Government to implement total ban on scrambler use in public

Proposals to implement a total ban on scrambler use in public places have today been announced by Government.

The Ministers for Transport aim to close any cases where scrambler use may previously have been legal outside of appropriate off-road settings.

It is also expected to enhance powers of seizure for Gardaí to reduce the number of seized vehicles that end up back on the roads.

Currently, under the Road Traffic Act 1961, mechanically propelled vehicles such as scramblers can only be legally driven on public roads if they are registered and have a registration plate.

Most scramblers are designed for off-road use only and are unregistered, and are therefore already illegal for use on the road.

In the absence of registration, a vehicle cannot be taxed. The Gardaí have the power to seize vehicles being driven on public roads that have not been taxed or lack insurance, or where the driver does not hold the relevant driving licence.

Once seized, An Garda Síochána has the power to dispose of a seized vehicle six weeks after the date of detention, provided two weeks’ notice of the intention to dispose is given.

The total ban on scrambler use in public is expected to be effective within the coming weeks.