Recently, the Irish Government introduced a new barrier free tolling system on the M50 motorway which circles Dublin. The new system relies on camera recognition to identify drivers who should be charged. It’s very easy not to be aware of this charge so if you’re taking an Avis car to the Republic of Ireland from the North or the UK, remember to pay.
As a frequent traveller and someone who drives a fair bit in foreign countries, I always check local traffic laws before I travel. Some other notable differences I’ve experienced are:
French Toll Roads
All autoroutes in France are privately owned and most charge you for the priviledge of travelling on them. Costs vary by distance and location so make sure you check before you travel. Luckily, you can pay by cash or credit card. There are several sites, including autoroutes.fr which give you a travel planner that not only provides directions, but also gives toll costs for your journey.
London Congestion Charge
I live in London so am well aware of the boundaries and costs for this charge. However, many visitors do not know about or understand the Congestion Charge and end up getting penalised. If you are renting a car from an Avis location in the zone, the first day’s charge is automatically added onto the rental, so you don’t have to worry about it. However, all other day’s charges are the responsibility of the renter.
To help you further, Avis also have information at all London locations, the major airports around London and on our website. But, if you are visiting London and aim to drive, please check out the information on the Congestion Charge website before you travel.
German Autobahns
We’ve all heard of the mythical roads where speed limits don’t exist and where drivers can test their cars to the limit. However, only two-thirds of the Autobahn network has no speed permanent limit, although there is always an advisory limit of 130 km/h (81 mph). Many sections do have permanent or dynamic speed limits ranging from 80 to 130 km/h (50-80 mph), some sections feature night time and wet-weather speed restrictions and trucks are always regulated.
Which unusual traffic laws have you experienced while driving in another country? Why leave a comment and let us and other readers know?
May 27th, 2010 at 8:27 am
What is the age limit on Southern Ireland and elsewhere? The last time I booked the car but when I got there I was told I was too old and my poor wife had to drive instead. It would be helpful if this sort of thing were made clear before we booked our flight and hotel etc. Our holiday was spoilt as my wife hates driving in the dark and we arrived after dark in the pouring rain.
Sadly
Derrick Creigh
May 27th, 2010 at 8:27 am
What is the age limit on Southern Ireland and elsewhere? The last time I booked the car but when I got there I was told I was too old and my poor wife had to drive instead. It would be helpful if this sort of thing were made clear before we booked our flight and hotel etc. Our holiday was spoilt as my wife hates driving in the dark and we arrived after dark in the pouring rain.
Sadly
Derrick Creigh
May 28th, 2010 at 2:44 pm
Hello Derrick,
Sorry to hear of your experience. The upper-age limit has been removed now in southern Ireland and there is no restriction as long as you have a full, clean drivers licence held for at least one year,
Regards,
Michael