Irish Driving Law
What to Do After a Road Traffic Collision in Ireland
A collision is stressful and disorienting. Knowing exactly what you must do legally — and what you should do practically — means you protect yourself, help others, and preserve your position.
Immediate Actions at the Scene
The first 60 seconds — in order.
1
Stop immediately — do not drive away
Leaving the scene of a road traffic collision without stopping is a criminal offence in Ireland under the Road Traffic Act. Stop as soon as it is safe to do so. Switch on hazard lights.
2
Check for injuries
Check yourself, your passengers, and the other party for injuries. Call 999 or 112 immediately if anyone is injured, unconscious, or you are unsure. Do not move an injured person unless they are in immediate danger (fire, flood, traffic).
3
Make the scene safe if possible
Switch on hazard lights. If it is safe, place a warning triangle behind the vehicles. If on a motorway or high-speed road, do not stand in or near the live carriageway — move to the hard shoulder or behind barriers.
4
Exchange information
You are legally required to provide: your name, address, and vehicle registration number to anyone who has reasonable grounds to require it — including the other driver, any injured party, or a Garda. You must also produce your insurance certificate if required.
Legal Obligations After a Collision
What the Road Traffic Act requires of you.
Under the Road Traffic Act 1961 (as amended), you must stop after a collision where damage or injury has occurred. You must provide your name, address and vehicle registration. If you cannot exchange details at the scene — for example if the other driver is not present (parked car) — you must report the collision to the Garda within 24 hours.
You Must Provide
- Your name and address
- Your vehicle registration number
- Your insurance certificate (or certificate details) if requested
- If you are not the vehicle owner: the owner's name and address
Failure to Stop or Report
- Failing to stop after a collision where injury occurred is a serious criminal offence
- Failing to report a collision to the Gardaí as soon as possible (where required) is also an offence
- Penalty: significant fine and possible imprisonment for the most serious cases
- Penalty points also apply in some circumstances
Garda Reporting
When you must report and when Garda attend the scene.
When Garda Must Be Called
- Any collision where someone is injured
- Any collision where the other driver does not stop or is not present
- Any collision involving a hit and run
- Any collision where drink or drugs are suspected
- Any collision that blocks the road or creates significant traffic disruption
Reporting to a Garda Station
- If you hit a parked vehicle and cannot find the owner, leave a note with your details and report to the nearest Garda station within 24 hours
- Bring your driving licence, insurance certificate and vehicle registration when reporting
- A PULSE incident number (the Garda collision reference) will be given to you — keep this for insurance purposes
- Your insurer will likely need this number to process a claim
Notifying Your Insurer
Even if you're not making a claim — notify them.
Most insurance policies require you to notify your insurer of any collision, regardless of fault or whether you intend to claim. Failing to notify — even of a minor collision — can give your insurer grounds to refuse a related claim later. Check your policy documents for the notification requirement.
Information Your Insurer Will Need
- Date, time and location of the collision
- Other driver's name, address, vehicle registration and insurance details
- Names and contact details of any witnesses
- Garda PULSE incident number (if one was issued)
- Photographs of the scene, vehicle damage and road conditions if taken
- Your account of what happened — keep this factual and accurate
What to Collect at the Scene
- Photos of: both vehicles, damage, road position, road markings, traffic signs, weather conditions
- Other driver's insurance details (not just their name)
- Names and phone numbers of any witnesses who stop
- Take note of the time and conditions — this is harder to recall accurately later
- Note any CCTV cameras nearby — your insurer can advise on requesting footage
Dashcam Footage After a Collision
What you must do if you have dashcam footage.
If you have a dashcam, save the relevant footage immediately — dashcams typically overwrite old footage. Most cameras have a manual save function (often a button marked with a lock icon). Save footage covering at least 5 minutes before and after the incident.
Your Obligations Regarding Footage
- Under GDPR and DPC guidance, you should inform the other driver that you have dashcam footage if it is relevant
- The other driver has the right to make a Subject Access Request (SAR) under GDPR — you must respond within one month
- You may share footage with Gardaí on request (Section 41, Data Protection Act 2018)
- You may provide footage to your insurer for your own claim
Posting Footage Online
- Do not post dashcam footage of a collision publicly on social media immediately after an incident — GDPR obligations apply, and it can complicate any legal proceedings
- Footage shared in the heat of the moment can be used against you as well as supporting you
- Consult your insurer and potentially a solicitor before publishing footage that is subject to a claim
Your Rights at the Scene
What you are — and are not — required to say.
You are required to provide your name, address and registration. You are not required to admit fault or make any statement about how the collision occurred. Be factual and calm at the scene — do not speculate, apologise (which can be taken as an admission), or make detailed statements to the other driver about what happened.
With Gardaí: You are required to stop and identify yourself. You are not required to make a statement at the scene. If interviewed under caution, you have the right to legal advice first. For a straightforward collision without injury, a brief factual account is usually all that is required.
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Official Sources & References
- 📘 Road Traffic Act 1961 (as amended) — Duties After a Collision
- 📋 An Garda Síochána — Roads Policing
- 📋 DPC — Dashcam Guidance
- 📋 CCPC — Motor Insurance Guide