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Motorway Driving

Motorways are relatively new in Ireland and have by and large proved to be a very safe mode of transport. Stopping at any time or place along a motorway is an offence unless there is an obstruction or if the car breaks down. There are specific rules if a car breaks down. Traffic flow is in one direction only and certain classes of driver are restricted. Detailed rules are set out in S.I. No. 182 of 1997: ROAD TRAFFIC (TRAFFIC AND PARKING) REGULATIONS, 1997 as follows:

Rules for Traffic on Motorways

33. (1) A driver on a motorway shall not—

( a ) drive a vehicle against the direction of traffic flow;

( b ) drive a vehicle on or across any part of the motorway which is not a carriageway;

( c ) stop or park a vehicle on any part of a motorway;

( d ) drive a vehicle of a class for which an ordinary speed limit of not more than 50 mph is prescribed by regulations under section 44(1) of the Road Traffic Act, 1961 in the traffic lane nearest the right hand edge of a carriageway having more than one traffic lane except where it is necessary to proceed in that lane due to an obstruction or because another lane or lanes is or are for the time being closed to traffic.

(2) A prohibition imposed by paragraphs (b) or (c) of sub-article (1) shall not apply in relation to any part of the motorway which is provided for the parking of vehicles or for the provision of services or amenities.

(3) A prohibition imposed by sub-article (1) (c) shall not apply—

( a ) in the case of a vehicle which is stopped on a carriageway while it is prevented from proceeding by an obstruction, or

( b ) subject to sub-article (4), in the case of a vehicle which has been involved in an accident or is broken down.

(4) ( a ) on a motorway, the driver or other person in charge of a vehicle which has been involved in an accident or cannot proceed because of breakdown, mechanical defect or other emergency shall—

(i) as soon as, and insofar as, is possible, drive or move the vehicle from the carriageway on to the nearest available space to the left of the left hand edge of the carriageway so that no part of the vehicle extends on to the carriageway;

(ii) use the nearest available telephone as soon as possible to notify the Garda Síochána of the accident, breakdown or other circumstance which has necessitated the stopping of the vehicle on the motorway.

( b ) The driver or other person in charge of a vehicle to which this article applies shall not allow the vehicle to remain parked on the motorway for longer than is necessary and for this purpose shall accept an offer of assistance or service by a member of the Garda Síochána or by an employee or agent of a road authority.

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