Driving in Ireland

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UK drivers in Ireland

If you hold a UK driving licence, driving in Ireland shouldn’t cause you any concerns. However, there are a few differences you should be aware of, such as determining if your car insurance covers you.

Does my UK car insurance cover me in Ireland?

If you are a UK resident planning to drive in Ireland, it’s important to understand whether your car insurance covers you. The good news is that all UK vehicle insurance policies include the minimum third-party cover required to drive in EU countries, which includes Ireland.

However, if you have a fully comprehensive policy, it’s important to check with your car insurance provider to see if your coverage extends to Ireland. You should also verify whether you are covered for theft or damage to your car when driving abroad.

It’s worth noting that if you plan to stay in Ireland for more than 90 days, you may need to obtain additional coverage. In such cases, it’s advisable to contact your insurer to inquire about the necessary steps you need to take to ensure that you are adequately covered during your extended stay.

Do I need extra insurance to drive in Ireland?

If you’re a UK resident planning to drive in Ireland, you do not necessarily require additional insurance. However, it’s always wise to carry your Certificate of Motor Insurance, which contains information about your coverage and will be necessary if you’re involved in an accident.

It’s important to note that your existing UK car insurance policy will provide the minimum level of coverage required by law for driving in Ireland, as it does for all EU countries. However, it’s a good idea to check with your insurance provider to ensure that your policy covers you for any potential scenarios that may arise while driving in Ireland.

If you’re planning on driving in other European countries as well, it’s advisable to read up on the specific requirements for each country. You can find more information on this topic in our guide, European car insurance which provides essential information and tips for ensuring that you have adequate insurance coverage while driving on the continent.

Do I need a Green Card?

If you’re a UK resident planning to drive in Ireland, you may be wondering whether you need a Green Card. The good news is that you do not need a Green Card when driving in Ireland or any other EU country.

Following Brexit, the UK is no longer part of the EU, and there were concerns that UK drivers would require a Green Card to drive in EU countries, including Ireland. However, it was subsequently confirmed that UK drivers would not need a Green Card to drive in the EU. This means that your UK insurance policy will continue to cover you for driving in Ireland, just as it did before Brexit.

That being said, it’s always a good idea to check with your insurance provider to ensure that your policy covers you for any potential scenarios that may arise while driving in Ireland. It’s also worth noting that if you plan to drive in other EU countries, you may need to carry a Green Card. In such cases, it’s advisable to contact your insurer to inquire about the necessary steps you need to take to ensure that you are adequately covered.

Can I bring my car from UK to Ireland?

If you’re a UK resident planning to travel to Ireland, you may be wondering whether you can bring your car with you. The answer is yes, you can take your car from the UK to Ireland.

However, before you make the journey, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, you should ensure that your car is roadworthy and has a valid MOT certificate. You should also ensure that your insurance policy covers you for driving in Ireland. While your existing UK insurance policy should provide the minimum level of coverage required by law for driving in Ireland, it’s a good idea to check with your insurance provider to ensure that you’re covered for any potential scenarios that may arise.

Finally, it’s important to remember that in Ireland, cars drive on the left-hand side of the road. If you’re not used to driving on the left, it’s essential to take extra care and remain vigilant at all times to avoid accidents.

How long can I drive in Ireland on UK plates?

If you’re a UK resident planning to drive in Ireland, you may be wondering how long you can drive in Ireland on UK plates. The good news is that you can temporarily drive your vehicle from the UK in Ireland for up to 12 months.

Related: Driving Abroad

This means that you can drive your UK-registered car in Ireland for up to one year without needing to register it with the Irish authorities. However, it’s worth noting that after the 12-month period, you will need to register your car with the Irish authorities if you plan to continue driving it in Ireland.

It’s also important to note that if you are planning to stay in Ireland for an extended period, you may need to register yourself as a resident and obtain an Irish driving licence. Additionally, if you plan to sell your UK-registered car in Ireland, you will need to ensure that it meets Irish vehicle standards and is registered with the Irish authorities before you can legally sell it.

Will my car insurance go up if I claim in Ireland?

If you’re involved in an accident while driving in Ireland and need to make a claim on your car insurance policy, you may be wondering whether your insurance premiums will increase as a result. The answer is that it’s highly likely that your car insurance premiums will go up if you make a claim, regardless of where the accident occurs.

This is because car insurance premiums tend to increase after a claim is made, as insurers view you as a higher risk of making future claims. However, the extent of the increase will depend on various factors, including the severity of the accident, the cost of the repairs, and the details of your insurance policy.

It’s worth noting that if you have a no-claims bonus on your insurance policy, you may lose this if you make a claim, which can also result in an increase in your insurance premiums.

To avoid the risk of rising insurance premiums, it’s always a good idea to drive safely and take extra care when driving in unfamiliar territories. You should also ensure that your car insurance policy provides adequate coverage for driving in Ireland, including any potential scenarios that may arise.

What documents do I need for driving in Ireland?

If you’re planning to drive in Ireland, it’s important to make sure you have the necessary documents with you before hitting the road. Here are the key documents you’ll need to keep with you:

A valid UK driving licence: You’ll need to make sure your driving licence is valid and up-to-date before driving in Ireland. If you’re an Irish resident, you may need to exchange your UK driving licence for an Irish one, depending on how long you plan to stay in the country.
A GB sticker on the back of your car: If you’re driving a car with UK number plates, you’ll need to display a GB sticker on the back of your car, unless your car has EU plates.
Your motor insurance certificate: You’ll need to bring your motor insurance certificate with you, which provides details of your insurance coverage. This is essential in case you are involved in an accident and need to provide evidence of your insurance coverage.
Your V5 registration document: You should also bring your V5 registration document with you, which provides proof of ownership of your car. This is important in case you are asked to provide evidence of ownership or registration for your vehicle.

By ensuring that you have all of these documents with you before driving in Ireland, you can help ensure a safe and hassle-free driving experience. Additionally, it’s always wise to check with your insurance provider to ensure that you’re covered for driving in Ireland, including any potential scenarios that may arise.

What else do I need to know before driving in Ireland?

Before you start driving in Ireland, there are a few additional things you should know. Here are some additional tips to help you prepare for your trip:

Drive on the left: Like in the UK, motorists in Ireland drive on the left side of the road and overtake on the right.
Speeding fines: In Ireland, speeding fines are currently set at a flat rate of €80, regardless of the speed at which the offender was caught. It’s worth noting that by law, the part of your navigation system that shows you where fixed-speed cameras are must be deactivated.
Tolls: Some motorways in Ireland have tolls, and many of them don’t take credit cards. Make sure you have change on hand or consider investing in an e-Toll electronic tag to make things easier.
Minimum age to hire a car: The minimum age to hire a car in Ireland is 23. You’ll need a full, valid UK driving licence and usually a second form of ID as well.
Car insurance: Car insurance policies can differ from one provider to the next, so it’s important to check your insurance policy before driving overseas. Consider increasing your coverage if necessary.
Breakdown cover: Make sure you have breakdown cover in place before you start driving in Ireland. Check that your cover is valid for driving outside of the UK.
Additional items to bring: It’s a good idea to bring some additional items with you in your car, such as a reflective warning triangle, a fire extinguisher, spare bulbs for your car lights, and a first aid kit. These can come in handy in case of an emergency.

Related: What is a Car Tax Refund?

By keeping these tips in mind and ensuring that you have all the necessary documents and items with you, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable driving experience in Ireland.

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Frequently asked questions

What impact does Brexit have on me driving my UK car in Ireland?

Brexit does not affect individuals driving UK-registered cars in Ireland. As long as they have a full, valid UK driving licence, they can drive their car in Ireland without any changes or restrictions.

Is my UK driving licence valid if I permanently move to Ireland?

If you permanently move to the Republic of Ireland and hold a UK driving licence, you will need to exchange it for an Irish driving licence as you become a resident there. However, you will not need to take a driving or theory test to do so.

What are the speed limits in Ireland?

In the Republic of Ireland, the speed limit on motorways is 120 kph (74 mph). While the ‘national speed limit’ road sign shows 100 kph (62 mph) for national roads, the actual speed limit is 80 kph (49mph). In Northern Ireland, the speed limit is 70mph on motorways, 60mph on dual carriageways, and 30mph in built-up areas.

What side of the road do they drive on in Ireland?

In the Republic of Ireland, drivers drive on the left-hand side of the road and overtake on the right, similar to driving in the UK.

Can you drive in Ireland with a UK licence?

Yes, A UK-issued driving licence is valid for driving in the Republic of Ireland, and there is no need to apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP), regardless of the length of the stay. Therefore, yes, it is legal to drive in Ireland with a UK licence.

Do I need a green card to drive in Ireland?

While it is not mandatory to carry a green card, some motorists prefer to carry one as additional proof of insurance when driving in Ireland. It is advisable to check with the insurance provider beforehand to ensure adequate coverage.

Is driving in Ireland dangerous?

Driving in Ireland is much like driving in the UK and most UK drivers will likely familiarise themselves quickly due to the fact that both countries drive on the left.

In some rural areas, the roads aren’t as well maintained and before driving in any foreign country like the Republic of Ireland you should always familiarise yourself with the law to ensure you stay safe on the roads.

Is driving in Ireland the same as in the UK?

In general, driving in Ireland is similar to driving in the UK as both countries follow left-hand traffic. Most road signs across Ireland are in both Irish and English, which will make UK drivers feel at ease on the roads.

Nonetheless, there are variations in driving laws and regulations that one should research before driving in the Republic of Ireland. Additionally, you must ensure they have sufficient insurance and breakdown coverage for the duration of their trip.

What age can you start driving in Ireland?

To drive legally in Ireland, you must be at least 17 years old and have a valid full driving licence.