The following Traffic Laws apply when driving in Ireland.

1) Speed Limits

    * National Roads (N) 100 km/h (Green Signs)
    * Freeways/Motorways 120 km/h. (Blue Signs)
    * Regional (R) & Local Roads (L) 80 km/h (White Signs)
    * Towns & Cities 50 km/h (White Signs)

These Regulations came into operation January 20 2005.
Speed limits in respect of certain vehicle types will change.

The Minister for Transport will make special regulations prescribing the maximum speed limits for heavy goods vehicles, large passenger vehicles and vehicles towing a trailer, etc.

These will be published as soon as the regulations are known.

2) Drunk Driving

A strict alcohol limit of 80 milligrams or 0.08% is enforced.

3) Seat Belts

Wearing of seat belts is compulsory in front and rear seats.

4) Children

Children under 12 years of age are not permitted in front seats.

5) Breakdowns

It is recommended that you carry breakdown warning triangle, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, and spare bulb kit in vehicle. If you wear glasses, bring a spare pair in the car with you.

6) Minimum Driving Age

Minimum driving age is 17 years.

7) Documents Required when Driving

    * Valid driver's license
    * Vehicle title document/registration certificate or vehicle rental agreement
    * Insurance green card (not obligatory for vehicles registered in IRL or another EU state)
    * National vehicle oval country of registration plate (not required for vehicles fitted with EU standard format license plates)

8) What Side of the Road Do I Drive on?

Drive on the left. Vehicle headlights should be focused accordingly.

9) Precedence Traffic

Traffic coming from the right-hand side has precedence on roundabouts (traffic rotaries)

10) Direction Sign Colors

Freeways/Motorways = Blue
National Primary & Secondary routes = Green
Regional and local routes = White


11) Tolls

Tolls are payable at three points in Ireland. There are two toll bridges in the Dublin area – M50 Ring Road between the N4 and N3 interchanges and on the R131 East Link Bridge. The third toll is at the M1 Drogheda Bypass. In each case, the toll is under €2.00 for cars with higher tolls for vans and trucks.

12) Tips

Driving styles and regulations differ in every country. It usually takes between a few hours and an entire day to get used to a new driving environment, particularly if you have not driven in the country before.

    * Stay away from narrow roads when you are new to an area.
    * Drive slowly until you build up your confidence. 
    * If you cross the road to park or to visit a petrol/gas station, be sure to return to a driving position on the left-hand side after you exit the parking space!

13) Parking

Parking regulations are strictly enforced, particularly in Dublin City. Tow trucks and vehicle disabling programs are in operation.

‘Pay and Display’ parking meters operate in the city centre area Monday to Saturday 0700-1900 hours typical cost €2 for 60 minutes. They can be easily operated when you insert coins into the meter - the parking expiry time for the amount inserted is displayed. When sufficient coins have been deposited press the green button to printout the parking ticket. The larger part of the ticket should be stuck to the windshield, and the counterfoil can be retained as a reminder of parking expiration time.

Disc parking exists outside the central zone and in some suburbs and many cities outside Dublin. Multi-storey car parks are signposted along the parking routes. The approximate cost in Dublin City Centre is €2.60 per hour.

14) Broadcast Traffic Reports on Radio

The traffic information of the motoring organizations is broadcast in English by RTE Radio 1 and 2 and most commercial radio stations. Call 1-850 542 542 to notify the traffic centre of any problems on the roads. Calls cost  €0.15 each regardless of duration or whether you are calling from a mobile or ordinary fixed line.