Speed limits were changed in Ireland in 2025, with limits generally lowered. We’ve had a look at each limit and how they’ve changed since February 2025.
How Speed Limits Work In Ireland
Speed limits are set nationally by the Government, but can change based on the area you live in. Local councils have the right to alter speed limits for different areas and different vehicles. All speed limits in Ireland are displayed in kilometres per hour (km/h). All of these limits are displayed on road signs.
Speed Limit Changes As Of February 2025
As of 2025, many speed limits in Ireland were lowered:
- 60 km/h in rural areas.
- 30 km/h on most roads in rural areas.
- 80 km/h on national secondary roads.
Changes By Area
In rural areas, the new default speed limit has been reduced from 80 km/h to 60 km/h. In cities, towns and villages, local authorities have the right to review and potentially amend speed limits. In most cases, the speed limit will be reduced to 30 km/h from 50 km/h. Not all of these changes are in place though, with a deadline of March 2027 set to finalise speed limit amends. On national secondary roads, the default speed limit will fall from 100 km/h to 80 km/h.
Why Were Speed Limits Changed?
The Irish Government introduced speed limit changes as part of a Road Safety initiative aimed at reducing road casualties and incidents.
Enforcement And Penalties
Speed limits have and continue to be enforced by Garda, and speed limits that are now in place are immediately enforceable. That means a road that has changed must be adhered to straight away. If caught speeding, you will face 3 penalty points and a fine of up to €160. Be aware that this can rise to €240 if the fee isn’t paid within 28 days. With the new speeding laws, an amendment to multiple offences is now live: if you commit multiple offences at once, you will now receive multiple penalty points at once, not just one for the group of offences.
Conclusion
Speed limits are changing, and not being aware of new limits won’t spare you from penalties. Because of this, you must keep on top of any changes in your area before hitting the road.
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FAQs
What speed limits are changing in Ireland?
As of February 2025, rural local roads went from 80 km/h to 60 km/h. Since then, plans have been made and some implemented to reduce the following road speeds down:
- Urban areas are planned to be reduced to 30 km/h.
- National secondary roads have fallen from 100 km/h to 80km/h.
Will I get penalised for speeding on a road that’s just changed speed limit?
Yes, you will face a penalty for speeding on a road even if the speed limit has only just changed. As soon as new speed limits are implemented, the Garda have the right to pull you over and issue a penalty.