The 50 Most Common Irish Road Signs and Their Meanings
Master Irish road signs and traffic signals to boost your confidence for the driving test. Understanding these signs is crucial for safe driving and test success.
Essential Irish Road Signs Guide
Interactive slideshow featuring all major Irish road signs with detailed explanations
Regulatory Signs
These circular signs tell you what you must or must not do
Common Examples:
Watch our comprehensive animated guide to Irish road signs and traffic signals. Learn about regulatory signs, warning signs, information signs, and road markings that you'll encounter during your driving test. This visual guide will help you recognize and understand the meaning of each sign, boosting your confidence for the practical test.
Regulatory Irish Road Signs
Road signs in Ireland that drivers must legally obey. These circular signs tell you what you must or must not do. They are legally binding and failure to comply can result in penalties.
Stop Sign
Come to a complete stop and proceed only when safe.
Yield Sign
Give way to traffic on the main road before merging.
No Entry
Vehicles are prohibited from entering.
Speed Limit Signs
Indicate the maximum speed allowed (e.g., 30km/h, 50km/h, 80km/h).
No Overtaking
Overtaking is prohibited in the marked area.
Pedestrian Crossing
Marks a designated crossing for pedestrians.
One-Way Traffic
Traffic flows only in one direction.
No Left Turn
Left turns are prohibited.
No Right Turn
Right turns are prohibited.
No U-Turn
U-turns are prohibited.
Parking Permitted
Indicates areas where parking is allowed.
Taxi Rank
Reserved parking for taxis.
Clearway
No stopping or parking during specified times.
Bus Lane
Reserved for buses (sometimes taxis and cyclists).
Cycle Lane
A designated lane for cyclists.
Warning Irish Road Signs
Road signs in Ireland that warn drivers of potential hazards ahead. These diamond-shaped signs with yellow background and black symbols warn you of potential hazards ahead. Slow down and be prepared for the conditions.
Sharp Bend Left
Sharp left bend ahead, reduce speed.
Sharp Bend Right
Sharp right bend ahead, reduce speed.
School Zone
Children crossing area, extra caution required.
Road Works
Road works ahead, expect delays.
Slippery Road
Road surface may be slippery, reduce speed.
Pedestrian Crossing
Pedestrian crossing ahead, be prepared to stop.
Level Crossing
Railway crossing ahead, check for trains.
Road Narrows
Road becomes narrower ahead.
Information Irish Road Signs
Road signs in Ireland that provide helpful information about facilities, directions, and services. These rectangular blue signs provide helpful information about facilities, directions, and services.
Hospital
Hospital facilities ahead.
Fuel Station
Petrol station available.
Parking
Parking facilities available.
Restaurant
Food and refreshments available.
Tourist Information
Tourist information center ahead.
Airport
Airport facilities ahead.
Ferry Port
Ferry terminal ahead.
Bus Stop
Public bus stop ahead.
Motorway Irish Road Signs
Road signs in Ireland that indicate motorway information including entry, exit, and end of motorway. Green rectangular signs indicate motorway information including entry, exit, and end of motorway.
Motorway Entry
Entry to motorway system.
Motorway Exit
Exit from motorway ahead.
End of Motorway
Motorway ends ahead.
Services
Motorway services ahead.
Road Markings Irish Road Signs
Road signs in Ireland that include white lines and markings on the road provide important guidance for drivers. These markings help control traffic flow and indicate where drivers can and cannot go.
Solid White Line
Do not cross this line except in an emergency.
Broken White Line
You may cross this line if it is safe to do so.
Double White Lines
Do not cross these lines under any circumstances.
Single Yellow Line
No parking at certain times.
Double Yellow Lines
No parking at any time.
Zebra Crossing
Pedestrian crossing with alternating black and white stripes.
Stop Line
Thick white line at intersections - stop before this line.
Give Way Line
Broken white line at give way junctions.
Hatched Markings
Diagonal white lines - do not enter this area.
Hand Signals Irish Road Signs
Road signs in Ireland that include essential hand signals used by drivers to communicate with other road users when indicators are not working or for additional clarity. These signals are crucial for safe driving and test success.
Left Turn Signal
Extend your left arm straight out to the side.
Right Turn Signal
Extend your left arm out and bend it upward at the elbow.
Stopping Signal
Extend your left arm out and bend it downward at the elbow.
Slowing Down Signal
Extend your left arm out and move it up and down.
Overtaking Signal
Extend your left arm out and wave it forward.
Thank You Signal
Raise your hand briefly to thank other drivers.
Vehicle Indicators Irish Road Signs
Road signs in Ireland that include understanding vehicle indicators and when to use them is crucial for safe driving and passing your test. Proper use of indicators is essential for communicating your intentions to other road users.
Left Indicator
Use when turning left, changing lanes to the left, or pulling over to the left side.
Right Indicator
Use when turning right, changing lanes to the right, or pulling over to the right side.
Hazard Lights
Use when your vehicle is stationary and causing an obstruction or in emergency situations.
Timing
Always signal in good time - at least 3 seconds before making your maneuver.
Cancelling
Ensure your indicator cancels after completing the maneuver to avoid confusing other drivers.
Roundabouts
Signal left when taking the first exit, no signal when going straight, right signal when taking later exits.
Ready to Practice with Real Test Routes?
Now that you know the road signs, practice on actual driving test routes used by RSA examiners. Our detailed route packs will help you pass your test with confidence.