Speed limits in kilometres per hour

By the end of this topic you can

• You can state the default limit for each type of Irish road.
• You can recognise speed limit signs and the rural speed limit sign.
• You can choose a speed that lets you stop within the distance you can see to be clear.
• You can check your speedometer regularly without staring at it.
• You can explain why limits are maximums and not targets.

What you need to know and understand

• Motorways: 120 km/h. National roads: 100 km/h unless signed lower.
• Regional roads: 80 km/h. Rural local roads: 60 km/h since 7 February 2025.
• Built-up areas: 50 km/h by default, and many urban streets are being moved to 30 km/h.
• A posted speed limit sign always overrides the default limit for that road type.
• Any vehicle towing a trailer or caravan is limited to 80 km/h, even on a motorway.
• Speeding carries a fixed charge of 160 euro and 3 penalty points, or 5 points on conviction.
• Learner and novice drivers are disqualified at 7 penalty points.

Default limits by road type

The rural speed limit sign, a white circle with black diagonal stripes, now means a maximum of 60 km/h. Councils can also set special limits, for example near schools at certain times, through roadworks or on dangerous stretches. The 2023 Speed Limit Review also recommended lower limits on national secondary roads, and councils are rolling out 30 km/h limits in towns and estates, with nationwide roll-out expected by the end of March 2027. Always obey the sign in front of you.

• Motorway (blue signs, M numbers): 120 km/h
• National road (green signs, N numbers): 100 km/h, unless signs show a lower limit
• Regional road (white signs, R numbers): 80 km/h
• Rural local road (L numbers or no number): 60 km/h
• Built-up area (towns and cities): 50 km/h, or 30 km/h where signed

Why the limit is a maximum, not a target

The law says you must drive at a speed that lets you stop within the distance you can see to be clear. On a narrow 60 km/h country lane with high hedges, a blind bend or walkers on the road, the safe speed may be half the limit or less. Being under the posted limit does not make your speed safe or legal if you could not stop in the distance you can see to be clear.

Speed also decides how badly people are hurt. A pedestrian hit at 60 km/h is far more likely to die than one hit at 30 km/h. That is why limits are lower where people live, shop and go to school.

Keeping to the limit as a learner

• Look for the limit sign as you enter a new road or area, and for repeater signs.
• Glance at the speedometer often, especially after leaving a faster road.
• Ease off early when you see a lower limit ahead, so you are at the new speed by the sign.
• Do not let a driver behind push you faster. Let them pass when it is safe.
• Do not crawl without reason either. Make progress when the road is clear and it is safe.

Common mistakes

• Treating the limit as the speed to drive at. Judge the road and conditions first.
• Carrying motorway or national road speed into a town. Check the speedometer after a change of road.
• Missing a 30 km/h sign in an urban area. Watch for signs at the entry to estates and town centres.
• Forgetting the 80 km/h limit when towing. It applies on every road, including motorways.
• Assuming rural lanes are still 80 km/h. The default on rural local roads is now 60 km/h.

Test yourself: Speed limits in kilometres per hour

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Speed Limits in Ireland 2026