German visitor fined for driving uninsured in Letterkenny
A German driver who claimed he believed he was insured to drive a vehicle in Donegal has avoided a driving ban after appearing in court on a no-insurance charge.
Salim Captan was before Letterkenny District Court charged with driving without insurance at Glencar Road, Letterkenny on February 26, 2026.
Garda Sergeant Maurice Doyle outlined to the court that Captan was stopped by Gardai at 3.50pm and a lawful demand was made for the production of insurance.
Captan was unable to provide a valid policy and, representing himself in court, he told Judge Emile Daly that he had an insurance policy in Germany and believed that he could drive in Ireland “as it is an EU country”.
Captan said he worked in “logistics” in Germany, but is not currently employed.
He said that he needed the car to “assist a friend”, but when Gardai performed a check the German company confirmed that the accused man was not covered.
The defendant said that he was in Letterkenny “for a visit” and that he “wanted to help a person”.
Captan’s address was given as Ard Glass, Long Lane, Letterkenny, but he confirmed that this was the address of a friend he was visiting.
Judge Daly convicted Captan of driving without insurance and fined him €350, allowing four months to pay.
As it was his first offence, Judge Daly did not disqualify Captan.
Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme