Drink-driving conviction could put J1 plans at risk, RSA warns students
Road safety campaign highlights potential impact of drink and drug driving convictions on students planning to travel to the US next summer
Print2 October 2026
Students planning to travel to the US on a J1 visa next summer are being warned that a drink or drug driving conviction could affect their travel plans and future opportunities.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA), in partnership with USIT Travel and An Garda Síochána, has launched a campaign aimed at students aged 18-28 who are beginning to research and plan their J1 experience for 2027.
Campaign targets J1 students
Running across Meta, Snapchat and TikTok until 25 October, the campaign warns that a conviction for drink or drug driving can have consequences beyond a fine or driving ban, including potentially affecting eligibility for a US visa.
The campaign video contrasts an Irish student who is left at home with friends who travel to the US for their J1 summer, highlighting the potential consequences of a decision to drive after consuming alcohol or drugs.
Nuala Carey of the RSA said a J1 programme could be a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” for students to travel, work and gain independence.
“What some may not realise is that a drink or drug driving conviction can have consequences far beyond a fine or driving ban,” Carey said.
She added: “It can close doors to future opportunities, including the chance to obtain a visa for the United States.”
Convictions can affect travel
An Garda Síochána assistant commissioner Denis Ferry said criminal convictions could affect people’s ability to obtain visas and travel abroad, including convictions under the Road Traffic Act.
“Taking the chance of driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs can not only have immediate devastating consequences resulting in death or serious injury and changing lives for ever but can affect career and travel into the future,” Ferry said.
USIT Ireland head of USIT Lisa Collender said the organisation helps thousands of students and graduates take up opportunities in the US each year through its Summer J1 and year-long Grad visa programmes.
“A drink or drug driving conviction can affect your eligibility for a US visa and put that opportunity at risk,” she said.
Road safety message
The campaign forms part of the RSA’s wider road safety work with younger adults and third-level students.
Through its third-level road safety education programme, the RSA is engaging with students on campuses across Ireland on dangerous road behaviours, including drink and drug driving.
The RSA and An Garda Síochána are also reminding motorists that alcohol and drugs can impair judgement, reaction time and concentration.
According to figures from An Garda Síochána, 140 people had died on Irish roads during 2026 as of 1 October, 12 more than during the same period in 2025.
Students are being encouraged to plan their journey home before going out, including by using public transport, booking a taxi, arranging a lift with a designated driver or staying overnight.
The campaign is available through the RSA website here.
Read more: RSA launches Christmas Road Safety campaign
© 2026, ShelfLife by Patryk Goron
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