Driving in Dublin
Your complete guide to driving and renting scooters in Dublin, Ireland. Learn about IDP requirements, traffic rules, safety tips, and everything you need to know before hitting the road.
International Driving Permit (IDP) in Dublin
IDP Not Required
EU licenses fully valid. US, Canada, Australia licenses accepted for up to 12 months. IDP recommended for non-English licenses.
Fine without IDP: €60-120
Where to Get IDP: Apply in your home country if needed.
Accepted Licenses
Traffic Rules in Dublin
Local Traffic Rules
- 1Drive on the LEFT
- 2Roundabouts: give way to traffic from the right
- 3M50 toll road is electronic only (eFlow)
- 4Yellow box junctions - do not enter unless exit is clear
- 5Bus lanes operate at specific hours - check signs
- 6Speed limits in km/h (not mph like UK)
Common Tourist Mistakes
- Driving on the wrong side (Americans especially)
- Confusing with UK - Ireland uses kilometers not miles
- Missing M50 toll payments
- Blocking yellow box junctions
- Underestimating narrow country roads
Horn Culture
Minimal honking. Irish drivers are generally patient and polite.
Traffic Fines & Penalties
Speeding
€80-120 + penalty points
No Helmet
€80
No IDP
€60-120
Red Light
€80 + 3 penalty points
Drink Driving
€200-5,000 + disqualification
Safety Tips
Essential Safety Tips
- Remember: drive on the LEFT
- Irish country roads are narrow and winding
- Watch for cyclists, especially in city center
- Rain is frequent - roads can be slippery
- Sheep and cattle on rural roads
- Dublin traffic is congested - allow extra time
Best Time to Drive
Mid-morning or after 7 PM. Avoid rush hours and school run times.
Rainy Season Warning
Rain is year-round in Ireland. Always be prepared for wet roads and reduced visibility.
Areas to Avoid (for beginners)
- City center during rush hour
- M50 during peak times
- Temple Bar area (pedestrianized/narrow)
Parking
Average Cost
€2-6/hour on street, €15-30/day in garagesScooter Parking
Limited designated motorcycle parking. Free in some areas.
Parking Tips
- Pay by phone apps (Parking Tag, PayByPhone) widely accepted
- Clamping is common for illegal parking
- Multi-storey car parks in city center
- Park & Ride at Luas (tram) stations
- Double yellow lines = no parking at any time
FAQ: Driving in Dublin
Is driving in Ireland difficult?
City driving is straightforward but congested. Country roads are narrow and winding - take it slow. The main challenge for Americans is driving on the left.
How does the M50 toll work?
The M50 (Dublin ring road) has electronic-only tolls. No booths. Register at eflow.ie or pay online within 14 days. Rental companies may handle this automatically.
Should I rent a car in Dublin?
Not for the city itself - use buses, Luas (tram), and DART (train). A car is essential for exploring the Wild Atlantic Way, Ring of Kerry, or countryside.
What about driving to Northern Ireland?
No border controls. Your rental car and insurance should cover it, but confirm with the rental company. Northern Ireland uses miles per hour, not kilometers.
Are Irish country roads safe?
Yes, but challenging. They're narrow, winding, and you may encounter tractors, cyclists, or animals. Drive slowly, use passing places, and don't rush.
Emergency Contacts
Police
999 or 112
Ambulance
999 or 112
Roadside Assistance
AA Ireland: 1800 66 77 88
Partner link – opens GetYourGuide.com
Practice for Your Ireland Driving Test
Prepare for the official driving theory test with practice questions, road signs, and study materials.