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Print this page DRIVING - SPEED AND SPEED LIMITS

Speeding Signs

"A DRIVER MUST NOT DRIVE A VEHICLE AT A SPEED EXCEEDING THAT WHICH WILL ENABLE HIM TO STOP WITHIN THE DISTANCE HE CAN SEE TO BE CLEAR".
This rule applies notwithstanding any maximum speed limit that may also be in force. In built-up areas the speed limit is normally 30 mph but on certain such roads higher limits may apply. Entries to built-up areas or special speed limit zones are shown by the signs opposite.

A general speed limit of 60 mph applies to all roads not subject to a lower limit. On leaving a built-up area or special speed limit zone you will encounter the sign shown right which means that a 60 mph limit applies.

This is the maximum legal speed limit at which cars, light goods vehicles and motorcycles may travel unless a special speed limit of 70 mph is signposted. This 70 mph speed limit applies only on Motorways and only to these vehicles.

The following are the current maximum speed limits for the various categories of vehicles:-
Single Deck Buses:
50 mph (80km/h) (not carrying standing passengers)
40mph (64km/h) (with standing passengers)

Double Deck Buses:
40 mph (64 km/h)

Goods Vehicles (including Articulated Vehicles) with a design gross vehicle weight in excess of 3500 Kilogrammes
40 mph (64 km/h)

Any vehicle drawing another:
50 mph (80 km/h)

It is unlawful to supply, carry or use any device capable of detecting roadside speed monitoring equipment used by the Gardai.

No vehicle other than exempted vehicles (fire brigades, ambulances, Garda cars) may exceed the maximum road speed limit at any time. In addition the vehicle speed limits shown above must be observed.