Driving advice for every country in Europe
From required documents to European breakdown cover and vehicle accessories, find all the up-to-date driving laws and advice for every country in Europe in our travel guides.
Driving in Ireland
To make your trip to the Ireland as safe and effortless as possible, we have put together a guide to everything you need to know before you go, from compulsory documents to the rules of the road.
In Ireland, RAC European Breakdown Cover (Basic, Comprehensive and Single Trip) provides a wide range of benefits should you break down in the Republic of Ireland to ensure you stay safe.
To supplement this, RAC also offers travel insurance. Cover will include medical expenses, baggage, personal money and belongings, among many other benefits.
European Breakdown Cover
Instant cover available for just £4.17 a day*.
*Price is based on European comprehensive breakdown cover for a 14 day trip, in a vehicle up to 1 year old, travelling in zone 1.
Advice for driving in Ireland
In an emergency
999 – The number of the emergency services in Ireland is the same as in the UK, and you’ll be able to connect to police, ambulance and the fire brigade.
112 – Here's a really important bit of knowledge; you can dial 112 from anywhere in Europe and an operator will connect you to an emergency service in the country you're visiting.
Operators can answer your call in their native language, English, or French.
Looking for short-term insurance for your vehicle? Our temporary car insurance product is perfect if you're looking for flexible and comprehensive cover for between 1 hour and 30 days.
Driving licence laws in Ireland
Visitors must be aged 17 or over and hold a full, valid driving licence to legally drive in Ireland. Riders of mopeds or motorcycles up to 125cc must be aged 16 or over.
Driving licences issued in the UK, EU and EEA countries are accepted. International driving permits are recognised, but not required.
Key things to take when driving in Ireland
Documents for driving in Ireland
Vehicles from the UK can be temporarily imported into Ireland for up to 12 months. In order to stay on the right side of the law, the following documents should always be carried:
- A valid UK driving licence
- Your motor insurance certificate in your name or as a named driver on another driver's policy
- Your V5 registration document (ideally the original and a copy)
Do I need an insurance green card?
Since 2 August 2021, drivers no longer require an insurance green card for taking their vehicles to Ireland.
Do I need a GB sticker for driving in Ireland?
No, you do not need a GB sticker or a UK sticker, unlike other countries in the EU.
If you are looking to drive in Europe, then you will need a UK sticker - GB ones will not be accepted.
Driving in Ireland packing checklist
In addition to required documents, drivers are also recommended to carry the following items when driving:
- Spare bulbs for your car's external lights
- A fire extinguisher
- A first aid kit
- A reflective warning triangle
- A Camping Card International to give you additional proof of identity, third party liability insurance, plus discounts at a wide range of campsites and tourist attractions
Rules of the road in Ireland
- Overtaking and passing: In Ireland, motorists drive on the left and overtake on the right. Drivers must not attempt any overtaking if it could cause inconvenience to others.
- Who has priority? Drivers must give right of way to vehicles approaching along a principal road at uncontrolled road junctions. These are junctions not controlled by the police or traffic signals. In situations where roads at an uncontrolled junction are of the same standard, drivers must give right of way to those coming from the right. Any vehicle approaching a junction must also give right of way to those turning or crossing at the junction. Any drivers entering the road from private property should give right of way to vehicles moving in either direction. Finally, cars entering a roundabout should give priority to those already on it unless otherwise indicated. Signs at uncontrolled junctions will highlight the presence of a main road.
- Warning of approach: Horns must not be used between the hours of 23:30 and 07:00 on any road that has a permanent speed limit enforced.
Ireland seat belt law
If seat belts are fitted to your car, they must be worn by both drivers and passengers. The driver has a responsibility to ensure that all passengers under 17 are suitably restrained in the car.
The fine for failing to wear a seat belt is set at €60, increasing to €90 if you don’t pay within 28 days.
Traffic lights
The three-colour system conforms to the provisions of the Convention on Road Signs and Signals (red light on top). This system is used in most towns and villages across the country.
Speed limits in Ireland
Ireland uses the metric system for all road signs, meaning speed limits and other road signs including distance are indicated using kilometres and metres.
In built-up areas | 50km/h max. (30km/h near schools and in some residentials areas where signed) |
Outside built-up areas | 60km/h – 100km/h max. (according to local signs) |
Motorways | 120km/h |
Special speed restrictions apply to certain classes of vehicles, including vehicles with trailers and double-decker buses so check local restrictions before travel.
Speeding fines in Ireland
Speeding fines
Speeding fines in Ireland are currently set at a flat rate of €80 regardless of the speed at which offenders are caught, or the road on which they’re driving.
However, the Irish Government has recently announced plans to consider removing this flat rate and introducing graduated speeding measures that relate to the severity of the offence.
Speed camera detectors
If you have a GPS navigation system that shows you where any fixed speed cameras are, you must deactivate this function. It's illegal to carry or use any radar detection equipment when driving through Ireland.
Arrival Breakdown Cover
Get specialist personal based cover for caravans, motorhomes and campervans from just £11 per month.^
Travelling with children in Ireland
The driver of the vehicle is responsible for ensuring that all passengers under 17 are wearing a seat belt or appropriate restraint.
Child car seats
Children aged under three cannot travel in a car unless appropriately restrained, regardless of where the vehicle they’re travelling in was registered. Rear-facing restraints cannot be used in front passenger seats with active air-bags.
Children aged over three can sit in the front passenger seat only if they’re using a safety belt or appropriate child restraint. If not, they must travel in a rear seat.
Children under 150cm in height and weighing less than 36kg (generally speaking, children up to 11-12 years old) are required to use the correct child seat or booster cushion at all times while travelling.
Driving a camper van and towing a caravan in Ireland
Camper vans and cars with caravans are not allowed to exceed 18.75 metres in length, 4.65 metres in height and 2.55 metres in width.
Loads mustn’t exceed 10.5 tonnes at the driving axle and 10 tonnes at a single axle.
Please note: The Department for Transport advises that A-frames are not legal for use by UK campers and caravanners abroad. In practice, this could mean towing your car while it’s fixed to a trailer.*
Towing
Check if you need to register your trailer before you can take it abroad.
Also note that UK drivers towing caravans or trailers may be required to have two green cards for insurance purposes – one for their vehicle and one for the unit they are towing.
Irish driving penalties and fines
On-the-spot fines
Officers of the Garda are able to hand out on-the-spot fines to motorists that have committed an offence under the Road Traffic Act. This fine is payable within 28 days. After this time, the fine increases by 50%.
Minimum and maximum fines
Fines range from €60 to €200, depending on the offence committed, although for certain, more dangerous offences such as dangerous driving the fine could be fixed at a higher amount following a court appearance.
The minimum and maximum fines available depend on the offence committed, although offenders pay a reduced fine if they pay the required amount within 28 days.
Confiscation of vehicles
Any vehicle that doesn’t display current road tax and/or insurance can be confiscated by police officers.
Parking in Ireland
Parking in Ireland is slightly different to many places in the UK. Check the rules before you head to the country.
Parking regulations
As well as following any restrictions signposted locally, drivers in Ireland should also note that parking is prohibited:
- Within nine metres of a road junction
- Within the same distance - on the approach side - of a pedestrian crossing or pedestrian lights. Exceptions include when a passenger is leaving or entering the vehicle and when the vehicle is being used to load or unload goods
- At a bus stop with road markings
- Between a road pad and its corresponding traffic lights
- On the pavement if this affects the movement of pedestrians
- On cycle tracks
- On yellow lines
Parking at night
Vehicles can be parked without lights in situations where street lighting ensures they can be clearly seen by traffic. In other scenarios, side lights should be used.
Enforcement of parking regulations
On-the-spot fines can be handed down in relation to parking offences, while wheel clamps are also used. In some cases, a €80 fee may have to be paid for the removal of the clamp.
Cars may also be towed if they have created an obstruction and, again, a fee may be charged for release.
Disabled parking access
Disabled parking bays are highlighted by blue lines on the ground and the international parking sign featuring the wheelchair symbol.
Vehicles with a disabled badge can often park without time limits in spaces provided by local authorities and public bodies. Elsewhere, time limits in private car parks may be up to the operator.
Badge holders cannot park on single or double yellow lines, while they should also avoid places where their vehicle could cause an obstruction.
Drink-driving law in Ireland
Legal limit
The limit for drivers of private vehicles is 0.05%.
For professional drivers - such as those driving a bus, coach, HGV or public service vehicle - the limit is 0.02%. The latter also applies to newly qualified drivers with less than two years of experience.
Drink-driving test
The Garda may set up checkpoints and conduct random breath testing on drivers. If the test is positive, the driver will be required to go to the station for a blood or urine test.
The Garda must also conduct a preliminary breath test when they believe a driver has consumed alcohol, or at the scene of a crash where someone has been injured and requires medical attention.
If a driver fails a roadside physical and behavioural test, the Garda may ask him/her to accompany them to the station for a drug test, either by blood or urine sampling.
Tolls in Ireland
Some motorways in Ireland have tolls imposed.
Most toll stations don't take credit cards so make sure you've got some change or invest in an e-Toll electronic tag that attaches to your vehicle and pays all required tolls.
Service areas in Ireland
There are motorway service areas located across Ireland, although in more rural western areas there are significantly fewer of these service areas so you may prefer to use local facilities instead.
Availability of fuel in Ireland
There are plenty of filling stations located across the country that sell petrol, diesel and LPG, although in rural areas in the west of the country there are fewer.
In larger urban centres, such as Dublin and Cork, there is also a growing network of electric charging points.
Fuel prices in Ireland can be found in our up-to-date European fuel prices page.
Driving a hire car in Ireland
Not all of the information in the guide above will be relevant to those looking to rent a hire car in Ireland. Though it might be a good idea to read through everything anyway, here are the most important things to know for drivers of rental vehicles:
Rental information
- The minimum age to hire a car is 23
- You need a full, valid UK driving licence and usually a second proof of ID (passport)
- Car rental companies ask that you have held your licence for a minimum term of 2 years
- A credit card may be required by some companies, it is best to check beforehand
- You may not be able to drive outside of Ireland unless planned in advance - check with your hire company first
- Make sure you get car hire excess insurance before your trip to protect yourself from unexpected costs. It's almost always cheaper to do this with a separate insurer and in advance
Hire car driving tips
- The national speed limit on motorways in Ireland is 120km/h (74 mph). On a main road outside a built-up area it's up to 100km/h. For built-up areas it’s between 30km/h to 50km/h.
- Dial 112 in an emergency
- If seat belts are fitted to your car, they must be worn by both drivers and passengers.
- The blood alcohol content limit for drivers of private vehicles is 0.05%. That's lower than the 0.08% in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, but the same as Scotland
Driving in Ireland FAQs
- Can I drive my car in Ireland?
Yes, although you should always familiarise yourself with the laws around driving in Ireland before you set off to keep yourself and others safe on the road, while also ensuring you have the right insurance and breakdown cover for your trip.
Getting to Ireland by car is fairly straightforward for UK residents – simply drive across the border from Northern Ireland, or take a ferry from England or Wales and enter the country through one of its ports.
- What side of the road do they drive on in Ireland?
As in the UK, motorists drive on the left-hand-side of the road in the Republic of Ireland and overtake on the right.
- Can you drive in Ireland with a UK licence?
Yes, you can legally drive in the Irish Republic with your UK-issued driving licence without the need to apply for an International Driving Permit, regardless of the length of your stay.
- Do I need extra insurance to drive in Ireland?
Ireland and the UK are both part of the Green Card System, a Europe-wide scheme allowing all countries to recognise foreign vehicle insurance policies of visiting motorists, so it’s quite possible your existing insurance will cover you.
However, before setting off on your trip, you should contact your insurance provider to make sure that no additional cover is required, as you won’t be able to buy short-term cover at the border entry points.
- Do I need a green card to drive in Ireland?
While carrying a green card is no longer a legal requirement, many motorists choose to take one for extra proof of insurance and you should always check with your insurance provider before travel to ensure you will be covered.
- Is driving in Ireland dangerous?
Driving in Ireland is much like driving in the UK and most UK drivers will likely familiarise themselves quickly due to the fact that both countries drive on the left.
In some rural areas, the roads aren’t as well maintained and before driving in any foreign country like the Republic of Ireland you should always familiarise yourself with the law to ensure you stay safe on the roads.
- Is driving in Ireland the same as in the UK?
For the most part, yes. Both countries drive on the left and the vast majority of road signs across Ireland are in both Irish and English, which will help UK drivers feel comfortable on the roads.
However, there are differences when it comes to driving laws and requirements, so before driving in the Irish Republic make sure you research these as well as ensuring you have insurance and breakdown cover for the entirety of your trip.
- What age can you start driving in Ireland?
To legally drive in Ireland you have to be 17 years or older and in possession of a full valid driving licence.
- Can you drive from the UK to Ireland?
Yes, it is easy to drive from the UK to Ireland. Unless you are travelling from Northern Ireland, you will need to also use a ferry to get your vehicle over to Ireland.
Here are the times it will take you to drive from London to some of the most popular destinations in Ireland.
- Dublin: 8-10 hours
- Cork: 11-13 hours
- Limerick 11-13 hours
- Galway: 10-12 hours
- Sligo: 11-13 hours
- Killarney: 12-14 hours
All of these times are subject to travel, border crossing and availability/times of the ferry,
ETIAS – 2025
ETIAS stands for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System. It is a visa program for visitors who don’t need a Schengen visa, who want to travel to the European Union and a few other European countries.
Visitors who purchase an ETIAS will be able to enter the 26 member states of the Schengen Zone as well as Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, and Romania.
This will be launching in 2025. Learn more about ETIAS here.
European Breakdown Cover
Instant cover available for just £4.17 a day*.
*Price is based on European comprehensive breakdown cover for a 14 day trip, in a vehicle up to 1 year old, travelling in zone 1.
UK Government travel advice
Need cover for the UK leg of your trip? Get complete peace of mind at home or at the roadside with RAC breakdown cover.
British Embassy Dublin
29 Merrion Road
Ballsbridge
Dublin 4
Ireland
Telephone: +353 (1) 205 3700
Fax (management): +353 (1) 205 3885
^£11 a month is for existing Camping and Caravanning Club members purchasing new personal based Caravan or Campervan Standard cover only on a monthly renewing contract. Personal based Motorhome standard cover from £12 a month.