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The Road Safety Authority (RSA), in partnership with USIT Travel, Ireland’s leading specialist in work abroad programmes, and An Garda Síochána, have launched a new campaign aimed at reminding college students of the potential consequences of drink and drug driving convictions on their future plans, particularly for those considering a J1 visa to the United States.

The campaign, which primarily targets new and returning students across Ireland as they settle back into college life, emphasises how a drink or drug driving conviction could hinder students from securing a J1 visa – potentially stopping them from going to the U.S. altogether. The social media initiative utilises powerful video footage showing the contrasting paths of a young person left behind in Ireland compared to friends enjoying an adventure of a lifetime in the USA.

Sam Waide, Chief Executive of the RSA, explained the purpose behind the campaign:

“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 will run on social media platforms such as Meta, Snapchat, and TikTok from Monday 23 September until Sunday 13 October. This period has been selected as many students typically start planning for their summer abroad around this time.

Lisa Collender, Head of Ireland, USIT, highlighted the risks involved, stating:

“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) offence 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

, added:

“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. Gardaí 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.”

Students can view the campaign and learn more by visiting the J1 Campaign page on the RSA website.

A total of 131 people have lost their lives on Irish roads this year, a figure that serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers associated with drink and drug driving.

Penalties and Disqualification Periods

It is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. Convictions carry severe penalties, including disqualification from driving:

• Drug driving disqualification periods are no less than 1 year for the first offence and no less than 2 years for the second or subsequent offence for cannabis, cocaine, and heroin.
• If impaired by drugs, the penalty is a minimum disqualification of 4 years for the first offence and 6 years for subsequent offences.
• Drink driving offences carry disqualification periods ranging from 3 months to 3 years for the first offence, with increased penalties for repeat offences.
• Fines up to €5,000 and prison sentences up to six months may also be imposed.

Gardaí conduct regular checkpoints for alcohol and drug testing. Refusing a test can result in a fine of up to €5,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or both.

For more information, visit the campaign at J1 Campaign.