Gardai seize sports car from unaccompanied learner driver without tax in Dublin

Gardaí have seized an expensive-looking BMW from a learner driver in Dublin after they were caught for a range of traffic offences.

The unaccompanied motorist was nabbed in Dublin city on Saturday afternoon, with officers catching the driver out for not having L Plates, tax or a qualified driver sitting with them.

The elegant sports car was seized by responding Gardaí and placed on the back of a truck before being towed to be impounded.

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“Nice car, right? The driver of this car was pulled over today in Dublin City,” A Garda spokesperson said.

“They were a learner who had no L Plates, no tax and no qualified driver sitting with them. We can confirm the car is just as nice on the back of the truck that towed it away.”

The rules in Ireland for learner drivers are quite clear, according to the Road Safety Authority, learner drivers must:

• Always have someone with a full driving licence in the car with you when you are driving on a learner permit. This person must have had their driving licence for at least two years. If the Gardaí stop you, and you are not accompanied by a qualified driver, they can detain the car.
• Display L-plates on the front and rear of the vehicle at all times while driving. The plate should be a red ‘L’ on a white background and should not be less than 15cm high with a border of at least 2cm.

Furthermore, motorists in Ireland are obliged to display evidence that they have paid their motor tax on the windscreen of their vehicles. Gardaí have the power to impound your vehicle if you drive without tax.

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