Using a mobile phone while driving in Ireland (2026)

Last reviewed: 13 October 2026

In short: Holding a mobile phone while driving is an offence in Ireland; hands-free use is not covered by that offence. The fixed charge is EUR 120 with 3 penalty points, and sending or reading text messages while driving is also prohibited.

RuleWhat applies
Holding a phone while driving bannedUsing a mobile phone while driving a carYes [1]
Hands-free useUsing a mobile phone while driving a carAllowed [1]
Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies)Using a mobile phone while driving a car€120.00 per offence [2]
Penalty points on the licenceUsing a mobile phone while driving a car3 points [3]
Texting while drivingUsing a mobile phone while driving a carIt is an offence to send a text message (including composing or typing it, and including an SMS, MMS or email) or to read one (including accessing or opening it, other than by voice-activation) from a mobile phone while driving a mechanically propelled vehicle in a public place. Anything done without touching the phone is not 'sending'. [4]

Notes

  • The offence is holding a mobile phone while driving a mechanically propelled vehicle (or a powered personal transporter) in a public place; "hold" includes supporting or cradling the phone with another part of the body. Defences exist for calls to emergency services and genuine emergencies.
  • Section 3 prohibits holding the phone; a hands-free device is one designed so that the phone need not be held. Separately, sending or reading text messages is prohibited (see texting rule).
  • Fixed charge under S.I. 227/2024 as made (in force from 20 May 2024). On conviction in court the fine can be up to EUR 2,000 (section 3(8)). Whether the charge increases if unpaid within 28 days was not confirmed from an official legal text and is not stated here.
  • 3 penalty points on payment of the fixed charge; 5 points on conviction in court (First Schedule, reference 18). Revised text read as up to date on 17 September 2026.

Sources

  1. Law Reform Commission (Revised Acts), Office of the Attorney General: Road Traffic Act 2006 (revised, updated to 1 July 2026) (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Irish Statute Book (Office of the Attorney General): S.I. No. 227/2024 - Road Traffic Act 2010 (Part 3) (Fixed Charge Offences) Regulations 2024 (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  3. Law Reform Commission (Revised Acts), Office of the Attorney General: Road Traffic Act 2002 (revised, updated to 31 March 2025) (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  4. Irish Statute Book (Office of the Attorney General): S.I. No. 178/2014 - Road Traffic Act 2006 (Restriction on Use of Mobile Phones) Regulations 2014 (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.