Drivers are being reminded to check your tyres before taking to the roads as new rules come into force today.

Anyone caught with defective or worn tyres now faces a fine of €80 and two penalty points.

While anyone who contests it and is convicted of the offence in court will receive four penalty points.

The new law was fast-tracked by acting Transport Minister Paschal Donohoe after research showed that bald and defective tyres are partly to blame for a number of road accidents over the past five years.

71 people have died in the past five years partly because of bald or defective tyres.

“This new measure is intended to promote greater awareness among motorists of the hazards of driving with tyres that are not in roadworthy condition,” Mr Donohoe said.