Penalty Points - Will I get them??

Rosey999 · 24-11-2020 1:15pm #1

This morning as I was driving down Constitution Hill in Dublin, a garda alone in a garda car beside me in the lane at the lights motioned for me to put my window down. He then shouted at me for being on the phone (I was holding the phone against the steering wheel while telling a colleague on speaker I couldn't talk as I'd forgotten to plug the hands free in, which I know is wrong and I shouldn't have answered). The garda was loud, angry and redfaced, and shouting at me as I said that I was really very sorry - he yelled at me "you're not sorry, you're just like all the rest, that's three penalty points". I apologised again but he just said "yeah, yeah, yeah", he was really vile and just shouted at me the whole (very short) time. He then had to drive off as his light changed to go right while I was going straight. No conversation about who I was or my license, and I don't know if he was behind/near me for long enough to get the license plate (it's my partner's car but I'm insured on it).

So I'm not sure if they will follow up with penalty points - can they award them in this situation where he was just in the car beside me? I have no idea if he was on duty or not, but he was in uniform in a small garda car.

ELM327 · 24-11-2020 1:18pm

If he didnt take the license then theres no points

24-11-2020 1:20pm

Rosey999 wrote: »

This morning as I was driving down Constitution Hill in Dublin, a garda alone in a garda car beside me in the lane at the lights motioned for me to put my window down. He then shouted at me for being on the phone (I was holding the phone against the steering wheel while telling a colleague on speaker I couldn't talk as I'd forgotten to plug the hands free in, which I know is wrong and I shouldn't have answered). The garda was loud, angry and redfaced, and shouting at me as I said that I was really very sorry - he yelled at me "you're not sorry, you're just like all the rest, that's three penalty points". I apologised again but he just said "yeah, yeah, yeah", he was really vile and just shouted at me the whole (very short) time. He then had to drive off as his light changed to go right while I was going straight. No conversation about who I was or my license, and I don't know if he was behind/near me for long enough to get the license plate (it's my partner's car but I'm insured on it).

So I'm not sure if they will follow up with penalty points - can they award them in this situation where he was just in the car beside me? I have no idea if he was on duty or not, but he was in uniform in a small garda car.

Might have got your number plate on camera or just memorised it. Normally he'd have asked you your name and checked your licence and tax disk, but he obviously didn't have time.

For speeding the notification letter is sent to the owner of the vehicle based on the number plate. So, expect the same I imagine.

Oh, if he was in a garda car and uniform, why would you think he might not be on duty?

iwillhtfu · 24-11-2020 1:24pm

Rosey999 wrote: »

The garda was loud, angry and redfaced, and shouting at me as I said that I was really very sorry - he yelled at me "you're not sorry, you're just like all the rest, that's three penalty points". I apologised again but he just said "yeah, yeah, yeah", he was really vile and just shouted at me the whole (very short) time.

I can understand his frustration I'm sick and tired of watching lads cruising along the motorway while glued to their phones. Hopefully three points will make you think twice in future, no reason what so ever to answer the phone to tell your colleague you couldn't talk that's just ridiculous. :rolleyes:

Rosey999 · 24-11-2020 1:38pm

Deleted User wrote: »

Might have got your number plate on camera or just memorised it. Normally he'd have asked you your name and checked your licence and tax disk, but he obviously didn't have time.

For speeding the notification letter is sent to the owner of the vehicle based on the number plate. So, expect the same I imagine.

Oh, if he was in a garda car and uniform, why would you think he might not be on duty?

I know nothing about the workings of the guards - I have no idea if you can drive your car to/from home for shift, or wear a uniform on the way to/from work.

24-11-2020 1:41pm

Rosey999 wrote: »

I know nothing about the workings of the guards - I have no idea if you can drive your car to/from home for shift, or wear a uniform on the way to/from work.

Off duty is a time where they stop being paid. They never stop being gardai.

Rosey999 · 24-11-2020 1:41pm

iwillhtfu wrote: »

I can understand his frustration I'm sick and tired of watching lads cruising along the motorway while glued to their phones. Hopefully three points will make you think twice in future, no reason what so ever to answer the phone to tell your colleague you couldn't talk that's just ridiculous. :rolleyes:

I have no problem with the law and agree I made a mistake answering the phone - however I was looking for advice on the likeliehood of the penalty points, not some keyboard warrioring, though I do hope you've got your buzz for the day. Also I'm not a lad, - biologically or otherwise, nor was I on a motorway, if we do need to get down to the specifics.

Rosey999 · 24-11-2020 1:42pm

Deleted User wrote: »

Off duty is a time where they stop being paid. They never stop being gardai.

Lol good point.

Rosey999 · 24-11-2020 1:43pm

Deleted User wrote: »

Might have got your number plate on camera or just memorised it. Normally he'd have asked you your name and checked your licence and tax disk, but he obviously didn't have time.

For speeding the notification letter is sent to the owner of the vehicle based on the number plate. So, expect the same I imagine.

Oh, if he was in a garda car and uniform, why would you think he might not be on duty?

He wasn't a speed van/car, so wouldn't have flashed the numberplate, and he wasn't alongside me for long. But I guess I'll just have to wait and see.

wench · 24-11-2020 1:49pm

Rosey999 wrote: »

He wasn't a speed van/car, so wouldn't have flashed the numberplate, and he wasn't alongside me for long. But I guess I'll just have to wait and see.

Some of their cars have ANPR now, so I wouldn't rely on that.

Paddigol · 24-11-2020 1:50pm

Rosey999 wrote: »

I have no problem with the law and agree I made a mistake answering the phone - however I was looking for advice on the likeliehood of the penalty points, not some keyboard warrioring, though I do hope you've got your buzz for the day. Also I'm not a lad, - biologically or otherwise, nor was I on a motorway, if we do need to get down to the specifics.

If you were just looking for advice, why the one-sided narrative/ rant about how rude he was to you? It has nothing to do with whether or not you can be hit with penalty points for the offence? Unless of course you were just being a keyboard warrior?

Whether you like it or not, highlighting dangerous driving practice is always going to stir the ire of people who have been on the receiving end of similar practices. Particularly people who have to attend the scenes of road traffic accidents or runners/ walkers or cyclists who have to share the road with cars.

No idea if you'll get points, but doubt it given that your licence details weren't taken.

Claw Hammer · 24-11-2020 2:13pm

If you were driving down Constitution Hill in Dublin, you are probably a lawyer. Guards tend not to like lawyers so there is a good chance you will be done.

Rosey999 · 24-11-2020 2:16pm

Claw Hammer wrote: »

If you were driving down Constitution Hill in Dublin, you are probably a lawyer. Guards tend not to like lawyers so there is a good chance you will be done.

I’m not a lawyer or work in the law but that made me laugh, thanks.

kravmaga · 24-11-2020 2:18pm

Rosey999 wrote: »

This morning as I was driving down Constitution Hill in Dublin, a garda alone in a garda car beside me in the lane at the lights motioned for me to put my window down. He then shouted at me for being on the phone (I was holding the phone against the steering wheel while telling a colleague on speaker I couldn't talk as I'd forgotten to plug the hands free in, which I know is wrong and I shouldn't have answered). The garda was loud, angry and redfaced, and shouting at me as I said that I was really very sorry - he yelled at me "you're not sorry, you're just like all the rest, that's three penalty points". I apologised again but he just said "yeah, yeah, yeah", he was really vile and just shouted at me the whole (very short) time. He then had to drive off as his light changed to go right while I was going straight. No conversation about who I was or my license, and I don't know if he was behind/near me for long enough to get the license plate (it's my partner's car but I'm insured on it).

So I'm not sure if they will follow up with penalty points - can they award them in this situation where he was just in the car beside me? I have no idea if he was on duty or not, but he was in uniform in a small garda car.

You got away with it, he did not stop you and demand licence or take down any details so its was just a verbal roasting , that's all.

He obviously did not have the time to deal with you or had to go to the Criminal Courts of Justice beside where he gave you a bollocking at the traffic lights.

I would not worry about it, your lucky this time.

Rosey999 · 24-11-2020 3:29pm

Paddigol wrote: »

If you were just looking for advice, why the one-sided narrative/ rant about how rude he was to you? It has nothing to do with whether or not you can be hit with penalty points for the offence? Unless of course you were just being a keyboard warrior?

Whether you like it or not, highlighting dangerous driving practice is always going to stir the ire of people who have been on the receiving end of similar practices. Particularly people who have to attend the scenes of road traffic accidents or runners/ walkers or cyclists who have to share the road with cars.

No idea if you'll get points, but doubt it given that your licence details weren't taken.

I don't think it was a rant, but I highlighted his manner as I'm a professional and behave as such at work, I would never begin an interaction, even with a colleague or subordinate I was angry with by shouting - it would simply not be acceptable. The police in this country struggle to be respected here in the way police forces are in some other countries. Perhaps if they were given training to conduct themselves in a more professional manner it might help the public perception of them.

Witcher · 24-11-2020 4:56pm

Rosey999 wrote: »

I don't think it was a rant, but I highlighted his manner as I'm a professional and behave as such at work, I would never begin an interaction, even with a colleague or subordinate I was angry with by shouting - it would simply not be acceptable. The police in this country struggle to be respected here in the way police forces are in some other countries. Perhaps if they were given training to conduct themselves in a more professional manner it might help the public perception of them.

The Gardai are sick of people having no regard for the safety of others on our roads. The Gardai are sick of dealing with serious injuries and deaths from RTC's caused by selfish fucks that can't keep a phone out of their hand for five minutes. They're sick of hearing windbags and their excuses for using phones 'Oh I was just...' bollocks.

'Oh I just had to tell my colleague I couldn't talk' Not answering the f'ing phone would have accomplished that.

The selfishness in your post, 'oh the bad man didn't speak nice to me', 'Will I get penalty points', no regard for other road users you could have endangered. Don't give me 'Oh I wasn't distracted' you didn't even see a marked patrol car come alongside you. I bet it wasn't your first time doing it either, only your first time getting caught and you shat yourself you'd get points off the bold Garda.

markpb · 24-11-2020 5:17pm

Is it possible you were distracted by your phone and made a mistake like cutting off the Guard or braking suddenly in front of him? That could explain his demeanour.

begbysback · 24-11-2020 5:22pm

There is absolutely zero chance of getting penalty points, it could have been anyone driving your car, they have to obtain your license to know who was the offender.

cml387 · 24-11-2020 5:23pm

Witcher wrote: »

The Gardai are sick of people having no regard for the safety of others on our roads. The Gardai are sick of dealing with serious injuries and deaths from RTC's caused by selfish fucks that can't keep a phone out of their hand for five minutes. They're sick of hearing windbags and their excuses for using phones 'Oh I was just...' bollocks.

'Oh I just had to tell my colleague I couldn't talk' Not answering the f'ing phone would have accomplished that.

The selfishness in your post, 'oh the bad man didn't speak nice to me', 'Will I get penalty points', no regard for other road users you could have endangered. Don't give me 'Oh I wasn't distracted' you didn't even see a marked patrol car come alongside you. I bet it wasn't your first time doing it either, only your first time getting caught and you shat yourself you'd get points off the bold Garda.

I think you've made your position clear.

begbysback · 24-11-2020 5:27pm

Witcher wrote: »

The Gardai are sick of people having no regard for the safety of others on our roads. The Gardai are sick of dealing with serious injuries and deaths from RTC's caused by selfish fucks that can't keep a phone out of their hand for five minutes. They're sick of hearing windbags and their excuses for using phones 'Oh I was just...' bollocks.

'Oh I just had to tell my colleague I couldn't talk' Not answering the f'ing phone would have accomplished that.

The selfishness in your post, 'oh the bad man didn't speak nice to me', 'Will I get penalty points', no regard for other road users you could have endangered. Don't give me 'Oh I wasn't distracted' you didn't even see a marked patrol car come alongside you. I bet it wasn't your first time doing it either, only your first time getting caught and you shat yourself you'd get points off the bold Garda.

Absolute nonsense, this is a legal discussion forum, not personal issues.

Rosey999 · 24-11-2020 7:11pm

begbysback wrote: »

Absolute nonsense, this is a legal discussion forum, not personal issues.

Thanks - agreed - I was looking for legal advice and admitted I was in the wrong completely, though the guards manner was unprofessional IMO. But I accept that when one looks for advice on a forum it will always attract unwanted and unwarranted responses, along with the very sensible and helpful ones. I am very grateful to those of you who answered the actual query I was posing.

Rosey999 · 24-11-2020 7:15pm

markpb wrote: »

Is it possible you were distracted by your phone and made a mistake like cutting off the Guard or braking suddenly in front of him? That could explain his demeanour.

No, we were in two separate lanes - I was going straight and he was turning right. I'm angry at myself that I was stupid enough to answer my phone (though I didn't put it to my ear, I held it on the steering wheel, it's something I never do, but I left the house very late for a meeting and was so stressed I forgot to plug in the handsfree wire, excuses eh?), but I'm confident that I did not cut off or brake suddenly, or commit any other offence.

Rosey999 · 24-11-2020 7:17pm

Witcher wrote: »

The Gardai are sick of people having no regard for the safety of others on our roads. The Gardai are sick of dealing with serious injuries and deaths from RTC's caused by selfish fucks that can't keep a phone out of their hand for five minutes. They're sick of hearing windbags and their excuses for using phones 'Oh I was just...' bollocks.

'Oh I just had to tell my colleague I couldn't talk' Not answering the f'ing phone would have accomplished that.

The selfishness in your post, 'oh the bad man didn't speak nice to me', 'Will I get penalty points', no regard for other road users you could have endangered. Don't give me 'Oh I wasn't distracted' you didn't even see a marked patrol car come alongside you. I bet it wasn't your first time doing it either, only your first time getting caught and you shat yourself you'd get points off the bold Garda.

It's funny that you reference windbags....

Stihl waters · 24-11-2020 7:22pm

Lol "the big bad angry guard man shouted at me" hope you get the points, its not very "professional" of you to be on the phone while driving

KathleenGrant · 24-11-2020 7:23pm

Rosey999 wrote: »

It's funny that you reference windbags....

You come across as not so nice a person.
The garda was in a car, as were you. Probably had to raise his voice to be heard.
You admitted being on the phone was wrong.
You probably got away with it. Well done.
I now await your not so nice comment back to me.

iwillhtfu · 24-11-2020 8:34pm

Witcher wrote: »

The Gardai are sick of people having no regard for the safety of others on our roads. The Gardai are sick of dealing with serious injuries and deaths from RTC's caused by selfish fucks that can't keep a phone out of their hand for five minutes. They're sick of hearing windbags and their excuses for using phones 'Oh I was just...' bollocks.

'Oh I just had to tell my colleague I couldn't talk' Not answering the f'ing phone would have accomplished that.

The selfishness in your post, 'oh the bad man didn't speak nice to me', 'Will I get penalty points', no regard for other road users you could have endangered. Don't give me 'Oh I wasn't distracted' you didn't even see a marked patrol car come alongside you. I bet it wasn't your first time doing it either, only your first time getting caught and you shat yourself you'd get points off the bold Garda.

Exactly what I wanted to say but I know well I'd have gotten the boot

Rosey999 · 24-11-2020 10:54pm

KathleenGrant wrote: »

You come across as not so nice a person.
The garda was in a car, as were you. Probably had to raise his voice to be heard.
You admitted being on the phone was wrong.
You probably got away with it. Well done.
I now await your not so nice comment back to me.

You also come across as a “not so nice person” yawn. But I am frankly jealous if you work in a world where being professional and polite is not a prerequisite. Enjoy the 1970’s, be sure to bully your secretary, call the cleaner by his surname, and don’t forget to tip the doorman a shilling.

Atlantic Dawn · 24-11-2020 10:57pm

Get a bluetooth kit it, will auto connect when you jump in the car, priceless.

Irishphotodesk · 24-11-2020 11:07pm

Obvious troll is obvious

Red light jumper · 24-11-2020 11:17pm

To all you quick to judge, dole munching, window lickers. You were asked a question not your opinion.

So you’ve never once answered your phone whilst driving, bet most of you are the kind of asshole that skips a red light on the quays to make it that extra 80 meters to be stuck in rush hour traffic, or even worse your a cyclist that hasn’t even got a licence.
Skipping every light in town whilst looking at your phone delivering a freezing cold pizza.

Get a grip the lot of you, I’ve nearly been run down by several f#*%s on phones not giving a s#%* whilst travelling on my motorbike. You want to know what there answer was when is asked them to pay attention to the road. “You’re on a bike so you deserve to die” so take your petty comments when somebody has genuinely shown remorse and asked for advise and shove them where the sun don’t shine.

FYI to all here that own a electric roller scooter get of the bloody road you twats.

Nigzcurran · 25-11-2020 12:31am

Red light jumper wrote: »

To all you quick to judge, dole munching, window lickers. You were asked a question not your opinion.

So you’ve never once answered your phone whilst driving, bet most of you are the kind of asshole that skips a red light on the quays to make it that extra 80 meters to be stuck in rush hour traffic, or even worse your a cyclist that hasn’t even got a licence.
Skipping every light in town whilst looking at your phone delivering a freezing cold pizza.

Get a grip the lot of you, I’ve nearly been run down by several f#*%s on phones not giving a s#%* whilst travelling on my motorbike. You want to know what there answer was when is asked them to pay attention to the road. “You’re on a bike so you deserve to die” so take your petty comments when somebody has genuinely shown remorse and asked for advise and shove them where the sun don’t shine.

FYI to all here that own a electric roller scooter get of the bloody road you twats.

Just stop. Please

KathleenGrant · 26-11-2020 8:06am

Rosey999 wrote: »

You also come across as a “not so nice person” yawn. But I am frankly jealous if you work in a world where being professional and polite is not a prerequisite. Enjoy the 1970’s, be sure to bully your secretary, call the cleaner by his surname, and don’t forget to tip the doorman a shilling.

You couldn't help yourself.

I don't need to worry about prerequisites for being polite and professional because that's how i act in work. Bully MY secretary and MY cleaner? I don't have either. The company does but i am not the company.

10pennymixup · 28-11-2020 11:46am

Red light jumper wrote: »

To all you quick to judge, dole munching, window lickers. You were asked a question not your opinion.

So you’ve never once answered your phone whilst driving, bet most of you are the kind of asshole that skips a red light on the quays to make it that extra 80 meters to be stuck in rush hour traffic, or even worse your a cyclist that hasn’t even got a licence.
Skipping every light in town whilst looking at your phone delivering a freezing cold pizza.

Get a grip the lot of you, I’ve nearly been run down by several f#*%s on phones not giving a s#%* whilst travelling on my motorbike. You want to know what there answer was when is asked them to pay attention to the road. “You’re on a bike so you deserve to die” so take your petty comments when somebody has genuinely shown remorse and asked for advise and shove them where the sun don’t shine.

FYI to all here that own a electric roller scooter get of the bloody road you twats.

Hello OP!

Rosey999 · 11-01-2021 3:27pm

10pennymixup wrote: »

Hello OP!

Just logged into this after sometime - that's not me (the OP) I'm afraid, though it does seem he/she/they got the same level of bullying as myself.

10pennymixup · 11-01-2021 6:56pm

Pretty sure I remember checking the stats at the time and Rosey999 had logged in since the 24th after others suggested that you were a troll and the two profiles were the same. I am almost sure that that log in was later than the 28th too (my comment) but cannot be positive on that point.

It's the "red light jumper" profile that definitely hasn't logged in since. A profile that was created immediately after you were accused by others of being the same person and of being a troll.

A profile that has made only one post ever and that post was in defence of you. An insulting provocative post that you thanked, and you were the only poster to do so.

6 weeks to come back with this............. I've nothing really more to say to you, I'll not feed you anymore.

Rosey999 · 12-01-2021 12:50pm

10pennymixup wrote: »

Pretty sure I remember checking the stats at the time and Rosey999 had logged in since the 24th after others suggested that you were a troll and the two profiles were the same. I am almost sure that that log in was later than the 28th too (my comment) but cannot be positive on that point.

It's the "red light jumper" profile that definitely hasn't logged in since. A profile that was created immediately after you were accused by others of being the same person and of being a troll.

A profile that has made only one post ever and that post was in defence of you. An insulting provocative post that you thanked, and you were the only poster to do so.

6 weeks to come back with this............. I've nothing really more to say to you, I'll not feed you anymore.

God you online trolls never give up do you?? Still pushing your argument to the zenith, taking the time to check the stats on someone's posts/posting. I can assure you that I'm not the other poster you refer to (number one reason being that I don't [and can't] ride a motorcycle), but as you're so assured and self-satisfied with your stats I'll leave you to it.

10pennymixup · 12-01-2021 2:43pm

Rosey999 wrote: »

God you online trolls never give up do you?? Still pushing your argument to the zenith, taking the time to check the stats on someone's posts/posting. I can assure you that I'm not the other poster you refer to (number one reason being that I don't [and can't] ride a motorcycle), but as you're so assured and self-satisfied with your stats I'll leave you to it.

Sounds like you can't drive a car either!!

Rosey999 · 13-01-2021 11:48am

10pennymixup wrote: »

Sounds like you can't drive a car either!!

Ok you actually made me laugh with that one. Fair dig.

Penalty Points - Will I get them??

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