Parking in Ireland – where (not) to park

Safe parking is a key part of safe driving – where you leave your car on arrival is as important as how you drive it there. Bad parking can endanger or obstruct others on the road, especially pedestrians or cyclists, if they have to go onto the road to get by. Badly parked vehicles can pose a particular issue for wheelchair users, those who are visually impaired, and parents with prams. They can also add to traffic congestion and lead to fines, clamping or penalty points for the driver. Your vehicle could even be towed away. There are many places and situations where parking is prohibited by law, and it helps to know where you should be more aware.

What does the law say?

The rules around parking in Ireland are mainly governed by the Road Traffic Acts (1961-2019), as well as bye-laws issued by local authorities. The key rule is that you cannot park a vehicle anywhere that interferes with the normal flow of traffic, or that obstructs or endangers others.
More specifically, the acts make it illegal to park a private car in the following circumstances:

• On double yellow lines at any time
• On a single yellow line, during the times shown on an accompanying sign
• At the side of a road that has a single white lane down the middle and/or a “No Overtaking” sign (unless there are 3 or more lanes each way)
• On zig-zag road markings (usually yellow outside a school, or white at a pedestrian crossing)
• Where there is a “No Parking” sign, during the times shown
• Where there is a restricted “Parking” sign, outside of the times shown
• On a Clearway, indicated by a circle with an X through it, during the times shown
• In a cycle lane during the hours it is operational
• In a contra-flow bus lane at any time, or in a with-flow bus lane, during the hours it is operational
• In a bus-stop, taxi rank or loading bay*
• In a tram lane or on tram tracks
• On a pedestrian-only street
• At a pedestrian crossing
• On a footpath, grass verge or median (the space between two carriageways), even if this is right outside your house/business
• In a designated disabled parking spot without a permit
• Anywhere on a motorway, including the hard shoulder
• 15 metres before or 5 metres after a pedestrian crossing or traffic lights
• 5 metres before or after any junction
• Anywhere that affects the entrance to or exit from a fire station, ambulance station or Garda station
• Across an entrance to a premises/driveway, unless the owner has consented

*Loading bays may only be used by goods vehicles actively (un)loading for up to 30min.

Most towns and cities have parking bye-laws, so watch out for signage indicating that a pay-and-display or disk parking system is operating. If parking bays are marked, you must park within the lines of one space. In some pay-and-display areas, including in Galway, Cork and Dublin Cities, you must move after a specified length of time and can’t park again in the same street for at least an hour afterwards. (Time limits may not apply to vehicles with valid disabled parking permits or Car Club permits.)  If you’re parked in a bus lane or clearway at a time outside its signposted operating hours, you must move before the operating hours begin.

In most areas, parking is not permitted in an Electric Vehicle Recharging Bay except for vehicles being charged. If there is no signage displayed, you may park at the side of the road, as long as it doesn’t contravene any of the other regulations listed above – but be considerate to others on the roads. The RSA advises parking in the same direction as traffic flow, as close to the kerb as possible, with the handbrake on and the vehicle in first gear or reverse. Don’t leave your headlights on. Passengers should get out on the kerbside where possible. Watch out for passing cyclists and pedestrians as you open the door – consider using the “Dutch Reach” described in our bloghere.

What if I’m in a residential area?

If you’re a resident in an area with paid street parking, you may need to apply for a resident’s permit from your local council to park on your street. In most cases, the permit allows you to park on a specific street but not necessarily a specific spot. It is a common question for residents who wish to park outside their house. Keep in mind that even with a resident’s permit, the above laws still apply regarding double yellow lines, footpaths, clearways, cycle and bus lanes, etc. Most councils also issue visitor permits for guests visiting your home – check with your local authority to avoid any nasty surprises when your guests are ready to leave.

Watch out for the emergency services