Motorcycling Law In Ireland

This article has been contributed by Goldwing owner, Mick Fenlon.

First of all, one of the most confusing points of law, and one which most people get wrong, is the definition of a Public Place under the Road Traffic Acts. A public place is a place to which the public have access with motor propelled vehicles, whether as of right or by permission, and whether subject to or free of charge. This pretty much covers anywhere you can get to on a motorcycle that isn’t off-road, including garage forecourts, etc. All of the following relate to motorcycles in public places.

Both rider and pillion must wear helmets at all times while in a public place. (This does not apply to trikes).

A provisional license holder may not carry pillion passengers. This is a point which most people don’t know (or choose to ignore).

A pillion passenger may only be carried on a motorcycle or moped with a correctly fitted or adapted pillion seat.

The current limit for drink driving is 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood, or 107mg of alcohol per 100ml of urine. There is also a limit of 35mg of alcohol per 100ml of breath, but breath testing has not been widely introduced here yet. Penalties include a maximum £1,000 fine, up to six months imprisonment, and a mandatory disqualification, which varies according to the level of alcohol.

Speed limits vary depending on the type of road, but the general rules are as follows:

Designated motorways ( which are marked by clearly visible informative blue signs ) 70mph. Contrary to popular belief, this does not apply to dual carriageways, the general speed limit does.

Built up Areas 30mph

Special speed limit 40mph (This is generally used on approaches to 30mph zones).

General Speed limit 60mph (This limit is in effect when no other limit applies).

Bike trailers are currently not covered by legislation in Ireland. This means in effect that a motorcycle may not tow a trailer. However, the DOELG appear to have accepted lobbying from MAG Ireland and other groups to introduce legislation to cover bike trailers.

Sidecars must be properly constructed & fitted. They must also carry correct lighting and should be fitted to the left side of the motorcycle.

New legislation has been introduced covering motorcycle licences. This has left many people confused as to the current status of the law. The following covers new applications for licenses:

Licence Min. Age CC Limit Power Limit

A1 16yrs 50 – 100 11kw / 14.5bhp

A 18yrs 25kw / 34bhp

M 16yrs 49< (With a top speed of less than 45Km/28m per hour)

The restriction on the category A licence applies before, and for two years after, the driving test, regardless of age, bearing in mind that the minimum age for a category A licence is 18. The new category M has been introduced to cover mopeds.

Insurance is mandatory when riding a motorcycle in a public place. There are no exceptions to this rule.