In Reply to: Re: Penalty points or not posted by Hard Shoulder Pedestrian on April 14, 2006 at 09:18:29:

Yes but use of the hard shoulder is subject to one having a clear view ahead and there being either being nobody/nothing on the shoulder and/or one being going slow enough to stop for them. There is a lot of confusion over the legality of using the hard shoulder because
1) It differes between the Republic of Ireland and the UK
2) In Ireland it differs for motorways and other roads

There is an appalingly poor knowledge of the rules of the road/highway code amongst Irish motorists. Especially those who have been licenced for a long time. Surely it wouldnt cost too much to send out a copy of the latest edition to everyone at the time they renew their driving licence and anytime there is a change to post out information leaflets so that people cannot say they were not told ?

Actually does the current edition of the Rules even properly explain the legalities of using the hard shoulder ? I know my (early 1990's) copy certainly doesnt.