Two-year ban for Carndonagh woman caught driving BMW without insurance
Gardai carried out a vehicle check with the PSNI, which showed that the car was uninsured, while the driver could not provide any proof of insurance
A Carndonagh woman has been banned for a period of two years after being caught driving a UK-registered BMW without insurance last year.
Maria Cuffe, of 4 Donagh Park, Carndonagh, was charged with no insurance and failure to produce insurance at Carndonagh District Court, which still sits in Buncrana.
The 28-year-old was not present in court when her case was called, however Judge Emile Daly directed the proceedings to go ahead in her absence after being shown proof that she had been notified.
Garda Patrick McHugh, of Carndonagh Garda Station, gave evidence in the prosecution.
He said he was operating a road traffic checkpoint at Carrickafoden, Carndonagh, on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, when the offence was detected.
At 9.24am that morning, he stopped a vehicle – a grey UK-registered BMW 5 Series – and spoke with the driver, who identified herself as Maria Cuffe.
Garda McHugh carried out a vehicle check with the PSNI, which showed that the car was uninsured, and the driver could not provide any proof of insurance.
The vehicle was subsequently seized under Section 41 of the Road Traffic Act, and a lawful demand was made of Ms Cuffe to produce her certificate of insurance to a Garda Station within ten days.
She chose Buncrana Garda Station, but no documents were produced, and summonses were then issued.
The court heard how Ms Cuffe has no previous convictions.
After listening to the facts, Judge Daly convicted and banned the Carn woman on a first offence, because no special circumstances were outlined in court as to why she should keep her licence.
“There’s no appearance by the defendant, who is on notice, and the case has been adjourned since the last day.”
“I will disqualify for a period of two years on the basis that no reasons have been given for me to disapply.”
The judge also imposed a fine of €500 on the no insurance charge, and an additional €150 on the charge of failing to produce insurance.
Ms Cuffe has been given four months to pay the €650 total.