New Campaign Highlights Impact of a Driving Disqualification on those Planning a J1 Visa next summer

RSA, USIT Travel and Gardai target new and returning college students with drink and drug driving campaign

The Road Safety Authority (RSA), in partnership with USIT Travel, Ireland's leading specialist in work abroad programmes, and An Garda Síochána have come together to remind students a drink or drug driving conviction may stop you from going to the U.S. on your J1 - or ever.

The social media campaign is aimed at new and returning students across Ireland as they settle back in college and begin considering, researching and planning a summer abroad next year on USIT’s J1 USA visa programme. 

It flashes between footage of an isolated Irishman left at home with that of his friends, who are away on the adventure of a lifetime in the USA. All footage is matched to exaggerate how a summer can take two roads: and only one of them is memorable.

Sam Waide, chief executive of the RSA, said: “This is designed to show how a drink or drug driving conviction or disqualification may impact someone’s chances on getting a J1 visa for the summer. If you are returning to college this autumn, please remember to drink responsibly and plan how you will get back to your accommodation at the end of the night. If you live far from campus, arrange in advance to travel home with a group of friends by taxi or public transport.”

The campaign runs across Meta, Snapchat and TikTok from Monday 23 September until Sunday 13 October. Students who intend to travel to the US begin their planning in September, making this an optimal time to deliver this important message.

Lisa Collender, Head of Ireland, USIT, said: “As we look ahead to the summer of 2025, we are excited at USIT to assist thousands of students across all third level colleges to work in the USA on a summer J-1 visa. Staying safe and responsible behind the wheel is not just about avoiding fines or penalties. It’s about safeguarding your future. A DUI (driving under the influence) offense can prevent you from being eligible for a J-1 visa, cutting off your chance to work, travel, and experience life in the United States. Protect your opportunities, your safety, and your dreams – never drink and drive.”

Assistant Commissioner, Paula Hilman, Roads Policing and Community Engagement, An Garda Síochána said: “As students return to college, many will be driving to and from third level campuses nationwide, on Fridays and Sundays in particular. It is critically important that they are staying safe while driving, keeping their attention on the road and mindful of all the road safety laws in place. Driving offences and acquiring penalty points affect your licence and can ultimately disqualify you from driving, but getting a conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can have long-term consequences. Testing positive for alcohol and or drugs while behind the wheel won’t just put you off the road , it will potentially stay with you for life. That likely means no J1 with friends and it can certainly have a knock-on effect on visa approval processes in other countries too. Gardai conduct checkpoints for detecting intoxicated driving every single day all over the country – if you are planning on applying for a J1 visa – never get into your car after consuming alcohol or drugs. It is as simple as that.”

The campaign can be viewed at J1 Campaign (rsa.ie)

A total of 131 people have died on Irish roads this year, four less than the same period in 2023.

NOTES

It is an offence to drive under the influence of an intoxicant whether alcohol, drugs or a combination of both.

All drink or drug driving penalties carry a disqualification period.

In terms of drug driving disqualification periods, for those convicted of the offence of being above the legal threshold for cannabis, cocaine and heroin with no proof of impairment necessary by the Gardaí, the disqualification period is not less than 1 year for the first offence and not less than 2 years for the second or subsequent offence.

If you are found to be impaired from drugs while driving, the penalty or disqualification periods are a minimum of 4 years for a first offence and 6 years for a second or subsequent offence.

The disqualification periods for drink driving offences range from 3 months to three years for a first offence. There are increased sanctions for second or subsequent offences.

In addition to the disqualification period the court can also apply a fine of up to €5,000 and a prison sentence of up to six months.

Gardaí can set up a checkpoint to conduct random alcohol and drug testing. It is unlawful to refuse to be breathalysed, and you could be fined up to €5,000, or be imprisoned for up to six months, or both.