 | | | | | Ireland
General Driving Information
Directions, Restrictions and Rules, Safety, Motorists' Forum |  |  | | Overview |  | | General Info
Ireland has an extensive road system due to the large rural population that exists. As you travel in Ireland, you are surrounded by breathtaking scenery, peaceful countryside and many destinations to explore. Most sights and attractions are a short distance from wherever you are because of the small size of this island nation. Remember, in Ireland, traffic travels on the left hand side of the road. Requirements
To rent a car, you must be at least 21 years old (age may vary by car category) and have held your license for 2 years. Drivers age 23 and under and over the age of 70 may incur an additional fee locally. There is a maximum age of 79 for rental. Seat belts are mandatory. Child seats are mandatory for children up to age 3. Speed Limits
Speed limits in Ireland are as follows: City 30mph/45kph Open Roads 60mph/95kph Highways 70mph/110kph Rules of the Road
Traffic travels on the left and passing is on the right. You should turn left when entering a traffic circle. Fuel
Most fuel stations are open from 7am to 7pm. There are stations open 24 hours in some major cities. Tolls
There are no toll highways in Ireland. Parking
Most cities have meters or ‘pay and display parking. You will need to buy a ticket for a specific amount of time and display it on your windshield. Parking where there is a double yellow line is prohibited. | | Car Rental Restrictions | General Information
Most car categories can be driven anywhere in Ireland and Northern Ireland without restriction. Due to insurance regulations, there are restrictions on luxury car categories and on travel in certain countries. Please take a minute to ensure that your intended itinerary will be possible with the car you plan to rent. Restricted Countries
Cars rented in the Republic of Ireland can be taken to Northern Ireland free of charge as long as the renter does not hold a Northern Ireland drivers license. Cars rented in Ireland can travel to the United Kingdom for an additional fee, but cannot be taken to the European continent. One-Way Rentals
Domestic one-way rentals are unrestricted and typically free of charge, exceptions do apply. The only international one-way rental available is to Belfast, Northern Ireland. Additional fees may apply and not all vehicles are available. | | Useful Terms | | ATM - hole-in-the-wall
Battery - accumulator
Breakdown lane - lay-by
Convertible top - hood
Dashboard - fascia or facia
Fender - wing
Glove compartment - cubby box
Car hood - bonnet
Muffler - silencer
Outlet - power point
Overpass - flyover
Oil pan - sump
Parking lot - car park
Rotary - roundabout
Sedan - saloon
Tire - tyre
Traffic jam - tail back
Trailer - caravan
Truck - lorry
Trunk - boot
Tractor-trailer - articulated lorry or artic
Very large truck - juggernaut
Windshield - windscreen | | General Driving and Safety Tips | The first thing you may notice when driving in a foreign country is that the roadway signs are different. In many countries, the speed limit is posted in kilometers, and warnings will be written in the country's native language. Sometimes, speed limits are not posted at all, and drivers will travel much faster than the driver is accustomed to traveling. Depending on what part of the world you are driving in, you may find that travellers drive on the left-hand side of the road and that the steering wheel is located on the right-hand side of the car.
Check to see if the country where you will be driving requires mandatory equipment in the vehicle. Frequent mandatory items include: first aid kit, reflective warning triangle, reflective vest, spare fuses and light bulbs, fire extinguisher.
It may be wise to practice driving in a less populated area before you try to drive in a foreign city at rush hour.
Know your route of travel.
Chart your course of travel before you take to the road, and keep a good map with you.
Always have at least one-half tank of gas.
Make sure that the lights, signals, horn, and brakes work properly.
Avoid driving after dark, especially in rural areas.
Always park in places that have good lighting.
Always use safety belts. Some countries have penalties for violation of seat belt laws.
After exiting or entering the car, lock the doors.
In many countries, driving while under the influence is a very serious crime that could result in severe criminal penalties. Never drink and drive.
Avoid riding motorcycles. If you do ride a motorcycle, make sure you wear a helmet.
Obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry your IDP and your both, the National and the International, driver's license with you at all times.
Look at maps and plan your route thoroughly. Check for online maps and route planning systems.
Research the roads you’ll take. You’ll especially want to know if you’ll be traveling through areas of major road construction. Ensure the maps you are using are up-to-date. Check the roads before you go!Make estimates of travel times along the route, so you’ll have an idea when you’ll be at certain points on your trip. This will help you to plan rest and meal stops. It will also help you plan to avoid traveling through a major city or area of road construction during rush hour.Get the car checked, especially the filters, belts, fluid levels and have the oil changed. Don’t wait until the last minute, it may take time to get an appointment and parts may need to be ordered. You also want some time to drive around town and make sure that whatever they fixed stays fixed.Check the condition of your wiper blades.
Check the operation of your turn signals, brake lights as well as the high and low beams.
Examine the tread on your tires.
Make sure your car is prepared for the weather it will encounter on your trip.
Today, many cars have alloy wheels instead of hubcaps. These wheels usually have a lock to prevent them from being stolen. If you have a car with wheel locks, make sure you know where the key is stored (often with the jack). Otherwise, a flat tire will become a major problem since you won't be able to get the wheel off the car.
Get your car cleaned. You’ll feel better in a clean car.Pack an emergency kit in your car. Include motion sickness medication if anyone in your group suffers from it. Remove any items from the car that you won’t need on your trip.Prepare some on road entertainment for your trip. Include games and CDs of music and/or audio books.
Check your plates, registration and insurance information to make sure they are all valid. Be sure to place your insurance company’s emergency contact number in your car.Check your insurance for expiration dates and coverage for your automobile.
Safety First
Seat Belts: No matter where you are driving, it is imperative that you wear your seat belt. Almost all countries this is a strict law, but aside from that seatbelts are there to save your life, so make use of them.
Avoid the temptation of road rage. Honking and yelling at the drivers around you is probably more likely to make someone get out their tire iron than to help get traffic moving. Be patient.
Drive carefully and slowly in wet and windy weather. If possible, stop and wait for the weather to settle down.
Fully service your car before leaving and ensure everything is running correctly. Local Regulations
It is wise to learn in advance the rules and regulations of the country to which you are traveling. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than they are at home. Exercise good judgment and remember that some countries have a "zero tolerance" policy with severe penalties for those driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Drug violations, firearms possession, photography of government or military installations, and antiques purchases are frequent cause of detention by local authorities. |  Driving Directions. Road Maps. Interactive "zoomable" Country Maps. | | Australia and New Zealand . Europe . Middle East . North America . South America |
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