a hands-free kit with your phone is not illegal, but it will stop you concentrating for a short time when you use your mobile phone and this puts other people using the road at risk. You could be prosecuted for dangerous driving, careless driving or driving without due care and attention because of this. And you could also have your licence endorsed or even lose your licence. So remember, the safe control of your car, van or bus is your responsibility." Regtransfers CEO Mark Trimbee also warned that relying on SatNav apps instead of a speedometer can be risky, as GPS-based speed readings may be inaccurate due to signal interference. He said: “SatNav apps - and the various additional features they offer - are a fantastic tool to help any driver, but it’s important that road users continue to use their dashboard instruments to keep track of their vehicle’s performance and speed. SatNavs rely on GPS readings to calculate speed, and while they’re often accurate, there’s always a chance the reading could be wrong, since accuracy is determined by the quality of the satellite signal being received." He emphasised that speedometers are legally required to provide an accurate reading and advised drivers to avoid estimating their speed based on road conditions or surrounding traffic. He added: "It’s never a good idea to base your speed on your own judgement. 50km/h can feel like a crawl after being on the motorway, and it can be all too easy to misjudge your speed. As for using other road users to judge your speed, this one’s simple; if they’re over the speed limit, you will be too.” Drivers in Ireland caught exceeding the speed limits risk fines, penalty points and disqualification from driving. Motorists who break the rules face a fixed charge fine of €160 and three penalty points. If the fine is not paid within 28 days, it will increase to €240. Should payment still not be made within 56 days from the original fine notification date, the driver could be summonsed to court, where they could face a fine of up to €1,000 and up to five penalty points upon conviction. Drivers looking to avoid a court appearance will have the option to pay €320 - twice the original fine - no later than seven days before their scheduled court date. Accumulating 12 penalty points within three years will result in an automatic six-month driving disqualification. 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