The Rules of the Road are serious and essential guidelines to keep road users and pedestrians safe as we travel. The key message of this piece is to make sure you are up to date with the latest Rules of the Road. As we researched updates, we came across some lesser known, and rather unusual rules you may not be familiar with.
It’s logical to start with passing your test, coincidentally, the point in your life when you’ve probably spent the most time studying the Rules of the Road! Did you know that you can contest your driving test result? This isn’t worth doing just because you fail! However, according to the Rules of the Road, if you genuinely think your driving test was not conducted properly or fairly, you can appeal the tester’s decision to the District Court.
For newly qualified drivers… Did you know that if you are a first time holder of a full driving license you have to display N (novice) plates for two whole years?!
This one is something we think most sensible drivers would do instinctively, but did you know that when driving at night you must drive at a speed that allows you to stop within the distance covered by your headlights? To put that in perspective, dipped lights will give you visibility for about 30 metre’s and a car traveling at 100km/h will reach that distance in just one second! One to think about next time you’re driving when it’s dark.
We’d hope most of you would be courteous enough to stick to this one, but it’s actually against the Rules of the Road to use your horn overnight, specifically, in a built-up area between 11.30 at night and 7 in the morning – the only exception to this is if there is a traffic emergency.
One major Rule of the Road many drivers may not fully understand covers one of the most frequently encountered signals – traffic lights. A green light is not a right of way, it is only an indication that you may proceed with caution, but only if the way is clear! Neither is a green arrow, which means that you may move on in the direction of the arrow, only if it is safe and the way is clear.
In all good road conditions you should always follow the two second rule – allowing two seconds between you and the vehicle in front of you – a gap called a ‘safe headway’. To make sure you are sticking to this Rule of the Road there is a test you are advised to follow – choose a point ahead such as a lamp post, when the car in front of you passes it, say out loud “Only a fool breaks the two second rule” – if you’ve already passed the point you chose as a reference, you are too close and need to pull back. In wet weather you need to be able to repeat that saying twice, and in fog or ice you should be able to say it four, or even five times through!
We might all think we know how and where we are allowed to park, particularly when to comes to obvious restrictions such as blocking entrances or double yellow lines. However, did you know that there are very specific distances you can park from pedestrian crossings and traffic lights? You must not park within 15 metres before, or 5 metres after these road features. We fear this is one Road Rule we may have broken, but never again!
You must not use the outside lane of a motorway if you are towing a trailer and if found doing so you will receive a fixed-charge offense of up to €120 and 3 penalty points.
Alongside alcohol, drugs and tiredness, under ‘Factors that affect safe driving’, there is also a section dedicated to road rage! The Rules of the Road state that aggressive driving is likely to lead to speeding, tailgating and distracting behaviour that could cause an accident. Drivers are encouraged to report all incidents of road rage to a local Garda station or contact Traffic Watch on: Lo-Call 1890 205 805.
While drivers are told they should carry a reflective warning triangle and are encouraged to use it sensibly at the scene of an accident, they are also warned not to use it on the motorway. Hopefully you’ll never be in that situation, but it’s one to remember if you are.
This rule applies to pedestrians and cyclists, and it seems so obvious it’s one we were pretty amused to see written out… “Don’t ever hold on to a moving vehicle.” We’re immediately imagining the Back to the Future scene with Marty ‘surfing’ off the back of a moving car. Hoverboards aren’t yet featured specifically in the Rules of the Road, but it’s safe to say we think they’d be an assumed inclusion. No movie re-enactments allowed!
There are Rules of the Road dedicated purely to animals. We’re sure you are well aware and would instinctively slow down when approaching or overtaking animals and know not to use your horn. What you might not know, is that if a person in charge of animals gives a signal to slow down further or stop, you must obey it.
If you are in charge of animals on a roadway, you are required to take reasonable steps to make sure the animals do not block other traffic or pedestrians. While we weren’t surprised to read that if you are in charge of animals on the road at night, you are meant to carry a lamp, what we didn’t know was that you specifically have to show a white light to the front and a red light to the back… It does make sense, but it did lead to an amusing conversation in the office about pigs with full beam and cows with indicators!
Of course it’s essential to react and follow all signs as part of the Rules of the Road, but we couldn’t help but be amused by some of the wording and images used when information has to be succinct…
No doubt this one is funnier if you are a parent, CAUTION CHILDREN or Aire Leanaí, makes us envisage unruly tots running amuck!
Another funny, less common road sign we came across, was in the section covering warning signs for roadworks – the Flagman Ahead sign looks more like a person vogue-ing!
It’s important we all refresh our knowledge of the Rules of the Road and keep up-to-date with changes. We all want to be safe on the road and we don’t want to earn penalty points on our license purely from being unaware!
All drivers can face a six month driving ban from receiving a high number of points. First-time learners and novice drivers will be banned from driving for 6 months if they receive 7 points in a 36-month period. And a fully licensed driver will face the same ban if they receive 12 points in a 36-month period.
You can refresh your general knowledge of the Rules of the Road and check for updates on the Road Safety Authority website.
