100+ 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.
Road sign icons/symbols are included in the Test Survival Kit when you purchase a route pack.
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
Come to a complete stop at the stop line. Give way to traffic on the major road.
Give Way
Give way to traffic on the major road. Slow down and be prepared to stop.
No Entry
Do not enter this road. One-way or restricted access.
Speed Limit 30 km/h
Maximum speed 30 km/h (often in built-up areas).
Speed Limit 50 km/h
Maximum speed 50 km/h (default in built-up areas in Ireland).
National Speed Limit
Apply the national speed limit for the type of road you are on.
No Overtaking
Overtaking prohibited. Do not pass other vehicles.
End of No Overtaking
Overtaking is allowed again from this point.
No Left Turn
Turning left is prohibited.
No Right Turn
Turning right is prohibited.
No U-Turn
U-turns are prohibited.
One-Way Traffic
Traffic may only proceed in the direction of the arrow.
No Parking
Parking is not allowed at any time.
No Stopping
Stopping is not allowed (even briefly).
Parking Permitted
Parking is allowed as indicated (check times/conditions on the sign).
Clearway
No stopping or parking during the times shown.
Bus Lane
Reserved for buses; may also allow taxis and cyclists as indicated.
Cycle Lane
Reserved for cyclists. Do not drive or park in it.
Taxi Rank
Reserved for taxis only.
Pedestrian Zone
Only pedestrians allowed; no vehicles (except as permitted).
Minimum Speed
You must not drive below the speed shown (e.g. on motorways).
Weight Limit
Vehicles over the weight shown may not use this road.
Width Limit
Vehicles wider than the width shown may not proceed.
Height Limit
Vehicles higher than the height shown may not proceed.
No Vehicles
No motor vehicles allowed (pedestrian/cycle zone).
No Goods Vehicles
Goods vehicles above the weight shown are prohibited.
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.
Double Bend First Left
Two bends ahead; the first is to the left.
Double Bend First Right
Two bends ahead; the first is to the right.
Roundabout
Roundabout ahead. Give way to traffic from the right.
Traffic Lights
Traffic lights ahead. Be prepared to stop.
Pedestrian Crossing
Pedestrian crossing (e.g. zebra) ahead. Be prepared to stop.
School Zone
School or children crossing. Extra care; reduce speed.
Cyclists
Cyclists may be on or crossing the road.
Road Works
Road works ahead. Follow signs and reduce speed.
Slippery Road
Road surface may be slippery (e.g. ice, oil, wet). Reduce speed.
Level Crossing
Railway level crossing ahead. Check for trains.
Level Crossing (No Barrier)
Unprotected or open level crossing. Stop, look, listen.
Road Narrows
Road narrows ahead (one or both sides).
Road Narrows Left
Road narrows on the left.
Road Narrows Right
Road narrows on the right.
Two-Way Traffic
Two-way traffic ahead (e.g. after one-way section).
Steep Hill Down
Steep descent ahead. Use a low gear; check brakes.
Steep Hill Up
Steep ascent ahead.
Quayside or River Bank
Road runs alongside water. No barrier; take care.
Falling Rocks
Risk of falling rocks from the side. Pass with care.
Low Flying Aircraft
Low-flying aircraft (e.g. near airport).
Wild Animals
Wild animals may cross the road.
Farm Animals
Farm animals may cross or be on the road.
Tunnel
Tunnel ahead. Switch on dipped headlights.
Low Bridge
Low bridge ahead. Check height limit.
Hump Bridge
Hump bridge (e.g. narrow) ahead. Reduce speed.
Crosswinds
Strong crosswinds possible. Hold the steering firmly.
Side Roads
Junction with side road(s) ahead.
T-Junction
T-junction ahead. Be prepared to give way or stop.
Staggered Junction
Staggered junction ahead.
Dangerous Dip
Sharp dip in the road. Reduce speed.
Uneven Road
Uneven road surface ahead.
Soft Verges
Road verges are soft; do not drive on them.
Opening Bridge
Bridge may open for water traffic.
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 or accident and emergency ahead.
First Aid
First aid post or facility ahead.
Fuel Station
Petrol station ahead.
Parking
Parking facility ahead.
Restaurant
Restaurant or eating place ahead.
Hotel
Hotel or accommodation ahead.
Camping
Camping site ahead.
Tourist Information
Tourist information office ahead.
Airport
Airport ahead.
Ferry Port
Ferry terminal or port ahead.
Bus Stop
Public bus stop ahead.
Railway Station
Railway station ahead.
Telephone
Public telephone ahead.
Toilets
Public toilet facility ahead.
Picnic Site
Picnic area ahead.
Scenic Route
Route of scenic interest.
Recommended Route for Lorries
Recommended route for heavy goods vehicles.
Diversion
Temporary diversion route.
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 Start
Start of motorway. Motorway rules apply (e.g. 120 km/h limit where signed).
Motorway End
End of motorway. Normal road rules and speed limits apply.
Motorway Junction
Motorway junction ahead; route and number as shown.
Motorway Services
Motorway service area ahead (fuel, rest, food).
Motorway Countdown Markers
Countdown to exit (300 m, 200 m, 100 m).
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 except in an emergency or when safe and necessary.
Broken White Line
You may cross if it is safe to do so (e.g. to overtake).
Double White Lines (solid)
Do not cross these lines.
Double White Lines (one broken)
You may cross only from the side with the broken line when safe.
Single Yellow Line
No parking during times shown on nearby signs.
Double Yellow Lines
No parking at any time.
Zebra Crossing
Give way to pedestrians on the crossing.
Stop Line
Stop at the line when required (e.g. at traffic lights or stop sign).
Give Way Line
Give way to traffic on the major road.
Hatched Markings
Do not enter the hatched area (diagonal lines).
Edge Line
Marks the edge of the carriageway.
Lane Division
Broken line dividing lanes; stay in your lane.
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
Left arm extended straight out to the side.
Right Turn Signal
Left arm out and bent upward at the elbow (or right arm out).
Stopping Signal
Left arm out and bent downward at the elbow.
Slowing Down Signal
Left arm out and moved slowly up and down.
Thank You Signal
Brief raise of the hand to thank other road users.
Overtaking Signal
Left arm extended and waved forward to invite following vehicle to pass.
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, moving left, or leaving a roundabout (left exit).
Right Indicator
Use when turning right, moving right, or taking a right exit at a roundabout.
Hazard Lights
Use when temporarily obstructing the road or in an emergency. Do not use when moving.
Indicator Timing
Signal in good time (e.g. at least 3 seconds before the manoeuvre).
Roundabout Exits
Left for first exit; right for later exits; cancel after exiting.
Cancelling Indicators
Ensure the indicator stops after the manoeuvre to avoid misleading others.
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.