What drink driving limits and penalties should visitors know in Ireland?
The limit in the Republic is 50 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood for most drivers, and 20 milligrams for learner, novice and professional drivers, a level one drink can reach. Northern Ireland keeps the higher 80 milligram limit, which catches people out on cross border trips. Garda checkpoints test for drink and drugs, and penalties start with a €200 fixed charge and penalty points at the lowest band, rising to disqualification, court fines and prison for higher readings or repeat offences. The planning pattern that follows from those numbers is simple: the person driving drinks nothing, and who is driving is settled before the first round.
Useful pages: Driving in Ireland: the full guide · An Ireland road trip · Dublin · County Kerry · Scenic drives in Ireland · Killarney · Healthcare and emergencies · Plan your journey · Northern Ireland
Sources
- Road Safety Authority: drink driving limits, seat belts, child restraints and safe passing distances for cyclists, rsa.ie
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