Left-hand trafficIreland
Traffic rules
Ireland
33. Left-hand traffic
Left-hand traffic is a traffic system in which vehicles normally travel on the left side of the road. In countries using left-hand traffic, vehicles usually overtake on the right and most cars have the steering wheel on the right-hand side.
Drivers who are unfamiliar with left-hand traffic should pay particular attention at intersections, roundabouts, when turning and when entering or leaving roads, because familiar traffic movements are reversed compared with right-hand traffic.
Wikimedia.org • Maoileann • CC BY-SA
Does traffic normally drive on the left in Ireland?
Yes. Traffic in Ireland normally keeps to the left on two-way roads. Drivers should take special care when arriving from a country that normally keeps right.
🔗 rsa.ie • RSA Rules of the Road — guidance, law date 1 March 2025; read with later amendments
On which side is overtaking normally carried out in Ireland?
With ordinary left-hand traffic, overtaking is normally on the right. Exceptions can exist under local law, such as particular lane, turning or traffic conditions. Follow the local rules and never assume an unsafe pass is permitted.
🔗 rsa.ie • RSA Rules of the Road — guidance, law date 1 March 2025; read with later amendments
What should visitors check when adapting to the driving side in Ireland?
Keep left as in the neighbouring UK, but Irish speed limits use km/h. When crossing to or from Northern Ireland, the driving side stays left even though speed-limit units change.
🔗 rsa.ie • RSA Rules of the Road — guidance, law date 1 March 2025; read with later amendments
