Is it still OK to display an L for Learner on the back of your rental car in Ireland?

I'd put that down as one of the worst bits of advice I've ever heard.

Having an L plate on your car would imply to the Garda that you're driving on a learner permit on your way to passing the test to your full licence. Rules are slightly different to the UK, which I'm more familiar with, but you can read about the restrictions on Irish learner drivers here -

https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/travel-and-recreation/motoring/driver-licensing/learner-driving-permits-for-cars-and-work-vehicles/

If the Guards pull you over they're going to want to know why you're doing it. "Rick Steves told me" probably won't cut it. I'm not sure it's strictly illegal, but the cops are probably going to ask you to take it off once they discover you're driving on a full licence from the US, assuming you're from the US of course. It's not going to make any discernible difference in terms of how other road users will treat you if you're driving badly.

Thanks for your reply! For everyone's info, page 446 of the 2010 RS guide said this: "If you want to get a little slack on the roads, drop by a gas station or auto shop and buy a red L (new driver with license) to put on your back window. Wait to use it until you get away from Dublin, as Irish "Learners" are not allowed to drive on the motorways which cluster around the city." It even had a picture of the L in a back window!

Ah ok. I don't think Rick fully understood the rules. That's probably why it's been cut from later editions. It seems he's confusing an "L" plate with an "N" plate. Here's another link explaining the novice driver plates

https://www.rsa.ie/services/licensed-drivers/driving-licence/novice-drivers

An N plate for drivers new to a full licence has some restrictions too. Don't put either on your car if you have a full licence issued from your home state would by my advice.

Although still rather stretching a definition, the sort of equivalent to this advice (which had, it seems, been out of date since 2007) now is to display an 'N' plate- N for Novice.

This is a legal requirement for two years after passing the Irish driving test, so does not actually apply to you- but it matches with your intentions.

Whether using an N plate outside it's legal intent is an offence is not clear. The near equivalent in the UK is a P plate (P for Probationary, although it is voluntary here).

Thanks everyone! I got some great answers, and we will NOT be tacking this up in our back window this September. I'll keep it as a souvenir of our fantastic honeymoon!

How about a T for tourist?

How about a T for tourist?

That will be interpreted as standing for something else starting with “T”.

Posted by Camborne2018

How about a T for tourist?

That will be interpreted as standing for something else starting with
“T”.

How about something like signs you see in the US, "Baby on board", but change it to "Sorry. Tourist driving" or "Tourist. Don't know where I'm going."

Still might single you out to an over-zealous traffic cop.

I always try to drive extra-friendly in unfamiliar places. Make sure to use your signals. If you make a boo-boo, wave, mouth "I'm sorry". If someone extends a kindness towards you in traffic, wave, smile, mouth "Thank you".

Rental cars are risky enough regarding being targeted for theft belongings while parked. Why would you want to mark it as a Tourist's car and amp up the risk?

Is “overzealous traffic cop” even a thing in Ireland?