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Driving Differences: Australia vs Ireland Explained

When it comes to navigating the roads, understanding the contrasts between Australia and Ireland is essential for a safe journey. Key distinctions include lane markings, speed limits, and traffic signals, which can significantly impact your driving experience. Familiarizing yourself with these variations will help ensure a smooth and secure travel adventure in either country.

Lanes

Markings: Solid Yellow Line
australia:
Not commonly used; can indicate the left edge in tunnels.
ireland:
Marks areas where passing is not allowed.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
australia:
Not commonly used; may mark reversible lanes.
ireland:
Used as centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
Overtaking: On Left
australia:
Allowed
ireland:
No, overtake on the right.
Overtaking: On Right
australia:
Not allowed except on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning right.
ireland:
Yes, standard overtaking side.
Bus Lanes: Usage
australia:
Reserved for buses and taxis; usage by others restricted.
ireland:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
Bus Lanes: Markings
australia:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS LANE'; often with road signs.
ireland:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Presence
australia:
Yes
ireland:
No
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
australia:
Minimum two or more occupants
ireland:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
australia:
Yes
ireland:
No
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
australia:
Electronic signs display current limits.
ireland:
N/A

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Residential Zones
australia:
40 km/h
ireland:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
australia:
80-100 km/h
ireland:
80-90 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
australia:
100-110 km/h
ireland:
120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
australia:
100-110 km/h
ireland:
100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
australia:
90-100 km/h
ireland:
90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
australia:
Yes
ireland:
No
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
australia:
Electronic signs display current limits.
ireland:
N/A
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
australia:
Common; may vary by area.
ireland:
More common; fines can be issued on the spot.

Signals

Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
australia:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles
ireland:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles.
Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
australia:
Not commonly used.
ireland:
Indicates the light is about to turn green.
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
australia:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
ireland:
Use between 11:30pm and 7:00am is generally prohibited in residential areas.
Traffic Signs: Warning
australia:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background
ireland:
Triangles with red borders

Turns

Right Turn On Red
australia:
Not allowed, except where signage permits.
ireland:
Not allowed
U- Turns Allowed
australia:
Allowed unless prohibited by signs.
ireland:
Allowed unless prohibited by signs

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
australia:
Accepted for short periods; International Driving Permit recommended.
ireland:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
australia:
Accepted for short periods; International Driving Permit recommended.
ireland:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
australia:
Varies by state; proof may be required
ireland:
Compulsory for vehicles older than four years; NCT certificate required.
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
australia:
Displayed on license plate or windshield in some states
ireland:
Displayed on the windshield
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
australia:
Not mandatory
ireland:
Required
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
australia:
Not mandatory
ireland:
Not mandatory, but recommended

Alcohol

Limits: Underage Drivers
australia:
0.00%; zero tolerance in all states.
ireland:
0.00%; zero tolerance
Enforcement: Random Checks
australia:
Common; roadside breath testing often conducted
ireland:
Random breath testing is common.
Enforcement: Fines
australia:
Varies by state; can be substantial
ireland:
Varies; can be substantial

Roundabouts

Signaling: Entering
australia:
Signal right if intending to turn immediately
ireland:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
Signaling: Exiting
australia:
Signal left when preparing to exit
ireland:
Signal right when preparing to exit
Lane Usage: Left
australia:
Use for subsequent exits, move to left lane before exit when safe
ireland:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
australia:
000
ireland:
112 or 999
Contact: Traffic Police
australia:
Varies by state; contact local police
ireland:
112 or 999
Contact: Roadside Assistance
australia:
Check with your insurance provider or NRMA
ireland:
Check with your insurance provider or AA Ireland
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
australia:
Not mandatory, but recommended
ireland:
Required

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
australia:
Varies; AUD 100 to AUD 3,000, demerit points possible
ireland:
Varies; €80 to €120, and points on license
Common Fines: Seat Belts
australia:
AUD 200 to AUD 500, demerit points possible
ireland:
€60 fine and two penalty points
Common Fines: Phone Use
australia:
AUD 200 to AUD 1,600, demerit points possible
ireland:
€60 fine and three penalty points
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
australia:
AUD 300 to AUD 900, demerit points possible
ireland:
€80 and three penalty points
Payment: On The Spot
australia:
Yes; varies by jurisdiction.
ireland:
Possible; fines can be issued on the spot
Payment: Deadline
australia:
Varies; typically 14 to 28 days to pay
ireland:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay