ALERT: Parents could be hit with €320 fine on school run over major mistake

Stressed-out parents back on the school run could be hit with further pain this September as they risk a number of fines and penalty points during the morning rush.

Stress behind the wheel can lead to avoidable mistakes, from dangerous parking outside the school gates to not adhering to traffic markings, and many of these offences are punishable via penalty points and hefty fines, some as high as €320.

The insurance experts at Quote Devil have put together an official road traffic penalties guide to highlight the lesser-known offences that many drivers may overlook during this busy period.

1. Parking a vehicle in a dangerous position: Blocking crossings, corners, or stopping near school gates is not only unsafe but also costly. Ensure you’re pulling into designated car parks or drop-off zones to avoid any issues.

Maximum Fine: €160

Maximum Penalty points: 5

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2. Failure to yield: Not giving way at junctions or pedestrian crossings, particularly near schools, can result in a fine and penalty points. It’s expected that drivers are adhering to the rules of the road to keep everyone safe.

Maximum Fine: €160

Maximum Penalty points: 4

3. Failure to stop for school wardens: School wardens are there to keep the nation's children safe, particularly when crossing the road to get into school. Not stopping for them has the potential to not only be costly but also extremely dangerous.

Maximum Fine: €320

Maximum Penalty points: 5

4. Failure by driver to comply with rear seat belt requirements for passengers under 17: Whilst there are passengers under 17 in your car, it is your responsibility to keep them safe. Ensuring they wear the correct seatbelt (and keep them on) means you’re staying legal and instilling good habits.

Maximum Fine: €240

Maximum Penalty points: 5

5. Speeding: Many roads around schools have a 20mph limit to ensure safety. This slower speed means drivers are more likely to see crossing children, as well as children being able to see the vehicles around them.

Maximum Fine: €240

Maximum Penalty points: 5

Conor Mulcahy at Quote Devil shares their top for avoiding back-to-school fines: “Parents often find the school run to be one of the most stressful parts of the day. When you’re juggling time pressure, traffic congestion, and kids in the back seat, that’s when small mistakes like stopping in the wrong place or failing to yield can happen. unfortunately, these mistakes come with big consequences in the form of fines, penalty points, or even court appearances.

"To keep your school run stress-free and fully compliant, here are a few simple steps drivers can take:

"Plan ahead: Give yourself an extra ten minutes in the morning to avoid rushing, which is when most errors happen.

"Park smart: Never block crossings, junctions, or school gates. Use designated parking areas or walk the last few minutes where possible.

"Leave space: Always maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front, especially in stop-start school traffic.

"Follow Garda signals: Gardaí often step in to keep school zones safe; ignoring them is both dangerous and costly.

"Check your vehicle paperwork: If you drive a commercial vehicle, make sure your certificate of roadworthiness is up to date to avoid mandatory court appearances.

“A little extra care on the school run goes a long way, not just in keeping your licence clean, but in keeping children safe.”