Car rental in Dublin

Irish road traffic laws differ from those in other countries in that traffic offences incur not only monetary penalties but also demerit points, which are recorded on the driving licence. Demerit points received by foreigners renting a car in Dublin are stored in a separate database. You are required to pay the fine within 28 days of receiving the relevant notice. Failure to meet this deadline automatically increases the fine by 50% and a further 28 days is given. After this period, the case is referred to court, where the penalty can be increased significantly.

Standard speed limits in Ireland for cars

• 50 km/h within Dublin;
• 80 km/h (or 70 km/h with a trailer) on country roads;
• 100 km/h (or 70 km/h with a trailer) on national roads;
• 120 km/h (or 80 km/h with a trailer) on motorways;

On some sections of motorways, local authorities may introduce other temporary speed limits, which are displayed on appropriate road signs.

All tourists renting a car in Dublin can make use of paid parking, the cost of which varies between 1.30 and 1.90 euros per hour, depending on the area. There are ticket machines in the city centre, each serving about 20 parking spaces, and signs informing drivers of the days and times when payment is required. The machines accept coins and show the parking expiry time depending on the amount paid. A parking coupon consists of two parts, one of which must be placed under the windscreen. When travelling in a hired car outside Dublin, you can pay for parking in specially designated parking places using parking discs that are sold in local shops.

In Dublin, there are also multi-storey car parks. The number of free parking spaces in these car parks is indicated on a display board at the entrance, which is updated every minute. Parking costs vary from 1 to 2.50 euros per hour. You can pay for parking using Eurocard, MasterCard or Visa credit card.

The maximum permissible level of alcohol in the blood is 0.5 ‰ for drivers with more than 2 years of driving experience and 0.2 ‰ for drivers with less than 2 years of driving experience. Exceeding these levels and driving under the influence can incur severe penalties of up to 5,000 euros. All court verdicts include a driving ban for a period of 1 to 3 years, and in the case of a repeated offence up to 6 years.

Filling stations in Dublin offer diesel and unleaded 95 petrol. Filling stations supplying leaded petrol are extremely rare. There are several 24-hour filling stations in the city and near suburban motorways. Most of them accept credit cards. You may carry petrol in cans. Given that there are not many filling stations in remote areas of the country, it is advisable to ensure in advance that you have enough fuel for your journey.

In Ireland, driving through some tunnels, bridges and sections of roads is chargeable. Failure to pay road tolls is a serious offence and can incur a penalty of up to 1,270 euros. On some motorways, there are no toll collection devices and you need to pay the toll before 8 pm on the day after your trip. A delay will incur a penalty of 3 to 102.50 euros depending on the number of days.

• by cash at automatic gates or gates staffed by operators;
• by MasterCard or Visa.

• via the Internet at www.eflow.ie;
• by cash at Payzone retail stores;
• by credit card by phone on 1890 50 10 50 (international +800 50 10 50 11).