Gardai have issued a warning about a common “new fad” on Irish roads that could see drivers fined.
The new craze involves people hanging a “colourful garland” from their front mirror, which can block a significant view of the road ahead.
Officers from the Waterford, Kilkenny and Carlow division posted about the dangerous trend on Facebook on Friday afternoon.
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They said many motorists have been cautioned about the “new fad” in recent months - but “unfortunately the message isn’t getting through”.
Because of this, they have threatened to start issuing fines.
A spokesperson said: “Keep the view ahead clear! Many people hang a small air freshener or similar from their car mirror and this doesn't cause any issues.
“What does cause an issue is this new fad of hanging a colourful garland from the mirror that blocks significant view of the road ahead.
“Many of our Roads Policing members have cautioned drivers for this in recent months. Unfortunately the message isn't getting through and the next step is issuing Fixed Charge Notices.
“Visibility of the Road ahead is essential for safe motoring.”
It comes as gardai continue to conduct checkpoints and speed checks across Ireland.
One recent incident on the M4 in Kildare saw a car speed past gardai at 187km/h in a 100km/h zone.
A Garda spokesperson said: “Naas Roads Policing Unit operating speed checks on the M4 in north Kildare recently detected a car at a speed of 187km/h in a 100 zone.
“Driver arrested for dangerous driving and brought to Leixlip Garda Station and charged. Will appear in court soon.”
Another checkpoint in Dublin caught a number of motorists holding their phones while driving.
One driver of a lorry was stopped for texting while driving and was also fined for not wearing a seat belt properly.
Gardai said: “Santry Roads Policing Unit detected a number of motorists holding their mobile phones whilst driving on Saturday in North Dublin.
“The driver of this HGV was stopped for texting whilst driving and also received a fine for not wearing a safety belt.”
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