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Driving Differences: Austria vs. Ireland Explained

When navigating the roads of Austria and Ireland, drivers will encounter notable variations that can impact their travel experience. From the driving side—right in Austria and left in Ireland—to differing speed limits and signaling rules, understanding these contrasts is essential for ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey. Equip yourself with this vital knowledge before hitting the road!

RIGHT

Driving Side

The driving side in austria is the Right Side of the road

86

Driving Safety Score

The driving Driving Safety Score in austria is 86

1.628 $

Gas Price in USD

The driving Driving Safety Score for austria is 1.628 US Dollars

While the driving side of a country remains the same, the driving safety score is updated annually based on each countries car accident fatality rate. Lastly, the gas price is only an estimate. Due to frequent fluctuations, it serves as a general reference rather than an exact figure for each country.

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Lanes

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Driving Side
austria:
Right
ireland:
Left
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
austria:
Used primarily near tram lines or in temporary roadworks.
ireland:
Marks areas where passing is not allowed.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
austria:
Marks temporary lane changes or works in progress.
ireland:
Used as centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
Overtaking: On Left
austria:
Yes
ireland:
No, overtake on the right.
Overtaking: On Right
austria:
Allowed only in certain situations such as when the vehicle ahead is signaling a left turn.
ireland:
Yes, standard overtaking side.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
austria:
Use rightmost lane.
ireland:
Use leftmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Usage
austria:
Reserved for buses, taxis, and sometimes bicycles.
ireland:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
austria:
N/A
ireland:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
austria:
Yes
ireland:
No
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
austria:
Electronic signs display current limits.
ireland:
N/A
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Speeds Limits

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Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
austria:
100 km/h
ireland:
80-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
austria:
70-80 km/h
ireland:
80-90 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
austria:
130 km/h
ireland:
120 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
austria:
80-100 km/h
ireland:
90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
austria:
Yes
ireland:
No
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
austria:
Electronic signs display current limits
ireland:
N/A
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
austria:
Common; fines may also be mailed.
ireland:
More common; fines can be issued on the spot.
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Signals

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Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
austria:
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
austria:
Indicates upcoming green light; prepare to move.
ireland:
Indicates the light is about to turn green.
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
austria:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
ireland:
Use between 11:30pm and 7:00am is generally prohibited in residential areas.
Traffic Signs: Language
austria:
German; symbols are standard
ireland:
English; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
austria:
Triangular with red border
ireland:
Triangles with red borders
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Turns

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Right Turn On Red
austria:
Not allowed unless indicated by a sign or traffic light
ireland:
Not allowed
U- Turns Allowed
austria:
Prohibited in urban areas unless a sign permits it
ireland:
Allowed unless prohibited by signs
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Documentation

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Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
austria:
Accepted; International Driving Permit not needed
ireland:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
austria:
Yes, proof may be required
ireland:
Compulsory for vehicles older than four years; NCT certificate required.
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
austria:
Displayed on license plate
ireland:
Displayed on the windshield
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
austria:
Mandatory
ireland:
Required
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
austria:
Mandatory
ireland:
Not mandatory, but recommended
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Road Etiquette

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Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
austria:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
ireland:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary

When navigating the roads of Austria and Ireland, drivers will encounter notable variations that can impact their travel experience. From the driving side—right in Austria and left in Ireland—to differing speed limits and signaling rules, understanding these contrasts is essential for ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey. Equip yourself with this vital knowledge before hitting the road!

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Alcohol

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Limits: Professional Drivers
austria:
0.01%
ireland:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
austria:
0.01%
ireland:
0.00%; zero tolerance
Enforcement: Random Checks
austria:
Common
ireland:
Random breath testing is common.
Enforcement: Fines
austria:
Substantial; varies by offense
ireland:
Varies; can be substantial
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Emergency Services

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Contact: General Emergency
austria:
112
ireland:
112 or 999
Contact: Traffic Police
austria:
133
ireland:
112 or 999
Contact: Roadside Assistance
austria:
120 (ÖAMTC) or 123 (ARBÖ)
ireland:
Check with your insurance provider or AA Ireland
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
austria:
Mandatory
ireland:
Required
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
austria:
Mandatory
ireland:
Not mandatory, but recommended
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Penalties And Fines

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Common Fines: Speeding
austria:
Varies; €30 to €2,180, points on license
ireland:
Varies; €80 to €120, and points on license
Common Fines: Seat Belts
austria:
Fines apply
ireland:
€60 fine and two penalty points
Common Fines: Phone Use
austria:
Fines apply, points on license
ireland:
€60 fine and three penalty points
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
austria:
Fines apply, points on license
ireland:
€80 and three penalty points
Payment: On The Spot
austria:
Common
ireland:
Possible; fines can be issued on the spot
Payment: Deadline
austria:
Varies; typically 14 days to pay
ireland:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay