Smoking drivers risk prosecution

Motorists who smoke at the wheel could be prosecuted under a new rule in the latest edition of the Highway Code.

Smoking drivers would be charged if it is thought they were driving without due care and attention.

Road Safety Minister Jim Fitzpatrick said drivers should not be distracted by other activities behind the wheel.

The first update of the Highway Code for eight years, which is 42 pages longer and has 29 more rules, includes a new safety code for novice drivers.