MotorwayIreland
2. Motorway
A motorway is a road specially designed and signposted for motor traffic. Motorways normally have separate carriageways for opposing traffic, controlled access through designated entrances and exits, no direct access to neighbouring properties, and no level crossings with other roads, railways or paths.
Special traffic rules apply on motorways. The permitted road users, speed limits, lane rules, tolls and emergency procedures vary between countries, so drivers must follow the local traffic signs and regulations.
Wikimedia.org • Sarah777 • CC0
Which lane should I normally use on an Irish motorway?
Keep to the left lane. Use another lane when safely overtaking or making room for merging traffic, then return left when safe. Keep a safe following distance.
🔗 rsa.ie • RSA Rules of the Road — guidance, law date 1 March 2025; read with later amendments
🔗 rsa.ie • RSA current motorway safety — lane use and wrong-way emergency instructions
Start of a motorway.
English • F 330 • Start of motorway. Motorway regulations apply from this point. Observe the access restrictions and the speed limit signs.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Gigillo83 • CC BY-SA 3.0)
🔗 Roadguidelines.ie • Department of Transport • Traffic Signs Manual • F 330
Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Original: Government of Ireland – Department of Transport Version without red stroke: EthanL13 • Public domain • Source revision 2023-08-07. Wikimedia original unmodified.
End of the motorway.
English • F 333 • End of motorway. The motorway ends here. Follow the signs and limits applying to the road beyond.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Gigillo83 • CC BY-SA 3.0)
🔗 Roadguidelines.ie • Department of Transport • Traffic Signs Manual • F 333
Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Government of Ireland – Department of Transport • Public domain • Source revision 2023-08-07. Wikimedia original unmodified.
What speed limit applies to cars on a motorway in Ireland?
For an ordinary passenger car without a trailer, the normal motorway maximum is 120 km/h. Follow lower posted limits and drive more slowly whenever traffic, weather or visibility requires it.
🔗 rsa.ie • RSA Rules of the Road — guidance, law date 1 March 2025; read with later amendments
🔗 rsa.ie • RSA current motorway safety — lane use and wrong-way emergency instructions
What should I do if I miss a motorway exit in Ireland?
Continue to the next exit and choose a safe onward route. Do not reverse, make a U-turn or cross the central reservation to return to a missed exit.
🔗 rsa.ie • RSA Rules of the Road — guidance, law date 1 March 2025; read with later amendments
🔗 rsa.ie • RSA current motorway safety — lane use and wrong-way emergency instructions
What should I do if my vehicle breaks down on an Irish motorway?
If possible, pull as far into the hard shoulder as you safely can and switch on your hazard lights. Notify the Gardaí and arrange assistance, then wait in a safe place away from traffic. Do not walk along the motorway to seek assistance.
🔗 rsa.ie • RSA Rules of the Road — guidance, law date 1 March 2025; read with later amendments
🔗 rsa.ie • RSA current motorway safety — lane use and wrong-way emergency instructions

Traffic rules
Ireland