She died after being hit by a scrambler as she used a pedestrian crossing on Ratoath Road, Finglas. A man later appeared in court charged in connection with the incident.<\/p>\n
The new regulations are to be known as Grace\u2019s Law in her memory.<\/p>\n
![\"Grace](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/OERRTFHMKNF33EFYIPWR5XTNLA.jpeg\")
Grace Lynch died after being hit by a scrambler as she used a pedestrian crossing in Finglas in January. Photograph: RIP.ie <\/p>\n
Minister for Transport Darragh O\u2019Brien brought the regulations to Cabinet on Wednesday.<\/p>\n
In a statement afterwards, the Department of Transport said the new regulations come into effect on April 3rd \u201cstrengthening existing provisions and powers of enforcement by An Garda S\u00edoch\u00e1na\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Road Traffic (Control of Certain Vehicles) Regulations 2026 bring additional legal clarity by consolidating the disparate existing provisions into a single legislative instrument in respect of scramblers.\u201d<\/p>\n
The new regulations prohibit the use of a scrambler or quad bike in any place other than on private land.<\/p>\n
The department said: \u201cUsing a scrambler in any public place will now explicitly be an offence, whether or not it is being driven dangerously.\u201d<\/p>\n
Off-road motorcycles are now only legal for use on private land by the landowner themselves, or with their written consent.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis will allow for the continued appropriate off-road use of scramblers or quad bikes, for agricultural purposes and for controlled licensed sports events,\u201d the statement said. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe Department of Transport, in consultation with the Department of Justice, is currently finalising regulations to substantially increase the cost of releasing a scrambler following seizure.\u201d<\/p>\n
In response to a query from The Irish Times on the timing of the introduction of the increased release fees, the Department of Transport said: \u201cThe intention is that they will be introduced in the coming weeks.\u201d <\/p>\n
The current fees for the release of a seized scrambler are \u20ac125 on the day of detention and \u20ac35 for each day of storage. <\/p>\n
In terms of the penalties that will apply to those caught using a scrambler in a public place: a fine of up to \u20ac1,000 can be applied to a first offence rising to up to \u20ac2,000 for a second offence. A third or subsequent offence in a 12-month period can lead to a fine of up to \u20ac2,000 and\/or up to three months in prison. <\/p>\n
Garda\u00ed have the power to dispose of a vehicle that has not been claimed or in cases where the fee has not been paid three weeks after the date of detention, provided two weeks\u2019 notice of the intention to dispose is given. <\/p>\n
Garda\u00ed also have powers to seize scramblers being driven dangerously in any location and can legally dispose of a vehicle two months after detention. <\/p>\n
The department said: \u201cEnforcement of these powers is a matter for An Garda S\u00edoch\u00e1na.\u201d<\/p>\n
O\u2019Brien said: \u201cThe regulations will ensure that garda\u00ed have the full enforcement powers to remove the use of scramblers in public places and protect the safety of all road users.\u201d<\/p>\n
He added: \u201cTo honour the memory of Grace Lynch, and with the permission of her family, together these provisions applied to scramblers will be known as \u2018Grace\u2019s Law\u2019.<\/p>\n
\u201cI hope that Grace\u2019s name will be as a reminder to all of us that dangerous road use puts the lives of our friends, neighbours and families at risk.\u201d <\/p>\n
Speaking earlier on his way into Cabinet, O\u2019Brien thanked Grace\u2019s parents for engaging with him in relation to the Bill.<\/p>\n