(1) A person shall not drive a mechanically propelled vehicle in a public place unless he holds a driving licence for the time being having effect and licensing him to drive the vehicle.

(2)

(a) A person who contravenes subsection (1) is guilty of an offence and, subject to subsection (5), is liable on summary conviction -

(i) where at the time of the commission of the offence he or she had been the holder of a driving licence (other than a learner permit) which had expired beyond its period of validity for a period of not more than 3 months before the commission of the offence, to a fine not exceeding €1,000, and

(ii) in any other case, to a fine not exceeding €2,000.

(b) In a prosecution for an offence under this subsection, it shall be presumed, until the contrary is shown by the defendant, that he did not, at the time he drove the vehicle, hold a driving licence then having effect and licensing him to drive the vehicle.