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06 Dec 2025

'White Tesla, driver is texting' - Gardaí in HGV cabs in Kildare issuing fines

Gardaí can see if motorists are using their mobile phones

'White Tesla, driver is texting' - Gardaí in Kildare issuing fines for using phone while driving

A Garda spots a driver texting on his mobile phone from an unmarked HGV cab and reports it on her radio to her colleagues who stop the vehicle and issue a €120 fine and 3 Penalty Points

Reporter:

Kildare Reporter

19 Feb 2025 11:39 AM

Gardaí are using unmarked HGV cabs in Kildare to give Gardaí an elevated vantage point to see into the cabs of lorries and also look into the cars of motorists for signs of distracted driving.
Using your mobile phone while driving can result in a €120 fine and three Penalty Points. 
In a video posted by gardaí, a garda is seen spotting the driver of a Tesla car texting on his mobile phone.
She radios the information to colleagues in a garda car who stop the motorist and issue the fine and Penalty Points. 
Gardaí said: "We issue Fixed Charge Notices (a €120 fine and three Penalty Points) to those we detect using their phone while driving.
"When your eyes are on a phone while driving - they're not on the road as they need to be in order to keep yourself and others safe."
In a bid to combat distracted and dangerous driving and improve road safety, An Garda Síochána has introduced the new tools to its Roads Policing Unit.

Unmarked truck cabs, motorcycles and high-powered Volkswagen Golf GTIs have joined the Roads Policing fleet to ensure safer roads - such as on the M50, and N7, M7 in Kildare.

Distracted driving, often caused by mobile phone use, adjusting in-car entertainment systems, or other inattentive behaviours, continues to be a factor in serious road incidents across the country.
 In response, An Garda Síochána’s latest initiative aims to identify and deter these behaviours through innovative and effective means.

Unmarked Motorcycles

The addition of unmarked motorcycles is a game-changer for monitoring distracted drivers. These bikes allow Gardaí to blend seamlessly into traffic, providing a discreet yet dynamic method of detecting offences. The slightly elevated vantage point offered by motorcycles as well as its versatility, enables Gardaí spot dangerous behaviour often hidden from view in larger vehicles.

These motorcycles are currently deployed on a trial basis, but are already showing great results. Unfortunately, it does indicate that when it comes to distracted driving habits, there is still a real issue on the roads.


Volkswagen Golf GTIs

The Roads Policing Unit has also integrated high-performance Volkswagen Golf GTIs into its fleet. Known for their agility, speed, and advanced technology, these cars are equipped to detect offences and intercept the offenders quickly and safely. Five vehicles are now operational across the country with more to come in 2025.

These vehicles feature cutting-edge systems, including on-board cameras and automatic number plate recognition (ANPR), to identify unlicensed or uninsured drivers, track stolen vehicles, and enforce road traffic laws efficiently. The new cars will increase Gardaí’s ability to intercept and prosecute drivers for road traffic offences.



Educating Drivers and Preventing Accidents

While enforcement is a key component of this initiative, Gardaí emphasize that education remains a top priority. Alongside the deployment of these new vehicles, campaigns aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of distracted driving will continue.

Gardaí hope the presence of unmarked vehicles will serve as a deterrent, encouraging drivers to think twice before picking up their phones or engaging in other unsafe behaviours.


The move comes amid growing concerns about road safety in Ireland. Recent statistics reveal a rise in fatalities. This year as of 8th December, 167 people have died on our roads. An Garda Síochána’s proactive measures are designed to address this trend and send a clear message: road safety is everyone’s responsibility.

As these new vehicles take to the roads, drivers are urged to remain alert and focused at all times. The Roads Policing Unit will maintain a visible presence alongside these covert operations to ensure that Irish roads are safe for all.

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