RSA, USIT and Gardaí launch campaign warning students:A drink or drug driving conviction could cost you your J1

The Road Safety Authority (RSA), in partnership with USIT Travel and An Garda Síochána, is reminding students considering a J1 summer in the USA in 2026 of the consequences of a drink or drug driving conviction through a social media campaign. The message is clear: a drink or drug driving conviction could prevent you from getting a visa – not just for next summer, but possibly for life.

The campaign, which runs from 22 September to 23 October, highlights how one reckless choice can change the course of a student’s summer – and future. The video campaign cuts between footage of an Irish student left behind at home and his friends enjoying the adventure of a lifetime in the USA, reinforcing how one decision can take you down two very different roads.

Running across Meta, Snapchat and TikTok, the campaign coincides with the period when students begin researching, planning, and applying for J1 visas for summer 2026. A J1 visa allows students to work in the United States from 15 May to 15 September, with an additional 30 days to travel.

Sam Waide, Chief Executive of the RSA, said: “The J1 is an important moment for so many students – a summer of work, travel, and new experiences. But a conviction for drink or drug driving can stop those dreams in their tracks. Beyond the legal consequences here in Ireland, students risk losing out on the opportunity of a lifetime abroad. Our message is simple: make safe choices on our roads and keep every opportunity open to you.”

Assistant Garda Commissioner Catharina Gunne added: “All too often we still see the devastating impact of drink and drug driving.  At its worst it causes death, destroying the lives of loved ones, families and friends.  It may also cause life changing injuries.  A conviction for driving under the influence of an intoxicant may impact negatively on futures and opportunities. Younger adults and students need to realise not only the impact and consequences of fines and driving disqualifications here in Ireland. 

“They need to be conscious and aware of the consequences of a conviction in particular the possibility of being barred from travelling to the United States on a J1 visa, or rules entering other countries.  Gardaí are enforcing the law through mandatory checkpoints and random vehicle stops.  Do not take the chance of being prosecuted by getting behind the wheel under the influence of any intoxicant, alcohol or drugs.”

Lisa Collender, head of USIT Ireland, said: “At USIT, we’re excited to support students across Ireland as they prepare for an unforgettable summer on the J-1 visa in the USA. Our team is at university career fairs with advice on jobs, destinations, and planning the perfect J1 experience. We also want to share an important reminder: driving under the influence isn’t just about fines—it can end your chance of getting a J1 visa. A DUI makes you ineligible, cutting off the opportunity to work and travel in the USA.  Protect your opportunities, your safety, and your dreams: never drink and drive.”

The campaign coincides with the RSA’s largest-ever third-level road safety education programme, which began earlier this month during Freshers Week in University College Dublin. The RSA is visiting 23 colleges and universities across Ireland, bringing immersive and interactive safety demonstrations directly to students.

Already this year, 125 people have died on Irish roads, one fewer than the same period in 2024. The RSA and An Garda Síochána stress that continued progress depends on drivers making responsible decisions, particularly around alcohol and drugs.

Students can view the full campaign on the RSA website at rsa.ie/J1Campaign.

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.