A teenager who thought the speed limit on the A1 was 80mph has been handed six penalty points.
The judge stated: “I have serious concerns that someone doesn’t know the speed limit in this country”.
Paul Covaci, 19, of Donegall Avenue, Belfast pleaded guilty to excess speed and using a vehicle without insurance at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
It was heard that on March 30, at 10.55am, the defendant was detected driving a Mercedes on the A1, Dromore, travelling at 82mph in what is a 60mph zone.
After being cautioned, Covaci replied: “I thought it was an 80mph zone”.
District Judge Bernie Kelly commented: “Now that doesn’t fill me with confidence, that he doesn’t know the national speed limit, name me one road in Northern Ireland where that is true.”
Defence counsel replied: “Dundrod”.
Judge Kelly stated: “No Dundrod is only that during the Ulster Grand Prix, I have serious concerns that someone doesn’t know the speed limit in this country.
“If he appears before this court again he will be doing his test again”.
Covaci was handed six penalty points and ordered to pay a fine of £300, along with the offender’s levy of £15, within 12 weeks.
