Driving in Ireland vs. Poland: Key Differences Explained
When navigating the roads of Ireland and Poland, understanding their distinct traffic regulations is crucial for ensuring a safe journey. Key differences include driving on the left in Ireland versus the right in Poland, varying speed limits, and unique signaling practices. This comparison will guide you through essential roadway norms for a secure driving experience in both countries.
LEFT
Driving Side
The driving side in ireland is the Left Side of the road
92
Driving Safety Score
The driving Driving Safety Score in ireland is 92
1.868 $
Gas Price in USD
The driving Driving Safety Score for ireland is 1.868 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.
Lanes
Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...
| Ireland | Poland | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Driving Side | Left | Right | |
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Marks areas where passing is not allowed. | Used for temporary markings, such as during road works. | |
| Markings: Dashed Yellow Line | Used as centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe. | Temporary markings; passing permitted when safe. | |
| Overtaking: On Left | No, overtake on the right. | Yes | |
| Overtaking: On Right | Yes, standard overtaking side. | Allowed when the vehicle ahead is turning left or on one-way roads. | |
| Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles | Use leftmost lane. | Use rightmost lane. | |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis. | Reserved for buses, taxis, and bicycles where specified. | |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs. | Labeled 'BUS' on the road. | |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | Bicycle symbols and colored pavement. | Bicycle symbols and sometimes colored pavement. | |
| High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements | N/A | N/A | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | No | Yes | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | N/A | Electronic signs display current limits. |
Driving Side
ireland:
Left
poland:
Right
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
ireland:
Marks areas where passing is not allowed.
poland:
Used for temporary markings, such as during road works.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
ireland:
Used as centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
poland:
Temporary markings; passing permitted when safe.
Overtaking: On Left
ireland:
No, overtake on the right.
poland:
Yes
Overtaking: On Right
ireland:
Yes, standard overtaking side.
poland:
Allowed when the vehicle ahead is turning left or on one-way roads.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
ireland:
Use leftmost lane.
poland:
Use rightmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Usage
ireland:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
poland:
Reserved for buses, taxis, and bicycles where specified.
Bus Lanes: Markings
ireland:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs.
poland:
Labeled 'BUS' on the road.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
ireland:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
poland:
Bicycle symbols and sometimes colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
ireland:
N/A
poland:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
ireland:
No
poland:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
ireland:
N/A
poland:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Speeds Limits
Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...
| Ireland | Poland | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 30 km/h | 20 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 80-100 km/h | 90 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 80-100 km/h | 80 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 80-90 km/h | 70 km/h | |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 120 km/h | 140 km/h | |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | 90 km/h | 80 km/h | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | No | Yes | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | N/A | Electronic signs display current limits. | |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | More common; fines can be issued on the spot. | Rare; fines are usually mailed after citation. |
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
ireland:
30 km/h
poland:
20 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
ireland:
80-100 km/h
poland:
90 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
ireland:
80-100 km/h
poland:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
ireland:
80-90 km/h
poland:
70 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
ireland:
120 km/h
poland:
140 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
ireland:
90 km/h
poland:
80 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
ireland:
No
poland:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
ireland:
N/A
poland:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
ireland:
More common; fines can be issued on the spot.
poland:
Rare; fines are usually mailed after citation.
Signals
Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...
| Ireland | Poland | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together | Indicates the light is about to turn green. | Signals a change to green is imminent. | |
| Use Of Indicators: Mandatory | Yes, for all turns and lane changes | Yes, for all turns and lane changes. | |
| Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts | Signal when entering and exiting | Signal when exiting. | |
| Horn Usage: Allowed | Only in cases to avoid accidents | Only in cases to avoid accidents. | |
| Horn Usage: Prohibited Times | Use between 11:30pm and 7:00am is generally prohibited in residential areas. | Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply. | |
| Horn Usage: Penalties | Fines may apply for misuse | Fines may apply for misuse. | |
| Headlight Flash: Usage | To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking | To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking. | |
| Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage | Not to be used to signal other messages | Not to be used to signal other messages. | |
| Hand Signals: Permitted | Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning | Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning. | |
| Hand Signals: Common Usage | Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected | Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected. | |
| Traffic Signs: Language | English; symbols are standard | Polish; symbols are standard. | |
| Traffic Signs: Priority | Yield and stop signs must be obeyed | Yield and stop signs must be obeyed. | |
| Traffic Signs: Warning | Triangles with red borders | Triangular with red border. |
Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
ireland:
Indicates the light is about to turn green.
poland:
Signals a change to green is imminent.
Use Of Indicators: Mandatory
ireland:
Yes, for all turns and lane changes
poland:
Yes, for all turns and lane changes.
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
ireland:
Signal when entering and exiting
poland:
Signal when exiting.
Horn Usage: Allowed
ireland:
Only in cases to avoid accidents
poland:
Only in cases to avoid accidents.
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
ireland:
Use between 11:30pm and 7:00am is generally prohibited in residential areas.
poland:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply.
Horn Usage: Penalties
ireland:
Fines may apply for misuse
poland:
Fines may apply for misuse.
Headlight Flash: Usage
ireland:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking
poland:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking.
Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage
ireland:
Not to be used to signal other messages
poland:
Not to be used to signal other messages.
Hand Signals: Permitted
ireland:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning
poland:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning.
Hand Signals: Common Usage
ireland:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
poland:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected.
Traffic Signs: Language
ireland:
English; symbols are standard
poland:
Polish; symbols are standard.
Traffic Signs: Priority
ireland:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed
poland:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed.
Traffic Signs: Warning
ireland:
Triangles with red borders
poland:
Triangular with red border.
Turns
Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...
| Ireland | Poland | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Not allowed | Allowed only if a green arrow is present. | |
| Left Turn: General | Permitted unless prohibited by signs | Permitted unless prohibited by signs. | |
| Left Turn: At Intersections | Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left | Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left. | |
| U- Turns Allowed | Allowed unless prohibited by signs | Varies by location; check for signs. | |
| Special Turn Lanes | Yes, marked with arrows | Yes, marked with arrows. | |
| Overtaking While Turning | Prohibited | Prohibited. |
Right Turn On Red
ireland:
Not allowed
poland:
Allowed only if a green arrow is present.
Left Turn: General
ireland:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
poland:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs.
Left Turn: At Intersections
ireland:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
poland:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left.
U- Turns Allowed
ireland:
Allowed unless prohibited by signs
poland:
Varies by location; check for signs.
Special Turn Lanes
ireland:
Yes, marked with arrows
poland:
Yes, marked with arrows.
Overtaking While Turning
ireland:
Prohibited
poland:
Prohibited.
Documentation
Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...
| Ireland | Poland | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Driver's License: Requirement | Valid driver's license required | Valid driver's license required. | |
| Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended | Accepted; International Driving Permit recommended. | |
| Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended | Accepted with International Driving Permit. | |
| Insurance | Liability insurance mandatory | Liability insurance mandatory. | |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Compulsory for vehicles older than four years; NCT certificate required. | Mandatory every year. | |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Displayed on the windshield | Displayed on windshield. | |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Required | Mandatory. | |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Not mandatory, but recommended | Mandatory. |
Driver's License: Requirement
ireland:
Valid driver's license required
poland:
Valid driver's license required.
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
ireland:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
poland:
Accepted; International Driving Permit recommended.
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
ireland:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
poland:
Accepted with International Driving Permit.
Insurance
ireland:
Liability insurance mandatory
poland:
Liability insurance mandatory.
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
ireland:
Compulsory for vehicles older than four years; NCT certificate required.
poland:
Mandatory every year.
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
ireland:
Displayed on the windshield
poland:
Displayed on windshield.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
ireland:
Required
poland:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
ireland:
Not mandatory, but recommended
poland:
Mandatory.
Road Etiquette
Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...
| Ireland | Poland | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Flashing Lights: Usage | To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake | To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake. | |
| Flashing Lights: Misuse | Discouraged, fines may apply | Discouraged, fines may apply. | |
| Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging | Common practice, especially in heavy traffic | Common practice, especially in heavy traffic. | |
| Lane Courtesy: Blocking | Discouraged and may be penalized | Discouraged and may be penalized. | |
| Use Of Horn: Limited | Only in emergency situations | Only in emergency situations. | |
| Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm | Less frequent use compared to some countries | Less frequent use compared to some countries. | |
| Pedestrians Priority | Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks | Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks. | |
| Emergency Vehicles: Protocol | Pull over to the left and stop if necessary | Pull over to the right and stop if necessary. | |
| Emergency Vehicles: Awareness | Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights | Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights. |
Flashing Lights: Usage
ireland:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
poland:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake.
Flashing Lights: Misuse
ireland:
Discouraged, fines may apply
poland:
Discouraged, fines may apply.
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
ireland:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
poland:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic.
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
ireland:
Discouraged and may be penalized
poland:
Discouraged and may be penalized.
Use Of Horn: Limited
ireland:
Only in emergency situations
poland:
Only in emergency situations.
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
ireland:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
poland:
Less frequent use compared to some countries.
Pedestrians Priority
ireland:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
poland:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks.
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
ireland:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary
poland:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary.
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
ireland:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
poland:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights.
When navigating the roads of Ireland and Poland, understanding their distinct traffic regulations is crucial for ensuring a safe journey. Key differences include driving on the left in Ireland versus the right in Poland, varying speed limits, and unique signaling practices. This comparison will guide you through essential roadway norms for a secure driving experience in both countries.
Alcohol
Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...
| Ireland | Poland | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.05% | 0.02% | |
| Limits: Professional Drivers | 0.02% | 0.00% | |
| Limits: Underage Drivers | 0.00%; zero tolerance | 0.00% | |
| Zero Tolerance: Drugs | Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs | Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs. | |
| Zero Tolerance: Medications | Check if medication affects driving ability | Check if medication affects driving ability. | |
| Enforcement: Random Checks | Random breath testing is common. | Common; checkpoints used frequently. | |
| Enforcement: Fines | Varies; can be substantial | Varies; can be substantial. | |
| Enforcement: Imprisonment | Possible for severe offenses | Possible for severe offenses. | |
| Test Refusal | Can result in license suspension | Can result in license suspension. |
Limits: General Drivers
ireland:
0.05%
poland:
0.02%
Limits: Professional Drivers
ireland:
0.02%
poland:
0.00%
Limits: Underage Drivers
ireland:
0.00%; zero tolerance
poland:
0.00%
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
ireland:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
poland:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
Zero Tolerance: Medications
ireland:
Check if medication affects driving ability
poland:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
Enforcement: Random Checks
ireland:
Random breath testing is common.
poland:
Common; checkpoints used frequently.
Enforcement: Fines
ireland:
Varies; can be substantial
poland:
Varies; can be substantial.
Enforcement: Imprisonment
ireland:
Possible for severe offenses
poland:
Possible for severe offenses.
Test Refusal
ireland:
Can result in license suspension
poland:
Can result in license suspension.
Roundabouts
Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...
| Ireland | Poland | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Priority: Entering | Yield to traffic already in the roundabout | Yield to traffic already in the roundabout. | |
| Priority: Inside | Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly | Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly. | |
| Signaling: Entering | Signal if turning immediately upon entry | Signal if turning immediately upon entry. | |
| Signaling: Exiting | Signal right when preparing to exit | Signal right when preparing to exit. | |
| Lane Usage: Right | Use for first exit or straight | Use for first exit or straight. | |
| Lane Usage: Left | Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe | Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe. |
Priority: Entering
ireland:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
poland:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Priority: Inside
ireland:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
poland:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly.
Signaling: Entering
ireland:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
poland:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry.
Signaling: Exiting
ireland:
Signal right when preparing to exit
poland:
Signal right when preparing to exit.
Lane Usage: Right
ireland:
Use for first exit or straight
poland:
Use for first exit or straight.
Lane Usage: Left
ireland:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe
poland:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe.
Emergency Services
Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...
| Ireland | Poland | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 112 or 999 | 112 | |
| Contact: Traffic Police | 112 or 999 | 997 | |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Check with your insurance provider or AA Ireland | 981 or through your insurance provider. | |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Required | Mandatory. | |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Not mandatory, but recommended | Mandatory. |
Contact: General Emergency
ireland:
112 or 999
poland:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
ireland:
112 or 999
poland:
997
Contact: Roadside Assistance
ireland:
Check with your insurance provider or AA Ireland
poland:
981 or through your insurance provider.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
ireland:
Required
poland:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
ireland:
Not mandatory, but recommended
poland:
Mandatory.
Penalties And Fines
Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...
| Ireland | Poland | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; €80 to €120, and points on license | Varies; can be substantial, often increased for foreign vehicles. | |
| Common Fines: Alcohol | Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time | Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time. | |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | €60 fine and two penalty points | Mandatory, fines apply. | |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | €60 fine and three penalty points | Fines apply for use without hands-free device. | |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | €80 and three penalty points | Fines and license points apply. | |
| Payment: On The Spot | Possible; fines can be issued on the spot | Rare; usually paid online or by mail. | |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; typically 30 days to pay | Varies; typically 7-14 days to pay. | |
| Foreign Drivers: Fines | Same as residents; must be paid | Same as residents; must be paid. | |
| Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment | Possible if fines are not paid | Possible if fines are not paid. |
Common Fines: Speeding
ireland:
Varies; €80 to €120, and points on license
poland:
Varies; can be substantial, often increased for foreign vehicles.
Common Fines: Alcohol
ireland:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
poland:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time.
Common Fines: Seat Belts
ireland:
€60 fine and two penalty points
poland:
Mandatory, fines apply.
Common Fines: Phone Use
ireland:
€60 fine and three penalty points
poland:
Fines apply for use without hands-free device.
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
ireland:
€80 and three penalty points
poland:
Fines and license points apply.
Payment: On The Spot
ireland:
Possible; fines can be issued on the spot
poland:
Rare; usually paid online or by mail.
Payment: Deadline
ireland:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay
poland:
Varies; typically 7-14 days to pay.
Foreign Drivers: Fines
ireland:
Same as residents; must be paid
poland:
Same as residents; must be paid.
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
ireland:
Possible if fines are not paid
poland:
Possible if fines are not paid.