Points system novices beware. For car-owners who normally use public transport to go to work, this weekend could be the first time they have been on the roads since the introduction of the penalty points system.
The signs are the public have been careful not to be caught out by the increased Garda presence and those who have not been out in their cars since before the Thursday should be careful.
While speeding is the only offence currently subject to the system, drivers should remember that the other 60-odd motoring offences still apply, and can lead to fines, court appearances and incarceration. So Sunday drivers beware, you can still be get into trouble for your languid style. Driving too slowly is an offence under the category of Careless Driving.
The Wexford Opera Festival and Belfast Festival at Queens continue over the weekend. In Wexford, White's Hotel and the Theatre Royal are the focus for events and extra traffic volumes can be expected around both locations during day and evening times.
In Belfast, the festival centres around Queen's University and is environs with events throughout the day and evening.
While there is unlikely to be much traffic disruption, it would be a shame not to mention the Irish Ghost Family Festival taking place in Cork. UCC, the Triskel Arts Centre and Cork City Gaol are among the locations where exhibitions and lectures on piseogs, banshees and the like take place. Phone 021 4318894 for more information.
The continuing roadworks on the M1 to and from Dublin Airport will cause delays while drivers in Meath should be aware of racing in Navan on Sunday. Drivers in the west midlands will have cause to celebrate as Saturday is the last day of roadworks on the N65 around Portumna, Co Galway.
Weather wise, the proverbial Irish soft day will prevail on Saturday and Sunday, though winds will be strong reaching up to 40 mph coasts. It will mainly dry on Saturday but blustery and sometimes heavy showers are forecast for Sunday. Temperatures will range from 10 to 14 degrees Celsius.