Motorway speed limits in Ireland

M94 · 03-11-2016 2:53am

Ginger83 wrote: »

Yes i'm fully aware of vehicle travelling at 130-150...THEY ARE BREAKING THE SPEED LIMIT!!!,
A car travelling at "the speed limit" should have no problem adjusting to a car doing 20-30km/hr less. Its these idiots that think its ok to drive way over the limit that have problems coming up quickly on cars driving within the limit...why? because they are driving too fast.

You did a driving test right? Did you ever read the big blue sign on entering a motorway?

Ever heard the term "SPEED KILLS"

I guess everyone that drives in Germany on autobahns over 120 km/h is an idiot then.

Special Circumstances · 03-11-2016 6:32am

Ginger83 wrote: »

Maybe you should talk to your local TD about us slow folks and have a minimum speed set....but there is 1...its 50km/hr.

Safe motoring.

What are you scuttering on about Gaybo?

Special Circumstances · 03-11-2016 6:44am

Odyssey 2005 wrote: »

Of the fuppin idiots in the Dublin Coaches who insist on hogging the overtaking lane

_Kaiser_ wrote: »

Ah yes that's true and they're pretty aggressive about cutting across into it as well

One more cowboy episode from Dublin Coach and I'm getting a dash cam. Driving a bus like it's a sports car just skip 10 cars at a roundabout, forcing gullible idiots to jam on the brakes to force themselves back into the correct and obvious lane they should have been in all along.

magicbastarder · 03-11-2016 8:39am

Raise to 130 km/h

re the talk about the german approach and limitless autobahns - how many two-lane autobahns are there with no limits?

M94 · 03-11-2016 9:31am

Driving in Germany is regulated by the Straßenverkehrs-Ordnung (road traffic regulations,[90] abbreviated StVO). Enforcement on the federal Autobahnen is handled by each State's Highway Patrol (Autobahnpolizei), often using unmarked police cars and motorcycles and usually equipped with video cameras,[91][92] thus allowing easier enforcement of laws such as tailgating. Notable laws include the following.

The right lane should be used when it is free (Rechtsfahrgebot) and the left lane is generally intended only for overtaking unless traffic is too dense to justify driving only on the right lane. It is legal to give a short horn or light signal (flashing headlights or Lichthupe) in order to indicate the intention of overtaking, but a safe distance to the vehicle in front must be maintained,[93] otherwise this might be regarded as an act of coercion.

Penalties for tailgating were increased in May 2006 to a maximum of €375 and three months license suspension:[94] "drivers must keep a distance in meters that is equal to half their speed. For example, a driver going 100 km/h on the autobahn must keep a distance of at least 50 meters (165 feet)". The penalty increase followed uproar after an infamous fatal crash on Autobahn 5 in 2003.[95]

In a traffic jam, drivers must form an emergency lane (Rettungsgasse) to allow emergency services to reach an accident scene. This "lane" is the middle of the left two lanes.[96]
It is unlawful to stop for any reason on the autobahn, except for emergencies and when unavoidable, like traffic jams or being involved in an accident. This includes stopping on emergency lanes. Running out of fuel is considered an avoidable occurrence, as by law there are petrol stations directly on the autobahn approximately every 50–55 km (31–34 mi). Drivers may face fines and up to six months suspension, should it come to a stop that was deemed unnecessary by the police. In some cases (if there is a direct danger to life and limb or property e.g. cars and highway infrastructure) it may also be considered a crime and the driver could receive a prison sentence (up to 5 years).

Overtaking on the right (undertaking) is strictly forbidden, except when stuck in traffic jams. Up to a speed of 80 km/h (50 mph) it is permitted to pass cars on the right side if the speed difference is not greater than 20 km/h (12 mph) or the vehicle on the left lane is stationary. This is not referred to as overtaking, but driving past. Even if the car overtaken is illegally occupying the left-hand lane, it is not an acceptable excuse; in such cases, the police will routinely stop and fine both drivers. However, exceptions can and have sometimes been made.

Failure to use the correct lane and hindering other drivers is punishable by €80 fine.

There is definitely so much to learn from Germany and not only from autobahns.

m5ex9oqjawdg2i · 03-11-2016 11:09am

Arcade_Tryer wrote: »

A few good reasons you shouldn't be travelling at 120km/hr:

1. Safety - Yes, you may be quite safe travelling at 120km/hr and above on a motorway but that does not take away from the fact that driving more slowly is still safer in general e.g. between 90km/hr and 120km/hr.

2. Stressing the engine - for many cars, driving at 120km/hr for half an hour or more is needless stress on the engine.

3. Fuel cost - Following on from above, far more efficient to keep the revs down and your bank balance up.

Point one and two, complete nonsence. Point three is correct, but why stop there? Walking or cycling will save you much much more.

Arcade_Tryer wrote: »

Amazing the reaction to a poster who simply admits that they do not always travel AT or ABOVE the speed limit. It really is no wonder road death statistics are what they are. Not purely due to the speed of course. But rather the arrogant superiority. And seeming anger.

Nobody is suggesting you drive around a dangerous bend, or in poor driving conditions, at or above the speed limit. I don't see why people have an issue with driving at the speed limit, if there's a problem, it's with them. Don't feel intimidated to drive above the speed limit, however, if you are in the over taking lane, then that's a different story. Or if you are travelling at 60Kmph in an 80Kmph zone, then you are in the wrong.

1. Never said constantly. 2. Yeah. Here's an analogy right back at ya. If you claim to have never been tailgated, then you're either a tailgater yourself, don't know what tailgating is, or both.

Why are you making these assumptions? Maybe the poster has a misunderstanding of tailgating, people think you have to be within 1-2 meters to tailgate, which is incorrect (depending on the speed of course).

M94 wrote: »

There is definitely so much to learn from Germany and not only from autobahns.

While we could learn a lot from Germany, the some aspects of driving in Germany is also awful (merging & unmerging, speeding, and tailgating). However aggressive you think it is in Ireland, in Germany it's on a completely different level. We should probably look at Switzerland, Netherlands and the UK.

I am for dynamic speed changes with increased automated enforcement. Change the speed due to the conditions and traffic density. Add much more cameras on the roads and we really need to address the issue of ignoring amber and red lights.

DakarVert · 03-11-2016 11:18am

Leave it at 120 (75)
Generally 85ish is okay & accepted when conditions allow.

Lane discipline and asshole drivers is a massive problem,
Just yesterday I was in the overtaking lane (85ish) overtaking a truck and an Audi put his foot down tried to undertake me and cut across in front. But he couldn't do and had to brake hard behind the truck and then pull out behind me.

No need for that at all.

m5ex9oqjawdg2i · 03-11-2016 11:50am

Why are people talking in Miles? It's been over 10 years since we changed to KM? Are people still talking in punts?

DakarVert · 03-11-2016 12:10pm

My car is in miles (2008).... I auto convert from KM to Miles.

Just easier to get an idea of distance IMHO

Alun · 03-11-2016 12:16pm

Abel Icy Spaceman wrote: »

While we could learn a lot from Germany, the some aspects of driving in Germany is also awful (merging & unmerging, speeding, and tailgating). However aggressive you think it is in Ireland, in Germany it's on a completely different level. We should probably look at Switzerland, Netherlands and the UK.

Things may have changed since I lived over there, but I never experienced very much in the way of bad driving on the autobahns in Germany, unless it was Dutch holidaymakers pulling out in front of cars going much faster than them without looking properly. Merging was never a problem.

Now if you want a master-class in tailgating go the the Netherlands, or worse still Belgium.

_Kaiser_ · 03-11-2016 12:32pm

Raise to 150 km/h

Ginger83 wrote: »

I normally drive no more than 100km/hr, quite happy at it too. 80km/hr if i'm in no hurry, no laws broken, if people are not happy theres an overtaking lane.

I sat at 100km/hr today and was passed by a lorry supposed to be limited to 80km/hr. The country has gone mad with speed/rushing.

And before anyone asks i'm in my 30s with a 2L car, i just choose not to be dragged into the rat race brigade.

So because of your "I'm above it all" attitude, you instead act as a rolling roadblock and hazard on a motorway, driving at anywhere up to 40 km/h less than the posted limit so that even HGV's are forced to overtake you?

And you think you're in the right? :rolleyes:

Ginger83 · 03-11-2016 1:32pm

Decrease them to 110 km/h

_Kaiser_ wrote: »

So because of your "I'm above it all" attitude, you instead act as a rolling roadblock and hazard on a motorway, driving at anywhere up to 40 km/h less than the posted limit so that even HGV's are forced to overtake you?

And you think you're in the right? :rolleyes:

Where does it state 120km/hr is a target and anyone driving below it is wrong?
ffs

Ginger83 · 03-11-2016 1:34pm

Decrease them to 110 km/h

M94 wrote: »

Ramming cars off the road should be legal so people can get to work on time.

Give yourself enough time and you wont need to drive like a maniac

grogi · 03-11-2016 1:35pm

Raise to 150 km/h

Ginger83 wrote: »

Where does it state 120km/hr is a target and anyone driving below it is wrong?
ffs

There isn't such statement.

However, excessively slow driving on the motorway is as dangerous as driving too fast - and can be qualified as "Driving without reasonable consideration".

Ginger83 · 03-11-2016 1:36pm

Decrease them to 110 km/h

M94 wrote: »

I guess everyone that drives in Germany on autobahns over 120 km/h is an idiot then.

Are you trying to compare our idiotic 2 lane motorways with Germany's autobahn :rolleyes:

bladespin · 03-11-2016 1:38pm

Raise to 150 km/h

Abel Icy Spaceman wrote: »

Why are people talking in Miles? It's been over 10 years since we changed to KM? Are people still talking in punts?

A mile is still a current unit of measure for distance, the punt is dead and gone (unfortunately).

Ginger83 · 03-11-2016 1:40pm

Decrease them to 110 km/h

Special Circumstances wrote: »

What are you scuttering on about Gaybo?

Read the 3rd line on that big blue sign on entering a motorway and come back to me.

draiochtanois · 03-11-2016 1:41pm

Raise to 130 km/h

This post has been deleted.

Ginger83 · 03-11-2016 1:42pm

Decrease them to 110 km/h

Abel Icy Spaceman wrote: »

Why are people talking in Miles? It's been over 10 years since we changed to KM? Are people still talking in punts?

Where does it say you are wrong to do 60km/hr in an 80km/hr zone?

Ginger83 · 03-11-2016 1:47pm

Decrease them to 110 km/h

grogi wrote: »

There isn't such statement.

However, excessively slow driving on the motorway is as dangerous as driving too fast - and can be qualified as "Driving without reasonable consideration".

I wouldn't consider 80-100km/hr as slow.
41 people here think no speed limit would be better. A guy was clocked doing 216km/hr in an Audi TT recently, if there was no limit and he had to adjust to a 120km/hr driver would you consider the 120km/hr to be driving too slow?

M94 · 03-11-2016 1:52pm

Ginger83 wrote: »

Where does it state 120km/hr is a target and anyone driving below it is wrong?
ffs

In driving exams in most civilized countries around the world. Drive too slow and you fail your test for disrupting the flow of traffic.

Ginger83 · 03-11-2016 2:10pm

Decrease them to 110 km/h

M94 wrote: »

In driving exams in most civilized countries around the world. Drive too slow and you fail your test for disrupting the flow of traffic.

20km/hr below the speed limit is NOT slow

Ginger83 · 03-11-2016 2:11pm

Decrease them to 110 km/h

LIGHTNING wrote: »

Wow 216km/hr I am shocked that the engine in his car didn't explode from the stress :rolleyes:

Wow a user telling a mod to stay on topic

Special Circumstances · 03-11-2016 2:18pm

Ginger83 wrote: »

Maybe you should talk to your local TD about us slow folks and have a minimum speed set....but there is 1...its 50km/hr.

Safe motoring.

Special Circumstances wrote: »

What are you scuttering on about Gaybo?

Ginger83 wrote: »

Read the 3rd line on that big blue sign on entering a motorway and come back to me.

Vehicles need to be CAPABLE of 50kmph, they do not necessarily need to exceed that and sure any way,

Ginger83 wrote: »

Where does it state 120km/hr is a target and anyone driving below it is wrong?
ffs

you'd could say the same about an imaginary lower limit .... it's not a target.

Ginger83 wrote: »

20km/hr below the speed limit is NOT slow

It's enough to fail your driving test on "adequate progress". Your tester would regard you as inadequate.

Ginger83 · 03-11-2016 2:27pm

Decrease them to 110 km/h

Special Circumstances wrote: »

Vehicles need to be CAPABLE of 50kmph, they do not necessarily need to exceed that and sure any way,
you'd could say the same about an imaginary lower limit .... it's not a target.

It's enough to fail your driving test on "adequate progress". Your tester would regard you as inadequate.

100km/hr in a 120km/hr zone inadequate, i've heard it all now

Special Circumstances · 03-11-2016 2:28pm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ocWVgmkUSk

Ginger83 · 03-11-2016 2:29pm

Decrease them to 110 km/h

LIGHTNING wrote: »

I am staying on topic as it was mentioned in here. I had an Audi TT but I didn't dare to go into sixth gear due to the fear. When driving I have come up with an equation of:

Irish Safety Indicated Speed = (highest gear -1) + (Speed limit x .80 )

The lower this number the better, so I think I may get a 3 speed manual for my next car to reduce the number. I am going to use the acronym ISIS for short, time will tell if it catches on. I am going to send it onto the RSA later today.

Unconstructive smart arse comments is not really on topic....from a mod

Special Circumstances · 03-11-2016 2:30pm

Ginger83 wrote: »

Unconstructive smart arse comments is not really on topic....from a mod

Boohoo.
Do you think he should be going faster? Or slower?

Ginger83 · 03-11-2016 2:32pm

Decrease them to 110 km/h

Special Circumstances wrote: »

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ocWVgmkUSk

http://www.rsa.ie/en/RSA/Learner-Drivers/Your-learner-permit/Rules-of-the-road/

Ginger83 · 03-11-2016 2:33pm

Decrease them to 110 km/h

Special Circumstances wrote: »

Boohoo.
Do you think he should be going faster? Or slower?[/QUOTE

Anywhere within the limit.

Mc Love · 03-11-2016 2:55pm

Raise to 140 km/h

Special Circumstances wrote: »

What are you scuttering on about Gaybo?

I had to stop myself from bursting out laughing in the office

Alun · 03-11-2016 2:58pm

Ginger83 wrote: »

Are you trying to compare our idiotic 2 lane motorways with Germany's autobahn :rolleyes:

There are lots of 2 lane autobahns, some of them unrestricted, so I'm not sure what your point is there.

dodzy · 03-11-2016 3:07pm

Ginger83 wrote: »

20km/hr below the speed limit is NOT slow

It bloody well is if you're in a '30'.

Ginger83 · 03-11-2016 3:40pm

Decrease them to 110 km/h

dodzy wrote: »

It bloody well is if you're in a '30'.

We are discussing motorway speeds!

dodzy · 03-11-2016 4:05pm

Ginger83 wrote: »

We are discussing motorway speeds!

Relax the pant's man, couldn't resist

Brian Scan · 03-11-2016 4:12pm

Special Circumstances wrote: »

What are you scuttering on about Gaybo?

Special Circumstances wrote: »

One more cowboy episode from Dublin Coach and I'm getting a dash cam. Driving a bus like it's a sports car just skip 10 cars at a roundabout, forcing gullible idiots to jam on the brakes to force themselves back into the correct and obvious lane they should have been in all along.

Special Circumstances wrote: »

Boohoo.
Do you think he should be going faster? Or slower?

:D

Odyssey 2005 · 03-11-2016 4:16pm

Mc Love wrote: »

I had to stop myself from bursting out laughing in the office

You must be one of those overpaid 'entitled' civil servants if your boardsing during work.:p

Special Circumstances · 03-11-2016 4:17pm

Brian Scan wrote: »

:D

You've highlighted random words. And put in an emojii.

Just trying out the new mac book or do you have a point based on a tragic misinterpretation in there?

Brian Scan · 03-11-2016 5:41pm

Special Circumstances wrote: »

You've highlighted random words. And put in an emojii.

Just trying out the new mac book or do you have a point based on a tragic misinterpretation in there?

No.

Commotion Ocean · 03-11-2016 9:01pm

chicorytip wrote: »

120 K.P.H. or 75 M.P.H. is a dangerously high speed limit for roads such as the M7,M9 etc.which are, in effect, dual carriageways not motorways.
55 M.P.H. is a sufficiently progressive rate for all drivers to complete journeys on time and in a relaxed frame of mind.

I didn't know Gay Byrne was on boards

Ginger83 · 03-11-2016 10:07pm

Decrease them to 110 km/h

chicorytip wrote: »

120 K.P.H. or 75 M.P.H. is a dangerously high speed limit for roads such as the M7,M9 etc.which are, in effect, dual carriageways not motorways.
55 M.P.H. is a sufficiently progressive rate for all drivers to complete journeys on time and in a relaxed frame of mind.

I agree, there's little time to be gained doing an extra 20km/hr.
(unless you have the mod's Audi) :rolleyes:

Ginger83 · 03-11-2016 10:09pm

Decrease them to 110 km/h

dfeo wrote: »

I didn't know Gay Byrne was on boards

very constructive

Commotion Ocean · 03-11-2016 10:10pm

Ginger83 wrote: »

very constructive

Thanks ging

dr.fuzzenstein · 04-11-2016 2:23pm

Ginger83 wrote: »

So are you saying a truck doing 90km/hr is a hazard? Whats the right hand lane for?
What about 1L cars? My wife has 1 and i wouldnt do 120km/hr in it, it'd blow up.

Nonsense, driving a 1 liter Chevy Spark and a Renault Twingo, also one milk carton. Both fine at 120 and eben 140. What miserable biscuit tin can't do 120? Unless you drive a 2CV...

Special Circumstances · 04-11-2016 2:36pm

I just noticed in the post that dr.fuzz quoted.... Ginger83 is a MAN???? Not an ould wan?

Mc Love · 04-11-2016 4:32pm

Raise to 140 km/h

Odyssey 2005 wrote: »

You must be one of those overpaid 'entitled' civil servants if your boardsing during work.:p

If only

Ginger83 · 04-11-2016 4:38pm

Decrease them to 110 km/h

dr.fuzzenstein wrote: »

Nonsense, driving a 1 liter Chevy Spark and a Renault Twingo, also one milk carton. Both fine at 120 and eben 140. What miserable biscuit tin can't do 120? Unless you drive a 2CV...

I never said they couldn't do 120km'hr, i just said it wouldn't be good for it.

dr.fuzzenstein · 04-11-2016 4:43pm

Ginger83 wrote: »

I never said they couldn't do 120km'hr, i just said it wouldn't be good for it.

Fair enough.

Ginger83 · 04-11-2016 4:46pm

Decrease them to 110 km/h

Special Circumstances wrote: »

I just noticed in the post that dr.fuzz quoted.... Ginger83 is a MAN???? Not an ould wan?

But sure whats that got to do with anything?? Male/Female/Age...it makes no difference. I drive a 2L car, will be changing to a 3L in the new year. I'll just choose to drive at a safe comfortable speed.

Ginger83 · 04-11-2016 4:46pm

Decrease them to 110 km/h

dr.fuzzenstein wrote: »

Fair enough.

Would you not agree?

Motorway speed limits in Ireland

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