Discovering Ireland Guide 2021

Driving In Ireland all driving is done on the left side of the road with the driver sitting on the right side of the vehicle, everything will feel like a mirror image. For many, this transition can feel unusual at first, but is easy to adjust to. Rules and Regulations Remember that the traffic laws will differ slightly depending on if you are driving in the Republic of Ireland or in Northern Ireland, which are two different countries. Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Illegal Substances Driving under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances is a very serious offense, and can result in a large fine. The legal limit to drive in Ireland is 0.05 milligrams of alcohol per milliliter of blood. If found guilty, there is a possibility of being sentenced to jail. Speed Limits In the Republic of Ireland, the speed limits are: 50 k/mph in buildup areas; 80 k/mph for local and regional roads; 100 k/mph on national routes, primary and secondary roads and 120 k/mph on motorways. In some areas the speed limit may reduce to 30 or 40 k/mph, please look out for the speed signs. Seat Belt Safety Seat belts must be worn at all times by drivers and passengers, including those in the back of the car. Children under 36 pounds or shorter than 4'11" must use an appropriate car seat or booster seat. Toll Roads There are toll roads in the Republic of Ireland and these roads often cut down travel time significantly when compared to older, country roads. You will stop at toll booths to pay when entering toll roads in Ireland. An important exception is the M50 around Dublin that leads to the airport, there are no physical toll booth, your license plate will be photograph and you will have to pay online or at a designated kiosk before 8 p.m. the next day. Fuel There are two main types of fuel in Irish filling (petrol) stations: unleaded and diesel. Fuel costs are high for both. As you go to fill the tank, make sure you double check what kind of fuel the car needs and what kind of fuel the pumps offer, always read the label on the pump to be sure. In some locations there is a facility to pay at the pump with your credit or debit card, just press the “Pay at Pump” button. In most cases you’ll need to go into the kiosk to pay. Petrol stations can be few and far between in rural areas, and almost none of them offer 24/7- service. It is a good idea to refill once your tank is half empty. Remember that not all petrol stations will take credit cards, so you should have cash in hand, especially in the countryside.

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Discovering Ireland