Novice driver arrested for drug driving in West Mayo had no insurance

A novice driver was arrested in Westport yesterday evening following a roadside stop that uncovered multiple serious traffic violations, including driving under the influence of drugs.

Members of the Mayo Roads Policing Unit stopped the vehicle during routine patrols in the town. Upon inspection, gardaí discovered the novice driver was operating the vehicle without insurance and that the car's NCT certificate had expired more than two years ago.

Officers conducted a roadside oral fluid drug test on the driver, which indicated the presence of both cannabis and cocaine. The driver was subsequently arrested and the vehicle was seized.

The motorist provided a blood sample which has been sent to the Medical Bureau of Road Safety for laboratory analysis. The results will determine the exact concentration of drugs in the driver's system at the time of the incident.

Gardaí have highlighted the serious dangers posed by drug driving and uninsured motorists, noting that such behaviour puts all road users at risk.

Those convicted of drug driving face severe penalties under Irish law, including a mandatory driving disqualification of at least one year, fines of up to €5,000, and potential imprisonment for up to six months.

The Mayo Roads Policing Unit confirmed they will continue to proactively target dangerous and illegal driving across the county as part of ongoing efforts to keep communities safe.

The operation forms part of a wider national road safety campaign aimed at reducing collisions and fatalities on Irish roads.