United States → Ireland
Driving in Ireland when you know the United States
Differences first, worst-to-get-wrong first. Rules that match are folded away at the bottom.
What's different (1)
Whether you need an International Driving Permit
CriticalUnited States · homeDepends on where your licence is fromDepends on your licence country and on the state. Not every state requires an International Driving Permit, and the US does not issue them to visitors — get one at home before travelling. Check the destination state's motor vehicle department.Checked 3 Aug 2026
Ireland · destinationNot requiredA valid licence in English or Latin script is enough for visits. Licences in other scripts should be carried with an International Driving Permit.Checked 6 Aug 2026 · official source
Known on one side only (15)
Which side of the road you drive on
United States · homeNot yet verified
Speed limit on the motorway
Varies by regionUnited States · homeNo single national answer:
Texas75 mph — about 121 km/hThe commission may set 80 or 85 where the road is designed for it — the highest signed limits in the country.Checked 3 Aug 2026
California65 mph — about 105 km/hThe general maximum unless 70 is posted.Checked 3 Aug 2026
Speed limit on country roads
Varies by regionUnited States · homeNo single national answer:
Texas70 mph — about 113 km/hThe statutory maximum unless the commission raises it for a numbered highway.Checked 3 Aug 2026
California55 mph — about 89 km/hOn a two-lane undivided highway, and for anything towing a trailer.Checked 3 Aug 2026
Ireland · destination80 km/hRegional (R-numbered) roads. National (N) roads are 100. Small local (L-numbered) roads dropped to 60 in February 2025 — older guidance still says 80.Checked 6 Aug 2026 · official source
Speed limit in towns and cities
Varies by regionUnited States · homeNo single national answer:
Texas30 mph — about 48 km/hThe default through an urban district unless zoned otherwise.Checked 3 Aug 2026
Ireland · destination50 km/hMore and more town cores and housing areas are signed 30.Checked 6 Aug 2026 · official source
How much alcohol you may have in your blood
Varies by regionUnited States · homeNo single national answer:
California0.08 % BAC — about 80 mg/100mlChecked 3 Aug 2026
Ireland · destination50 mg/100mlMuch stricter than Great Britain's 80 — a pint can put you over here.Checked 6 Aug 2026 · official source
Alcohol limit for drivers who passed their test recently
United States · homeNot yet verified
Ireland · destination20 mg/100mlLearners and drivers in their first two years — effectively zero.Checked 6 Aug 2026 · official source
Holding a phone while driving
Varies by regionUnited States · homeNo single national answer:
CaliforniaNot allowedChecked 3 Aug 2026
Ireland · destinationNot allowedCourt fines can reach 2,000 euros.Checked 6 Aug 2026 · official source
Turning at a red light
Varies by regionUnited States · homeNo single national answer:
CaliforniaAllowedAfter a complete stop at the limit line, yielding to pedestrians, unless a NO TURN ON RED sign is posted.Checked 3 Aug 2026
Ireland · destinationNot yet verified
Who must wear a seatbelt
United States · homeNot yet verified
Height below which a child needs a child seat
United States · homeNot yet verified
Ireland · destination150 cmOr under 36 kg. Licensed taxis are exempt.Checked 6 Aug 2026 · official source
How you pay for motorways
United States · homeNot yet verified
Ireland · destination
- Toll booths
- Electronic tolls with no barriers
Alcohol limit for professional drivers
Varies by regionUnited States · homeNo single national answer:
California0.04 % BACCommercial vehicles, and passenger-for-hire driving.Checked 3 Aug 2026
Ireland · destinationNot yet verified
How long you may drive on your own licence
United States · homeNot yet verified
Ireland · destination12 monthsAs a visitor, on your own country's licence.Checked 6 Aug 2026 · official source
Hands-free phone calls
Varies by regionUnited States · homeNo single national answer:
CaliforniaAllowed, with restrictionsAdults may use hands-free mode. Drivers under 18 may not use a phone at all.Checked 3 Aug 2026
Emergency number
United States · home911Checked 3 Aug 2026
Ireland · destinationNot yet verified