Ireland
- Transport - Driving in Ireland
Driving
is an excellent way to see the corners of Ireland that are not served
well by public transport. Irish roads are generally very good, if
a little narrow in comparison to American roads, but once you get
used to them you'll see some wonderful sights.
Driving
Rules
In Ireland cars
drive on the left hand side of the road. Generally priority is given
to vehicles on the right. When entering a roundabout you must give
way to the traffic on the roundabout and to the traffic approaching
from your right.
Speed
Limits
On Motorway: 112kph / 70mph
In Towns: 48kph / 30mph
On Major roads: 65kph / 40mph
In residential areas: 35kph / 20mph
Alcohol
Limits
In Ireland you may not drive if your blood-alcohol level exceeds
0.08%.
Seat Belts
Seat belts are
compulsory in the front for driver and passenger, and the rear if
fitted. Children under the age of 12 may not ride in the front seat
unless it is fitted with a special child's restraint.
Driving Licence and Required Documents
You are required
to carry your driving licence, insurance papers and registration
papers or rental agreement (proof of ownership) with you at all
times. You won't need an international driving licence if your driving
licence is from any of the European Union Member states, the United
States and other countries unless you will be driving in Ireland
for more than six months.
Toll
Roads
There
are two toll roads in Dublin; the M50 Ring Road between the N4 and
N3 interchanges, and on the R131 East Link Bridge. There are no
other toll roads in Ireland.
Parking
All parking restrictions are lifted after 6pm daily -except where
there are yellow lines on the road and on bus stops.
Parking metres are checked from 8am to 6.30pm from Monday through
Saturday and maximum parking time is 2 hours.
Cork and Limerick employ the parking disc system in their central
areas. These pay and display disks can be purchased from news agents
or from machines at the side of the road. If your car is illegally
parked you risk a hefty fine that may be collected on the spot or
your car being towed away.
Useful Contacts
Automobile Association (AA) Ireland
23 Suffolk Street
Dublin 2
Tel: + 353 1 617 9999
Fax: + 353 1 617 9900
Email: aa@aaireland.ie
Police/Fire/Ambulance Service
Tel: 999
Dublin City
Council Traffic Disruption Information
Website: Traffic
Flow Information
