Straight answers to practical questions about driving, travelling, parking and getting around Northern Ireland.
PSNI/NIRSP offers a speed-awareness course only where the driver and offence meet its eligibility criteria.
If you already have more than nine points, PSNI says a safety-camera speeding case will normally go directly to court unless you qualify for an alternative course.
A company must respond to a PSNI Notice of Intended Prosecution and identify the driver where required.
Do not guess or name someone without a proper basis. Complete the NIP honestly, explain the problem and provide the information you genuinely have.
Yes. The person or company receiving the PSNI/NIRSP driver-information requirement must identify the driver or provide the information legally required.
The registered keeper is normally sent a Notice of Intended Prosecution asking for the driver details after a safety-camera speeding detection.
Yes. PSNI lists stopping on a motorway among offences for which an endorsable fixed penalty can be issued.
Yes. PSNI can issue an endorsable fixed penalty for defective tyres where the offence and circumstances meet the fixed-penalty criteria.
Yes. A person who receives a non-endorsable PSNI fixed penalty can choose the court-hearing option instead of simply paying it.
A non-endorsable PSNI fixed penalty can be paid online or through the payment methods listed by PSNI and Laganside Court.
PSNI’s non-endorsable FPN guidance says you must comply with the payment or court-hearing option within the period stated on the notice; its current FAQ gives 21 days for the initial options.
Follow the deadline printed on the notice. Endorsable fixed penalties can involve separate requirements for producing documents and accepting the offer.
An endorsable fixed penalty can add penalty points to the driving record, while a non-endorsable notice carries a fine without licence points.
A non-endorsable PSNI fixed penalty is a monetary penalty for certain motoring offences that does not add penalty points to your driving licence.
No. A driver should not cross a red traffic light merely to let an emergency vehicle pass unless directed by a police officer or other lawful control.
Stay calm, check around you and make space for the emergency vehicle without breaking traffic laws or putting anyone else at risk.
Drivers should allow buses to move out from stops where it is safe and practical, while still maintaining proper observation and control.
Pass a stopped bus carefully and slowly because passengers, especially children, may emerge into the road from in front of or behind it.
The Northern Ireland Highway Code tells drivers to drive with children’s safety in mind and use a speed suitable for the conditions.
Yes. Drivers must obey a school crossing patrol’s STOP sign in Northern Ireland.
Slow down and be ready to stop when approaching a school crossing patrol; obey the patrol’s STOP sign.
Leave a wide safety margin when passing horses; the key rule is generous space combined with very low speed rather than squeezing past.
No. Drivers should not sound the horn when passing horses because the sudden noise may startle the animal.
If a horse becomes frightened, slow right down or stop if necessary and give the rider time and space to regain control.
Overtake horse riders slowly, give them plenty of room and avoid actions likely to frighten the horse.
A driver turning across a cycle lane or track must take particular care and should give way to cyclists using the facility where the driver is crossing their path.
Parking in a cycle lane is only lawful where the signs, markings and underlying parking restrictions allow it.
Whether a car may stop in a cycle lane depends on the lane markings, signs and any time-based restriction.
No blanket rule forces cyclists to use every cycle lane in Northern Ireland.
Cyclists should not ride on an ordinary pavement or footway unless it is designated for cycling.
