Car rental in Ireland

The penalty system in Ireland is quite straightforward. There is a fixed penalty amount for each type of offence. In addition, penalty points are added to your driving licence. As a foreign driver, your points will be recorded in a separate database and, if at some point you wish to obtain a local driving licence, these points will be transferred to the new document. Do not take this lightly. As for the figures, they are as follows:

As you can see, the penalties are relatively moderate; however, they must be paid within 28 days, otherwise they will later increase by 50%.

The speed limits in towns and on motorways in Ireland are generally similar to those in many other countries. The following speed limits apply in the country:

• In built-up areas the speed limit is 50 km/h;
• Outside built-up areas the speed limit can be increased up to 80 km/h;
• On national roads the limit is 100 km/h;
• On motorways the limit is 120 km/h.

To park your car for a period of time, especially in the centre of Dublin, you will need to pay a fee. Irish drivers take parking rules, and the fines for breaking them, very seriously. In short, the parking expiry time shown on your parking ticket, which should be placed on the inside of the windscreen, must be observed very strictly.

In addition, you can buy parking discs at fuel stations and use multi-storey car parks. The parking fees are approximately the same. Depending on the place and type of parking, you will pay from €1 to €1.90 per hour.

Not so long ago it was permitted to drive with a blood alcohol level of 0.8‰, but now it has been reduced to 0.5‰, and this is the maximum a driver is allowed. Depending on the condition in which the driver is found, fines for driving under the influence of alcohol can reach €5000 and, in serious cases, this can result in disqualification from driving and even imprisonment.

The traffic regulations you must follow when driving a rental car in Ireland are generally standard. There are no special quirks.

• Headlights on dipped beam should be used only in conditions of poor visibility;
• Children must be transported in special restraint systems suitable for the child’s weight. Remember that in Ireland systems for children under 3 years of age differ from those for children over 3 years. This means that a booster seat must correspond not only to the child’s weight, but also to his or her age. There is a penalty of €60 for breaching this rule, and if the case goes to court and you are found guilty, you will be required to pay €800. Do you really need that?
• Seat belts must be fastened by passengers in both the front and rear seats;
• In Ireland, even hands-free communication devices used while driving are not particularly encouraged. They are not prohibited, unlike holding a mobile phone to your ear, but if you are found responsible for an accident while using a hands-free system, the fine will be substantial, especially if the case goes to court.

Unleaded petrol (95 octane) and diesel fuel are available in Ireland, so a hired car will require one of these fuel types. It is also permitted to transport fuel in canisters. The approximate price range is as follows:

• 95 octane petrol costs about €1.73
• Diesel fuel costs about €1.71

Leaded 98 octane petrol and autogas are rarely available, so pay attention to the exact type of fuel required for your hire car.

There are many toll roads in Ireland, as well as toll bridges and tunnels. At the same time, refusing to pay a toll is an offence and the penalties can be quite high. It is best to bear in mind from the outset that you will have to pay to use some road sections; however, the payment methods are generally convenient. You can pay in cash to an attendant or at an automated booth, as well as by credit card. The average toll for a passenger car is €1.90.