DTT Rules of Road — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the default speed limit in built-up areas in Ireland?
- 50 km/h (Correct answer)
- 60 km/h
- 30 km/h
- 80 km/h
Correct answer: 50 km/h
Under the Road Traffic Act, the default speed limit in built-up areas (towns and cities) in Ireland is 50 km/h unless otherwise indicated by signage. Special speed limits of 30 km/h may apply near schools.
Question 2: When approaching a roundabout in Ireland, which direction should you travel?
- Clockwise (keeping the centre island to your right) (Correct answer)
- Anti-clockwise
- In either direction depending on your exit
- Straight through the centre
Correct answer: Clockwise (keeping the centre island to your right)
In Ireland, traffic moves clockwise around roundabouts, keeping the central island to your right. You must yield to traffic already on the roundabout, approaching from your right.
Question 3: What is the legal requirement regarding seatbelts in Ireland?
- All occupants must wear seatbelts where fitted, and the driver is responsible for passengers under 17 (Correct answer)
- Only front-seat passengers must wear seatbelts
- Seatbelts are optional for rear-seat passengers
- Only the driver must wear a seatbelt
Correct answer: All occupants must wear seatbelts where fitted, and the driver is responsible for passengers under 17
Under Irish law, all occupants of a vehicle must wear seatbelts where they are fitted. The driver is legally responsible for ensuring passengers under 17 are appropriately restrained. Failure to wear a seatbelt carries penalty points and a fine.
Question 4: When can you legally use a mobile phone while driving in Ireland?
- Only when using a hands-free device that does not require holding the phone (Correct answer)
- At traffic lights when the car is stopped
- In slow-moving traffic below 20 km/h
- You cannot use a mobile phone at all while driving
Correct answer: Only when using a hands-free device that does not require holding the phone
Under Irish law, it is an offence to hold a mobile phone while driving. Hands-free devices are permitted, though drivers should still exercise caution. The law applies whenever the vehicle is in traffic, including while stopped at lights.
Question 5: What are the rules regarding overtaking on the left in Ireland?
- It is generally prohibited except in specific circumstances such as when the vehicle ahead is turning right or in slow-moving lanes of traffic (Correct answer)
- It is always permitted
- It is permitted only on motorways
- It is never permitted under any circumstances
Correct answer: It is generally prohibited except in specific circumstances such as when the vehicle ahead is turning right or in slow-moving lanes of traffic
Overtaking on the left (undertaking) is generally prohibited in Ireland. Exceptions include when the vehicle ahead is turning right, in slow-moving queues where the left lane is moving faster, and when directed by a Garda.
Question 6: What is the minimum legal tread depth for car tyres in Ireland?
- 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread width (Correct answer)
- 1.0 mm
- 2.0 mm
- 3.0 mm
Correct answer: 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread width
The minimum legal tread depth for car tyres in Ireland is 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire circumference. Driving with tyres below this limit is an offence.
DTT Rules of Road
What is the default speed limit in built-up areas in Ireland?