Q. I heard that the speed limits are changing, can you tell me why? When does this come into effect and what happens if the new limit is not complied with?
Thanks for this question, I think it will be on the minds of many drivers at the moment.
Many speed limits in Ireland will be reduced during 2025.The first change took effect on February 7 and affects rural local roads:
The default speed limit on rural local roads reduced from 80km/h to 60.
Rural speed limit sign now indicate a limit of 60km/h since February 7. This sign is a white circle with five diagonal black lines with another plate that states “Go Mall / Slow”.
Later in 2025, more reductions to speed limits will be introduced.
The speed limit in ‘urban cores’ (built up areas, housing estates and town centres) will drop to 30km/h. National secondary roads will reduce from 100km/h to 80km/h.
These changes are set out in the Road Traffic Act 2024.
Speed limits are being reduced in an effort to increase road safety. The Road Safety Authority published information about the rural speed limit changes on rsa.ie.
Certain vehicles in Ireland have different speed limits – specifically vehicles that carry passengers (such as buses and coaches), vehicles greater than a certain weight (such as trucks), and vehicles that are pulling trailers.
Speed limits in Ireland do not apply to ambulances, fire brigade services, or Garda vehicles being used during duty.
It is an offence for anyone to use a speed meter detector in any vehicle in Ireland. Importing, fitting, and supplying speed meter detectors and jammers is also an offence.
If you drive over the speed limit, you will get three penalty points and a fixed charge fine of €160.
If you do not pay the fine within 28 days, it increases to €240. If you do not pay this within 28 days (56 days from the original fine notification date), you will be summonsed to court.
If convicted, you could be fined up to €1,000 and receive up to five penalty points.
If you were not the driver of the vehicle, you must complete the relevant section on the notice and return it within 28 days of its issue.
