Ireland's motorway lane rules as some vehicles not allowed in fast lanes - and what gardai can fine you for

Many people take to the motorways of Ireland every day as they commute to work. So, it is essential to know the rules you must obey when travelling.

The maximum speed on a motorway is 120kmph. However, in some areas, such as the M50, this will decrease to 100kmph.

Vehicles towing a trailer are permitted to travel at a maximum of 80kmph, HGVs at 90kmph and buses at 100kmph.

All drivers are advised to always drive in the left lane unless they need to overtake a slower vehicle or the lane is blocked.

As soon as you have overtaken a vehicle, you should move back into the left lane.

Traffic on the M50 Motorway at Finglas, Dublin this morning on on first day of the second pahse of COVID Lockdown restrictions easing. (Collins Agency, Dublin)

On a three-lane motorway, you should still keep left as much as possible. Don't drive in the right lane if the middle lane is empty or in the middle lane if the left lane is empty.

You may also need to move out of the left lane at a junction to make room for vehicles merging from the on-ramp. Again, move back into the left lane as soon as it is available.

Vehicles not permitted to enter the right lane at all are listed below:

• HGVs
• Any vehicle towing a trailer
• Horsebox
• Caravan

An exception is made where there is no other lane available due to an obstruction.

Drivers must remember, before overtaking or changing lanes, to look in their 'mirror, signal, mirror, manoeuvre'.

Check your mirrors and your blind spot, then put on your indicator to let drivers behind you know that you wish to move.

Move smoothly into the new lane, making sure to leave enough distance from the vehicles in front of and behind you.

Drivers should never enter other drivers' blind spots, especially large vehicles like trucks.

You should only pass a slower vehicle on its right unless traffic is moving in slow queues and the traffic queue on your right is travelling more slowly than you are.

Driving on motorways allows drivers to travel at speeds they are not used to, so there are rules to ensure that the vehicle you are driving is safe for the motorway.

You may not enter the motorway if the following applies to you:

• you are a learner driver or do not hold a full licence for the category of vehicle you are driving
• your vehicle cannot travel or maintain a speed of at least 50km per hour
• your vehicle has an engine capacity of 50cc or less if using a combustion engine
• you drive a tractor that cannot travel at or maintain a speed of at least 50km per hour
• your vehicle does not use inflated tyres
• you are walking, cycling or moving animals
• you drive a motorised wheelchair