Driving in Ireland
Driving to Ireland from Great Britain? It's the easiest trip of all. They drive on the left, so you don't need a UK sticker or beam deflectors, but speed limits are in km/h and some motorways have tolls.
Checked on 17 October 2026 against GOV.UK and the RAC and AA guides. Rules change, so check the official sources at the bottom before you travel.
What you must have
- No UK sticker needed, whatever your number plate shows (GOV.UK)
- No beam deflectors needed: Ireland drives on the left like the UK
- Driving licence, insurance certificate and V5C (AA: carry the original and a copy)
Worth packing
- Warning triangle (not compulsory for private cars, but recommended: AA)
- First aid kit, fire extinguisher and reflective jacket (recommended, not compulsory: AA)
- Spare bulbs (RAC)
Documents
- Your full UK driving licence (photocard). If you still have a paper licence, GOV.UK says you may need to update it to a photocard or get an international driving permit.
- Your V5C logbook. If the car is hired or leased in the UK, you need a VE103 certificate instead.
- Your motor insurance certificate. Check with your insurer that you're covered abroad.
- Your passport.
- UK sticker: not needed in Ireland, whatever your number plate shows (GOV.UK).
Clean-air zones and stickers
No low-emission sticker scheme.
Official sites:
Tolls and vignettes
Some motorways have toll booths; many don't take cards, so carry euros or get an eToll tag. Dublin's M50 has no booths: pay online at eFlow by 8pm the day after your journey (AA, RAC).
Winter rules
The RAC and AA guides list no winter tyre rule.
Speed limits (cars)
| Road | Limit |
|---|---|
| Motorways | 120 km/h |
| National roads | 100 km/h |
| Regional and local roads | 80 km/h |
| Urban areas | 50 km/h |
| Near schools and other signed areas | 30 km/h |
Signs always take priority over these general limits.
Drink-driving limit
The limit is 0.5 g/l of blood (0.05%), and 0.2 g/l for drivers with under 2 years' experience. A conviction means an automatic fine and a driving ban (AA). The limit in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 0.8 g/l.
Fines to know about
- Speeding: €160 and 3 penalty points; €240 if not paid within 28 days; up to €1,000 in court (AA)
- Radar detectors banned and can be confiscated (AA)
Shop the kit
- Warning triangle, foldable and reflective, £9.99.
- Hi-vis vest, £6.99 each: one for everyone in the car, kept inside the cabin.
- Car first aid kit in hard-shell case, £16.99.
- Car emergency kit, 7 pieces, £17.99: warning triangle, hi-vis vest, jump leads, tow rope, safety hammer, gloves and a bag.
We don't currently stock spare bulb kits; most motoring shops sell them. No UK sticker is needed in Ireland.
See the full Driving abroad range. Clean-air stickers, vignettes and toll passes come only from the official sites linked above. We don't sell them.
FAQs
Do I need a UK sticker in Ireland?
No. GOV.UK says you don't need a UK sticker in Ireland, whatever your number plate shows.
Do I need beam deflectors for Ireland?
No. Ireland drives on the left like the UK.
Is any kit compulsory in Ireland?
Not for private cars. The AA recommends a warning triangle, first aid kit, fire extinguisher and reflective jacket.
How do I pay the M50 toll?
The M50 around Dublin has no booths. Pay online at eFlow, by phone or at Payzone outlets by 8pm the day after your journey.
Are speed limits in mph?
No, they're in km/h: 120 on motorways, 100 on national roads, 80 on regional roads and 50 in towns.
Sources
Checked 17 October 2026:
- https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/ireland/safety-and-security
- https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/travel/country/ireland/
- https://www.theaa.com/breakdown-cover/european/driving-in-europe/country-by-country/ireland
- https://www.gov.uk/displaying-number-plates/flags-identifiers-and-stickers
- https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad
This page is a general guide for UK-registered cars, not legal advice. Always check the official sources before you travel.