In Ireland by car

To rent a car, Ukrainians will need:

• Foreign passport;
• Driver's license (preferably an international driver's license if your Ukrainian license is not in Latin script);
• Credit card for deposit;
• Booking voucher (if you booked online).

Some companies may also require proof of address or additional documentation for security purposes.

You will also need to take out insurance. Basic insurance (e.g., civil liability and collision damage waiver) is usually included in the rental price. However, it is recommended that you take out additional insurance (Super CDW or full coverage) to reduce or completely eliminate your liability in the event of damage or an accident.

In the event of an accident, you must:

• remain at the scene
• turn on your hazard lights and, if possible, secure other road users
• call the police immediately and notify the rental company
• take photos or videos
• obtain a copy of the police report

Penalty point system in Ireland

Ireland has a general penalty point system:

• Violations are recorded as fixed charge notices (FCN). If paid within 28 days, 1-3 penalty points are added plus a fine; if paid late (up to 56 days), the fine is 50% higher and the same number of points are added, after which the case goes to court.
• If you accumulate 12 points in 3 years, you will be automatically disqualified for 6 months. For new drivers (license less than 2 years) — disqualification after 7 points.

Main fines in Ireland

• Speeding — fine - €160, 3 penalty points.
• Not wearing a seat belt — fine - €120, 3 points.
• Using a phone while driving — fine of €120, 3 points.
• Running a red light — fine of €80, 3 points.
• Improper stopping or parking — fine of €40 to €150 (depending on the city and type of violation).
• Driving under the influence of alcohol (over 50 mg/100 ml of blood) — fine of €200 to €400, disqualification for 3 to 6 months.
• Dangerous or aggressive driving — court case, significant fine (up to €5,000), disqualification for 6 months.

Traveling around Ireland in your own car with Ukrainian license plates is possible, but there are a few important details to keep in mind.

Temporary import of a car

• Owners of cars with Ukrainian registration can use them in Ireland for up to 12 months without having to pay duty, VRT, or preferential duties. This is provided that the car is owned by the person importing it and is used only for personal purposes.
• You must have the following with you:

- green card. You can quickly apply for it online on our website. It can be obtained for a period of 15 days to 1 year

- technical passport and proof of ownership

- proof of residence in Ireland (e.g., immigration registration, letter from the Ministry)

Customs procedures

• When entering the country, you must present the documents in the established format or Carnet/Triptyque for temporary import.
• If the car is imported for more than 12 months, you must:

- register the car in Ireland

- pay VRT (Vehicle Registration Tax), VAT, and duty according to the value and CO₂ emissions

Registration and technical inspection

• The car does not require a roadworthiness test (NCT) until it is registered in Ireland
• If you decide to register the car:

- it must pass an NCT if it is more than 4 years old

- you must pay VRT within 30 days of import

Driver's license

• Holders of Ukrainian driver's licenses can use their cars if they are in Ireland under temporary protection
• You do not need to change your license, but it is recommended to have an international driver's license (IDP) for convenience
• If your Ukrainian driver's license has expired, you cannot drive a car in Ireland

The main feature of driving in Ireland is left-hand traffic. You should also take into account narrow roads in rural areas and frequent sharp turns.

Main speed limits:

• In cities — 50 km/h
• On regular roads — 80 km/h
• On motorways — 120 km/h

Toll roads in Ireland

The largest toll roads are the sections around Dublin and the main routes, such as:

• M50 (ring road around Dublin) — the most famous and busiest toll road.
• M1, M3, M4, M6, M7, M8 — main highways connecting Dublin with other major cities.
• Toll bridges and tunnels: for example, East-Link Bridge, Dublin Port Tunnel.

How to pay:

• The M50 has a barrier-free toll system (known as barrier-free tolling): there are no toll booths on the road, your car is automatically recorded by cameras
• Payment must be made by 8:00 p.m. on the day after travel (online at eFlow.ie, at special payment points, or via the app)
• Fines for non-payment range from €3 to €150, depending on the delay.
• Other roads usually have regular payment points (cash or card), sometimes automatic machines (which accept coins and banknotes).

Do you need to pay when renting a car?

• If you rent a car, be sure to check whether tolls are included in the price or whether you have a transponder (a special electronic device for automatic payment).
• In most cases, the M50 toll is paid automatically by the rental company, but then added to your bill.

General rules for drivers

• All passengers must wear seat belts
• It is important to pay attention to road signs, which may be written in English and Irish
• Before traveling, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with parking rules, toll roads, and the possibility of paid parking zones in cities
• All children under 150 cm or under 12 years of age must be transported in an appropriate child seat or booster seat
• Animals must be securely fastened (e.g., in a special carrier or with a seat belt for animals)