An Excerpt from the Citizens Advice Bureau
Transcript from the 1961 & 1963 Road Traffic Act on L plates in Ireland
The legal requirement for displaying 'L' plates in Ireland stems from regulations made under the authority of the Road Traffic Acts, primarily the Road Traffic Act 1961, rather than a specific section of the Road Traffic Act 1963.
The 1963 act did, however, introduce related regulations, such as those concerning vehicle lighting. The core framework for driver licensing, including provisional licences (now called learner permits), was established by the Road Traffic Act 1961. The specific conditions for the use and display of 'L' plates have been detailed in subsequent statutory instruments (regulations) over the years.
Key Regulations and Requirements
The primary regulations governing 'L' plates (for learner permit holders) are now part of the modern Road Traffic (Licensing of Learner Drivers) Regulations, which have updated and replaced earlier rules.
Current rules and guidelines can be found on the Citizens Information website or the NDLS website.
NB. The specifications detailed above, simply state that it should be a Red Letter on a White Background 15cm high. This does not clearly state that the Red L must be 15cm high?
The legal requirement for displaying 'L' plates in Ireland stems from regulations made under the authority of the Road Traffic Acts, primarily the Road Traffic Act 1961, rather than a specific section of the Road Traffic Act 1963.
The 1963 act did, however, introduce related regulations, such as those concerning vehicle lighting. The core framework for driver licensing, including provisional licences (now called learner permits), was established by the Road Traffic Act 1961. The specific conditions for the use and display of 'L' plates have been detailed in subsequent statutory instruments (regulations) over the years.
Key Regulations and Requirements
The primary regulations governing 'L' plates (for learner permit holders) are now part of the modern Road Traffic (Licensing of Learner Drivers) Regulations, which have updated and replaced earlier rules.
- Current Learner Permit System: The term "provisional licence" was officially replaced by "learner permit" by the Road Traffic Act 2006, but the general requirements remain in force.
- Display Requirements: Learner permit holders are legally required to display
'L' plates (or a fluorescent tabard for motorcyclists) to the front and rear of the vehicle where they are clearly visible. - Plate Specifications: The 'L' plate must be a red letter on a white background, at least 15 centimetres high with a border of at least 2 centimetres.
- Penal Offence: Non-compliance with these conditions is an offence, carrying fixed-charge penalties and potential penalty points.
Current rules and guidelines can be found on the Citizens Information website or the NDLS website.
NB. The specifications detailed above, simply state that it should be a Red Letter on a White Background 15cm high. This does not clearly state that the Red L must be 15cm high?