J1 Students Warned Drink or Drug Driving Conviction Could Put US Travel Plans at Risk

The Road Safety Authority (RSA), in partnership with USIT Travel and An Garda Síochána, is warning students planning a J1 summer in the USA in 2027 that a drink or drug driving conviction could put their travel plans and future opportunities at risk.

The campaign is running on social media to 25 October and comes as students begin researching and planning their J1 experience. Its central message is that one choice can take your summer in two very different directions.

The campaign video contrasts the experiences of an Irish student left behind at home with those of his friends enjoying their J1 summer in the USA. The campaign will run across Meta, Snapchat and TikTok, targeting students aged 18 to 28 as they research destinations, jobs and plans for summer 2027.

Nuala Carey of the RSA said:

"For many students, a J1 is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity 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. It can close doors to future opportunities, including the chance to obtain a visa for the United States. Through this campaign with USIT and An Garda Síochána, we want students to understand that one poor decision can have lasting consequences. The message is simple: never drive after taking alcohol or drugs. Protect your future, protect others on the road and safeguard the opportunities that can shape the course of your future."

Assistant Commissioner Denis Ferry, Roads Policing, An Garda Síochána, said:

"Criminal convictions impact directly on your future and can affect your ability to obtain visas and take foreign travel. This includes 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. Make the right decision now and never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs."

Lisa Collender, Head of USIT Ireland, said:

"Every year we help thousands of students and graduates take up life-changing opportunities in the USA through our 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. One bad decision can have consequences long after the night is over. Make the responsible choice - never drive under the influence, and don't let one mistake get in the way of your future."

The campaign forms part of the RSA's wider focus on road safety among younger adults and third-level students. Through its third-level road safety education programme, the RSA is engaging directly with students on campuses across Ireland, using interactive and immersive demonstrations to highlight the risks associated with dangerous road behaviours, including drink and drug driving.

The RSA and An Garda Síochána are reminding all road users that alcohol and drugs impair the skills needed to drive safely, including judgement, reaction time and concentration. Students heading out should plan how they will get home before the night begins, whether that means using public transport, booking a taxi, arranging a lift with a designated driver or staying overnight.

According to An Garda Síochána figures, 140 people have died on Irish roads this year, 12 more than the same period in 2025.

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.

For drink driving, the disqualification periods range from three months to three years for a first offence. 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.

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