Road signs in Ireland

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Various road signs outside Farranfore, County Kerry.
Bord Fáilte logo. Signpost located in Rathangan, County Kildare
.

Road signs in the Republic of Ireland do not differ greatly from those used elsewhere in Europe – with the notable exception that hazard or warning signs
follow the "New World" style of a yellow diamond. The symbols used on these warning signs do, nevertheless, resemble much more closely those used (on red-bordered white or yellow triangles) in the rest of Europe than many of those seen in the United States.

Regulatory signs (relating to limits and prohibitions) differ very little from those used in the rest of Europe.

The system of directional signs is based upon, and is very similar to, that employed in the United Kingdom, but is bilingual everywhere except in the Gaeltacht, where only the Irish language is used on signs.

Legal basis

Signs in Ireland are prescribed under the Traffic Signs Manual (TSM) issued by the Department of Transport, with the latest edition published in 2019 (along with some chapters updated in 2021 and 2024).[1] This succeeded two earlier editions - Traffic Signs Manual 2010[2] and Traffic Signs Manual 1996.[3]

Older signs appear in secondary legislation (see the references section at the bottom), however many of the signs (particularly directional signs) used have never been legally prescribed; the TSM itself is not a law. However, signs are meant to be based on the principles in it. It bears much similarity to the United Kingdom Traffic Signs Manual (particularly directional signs).

Those road signs which are prescribed in law are prescribed under the Road Traffic (Signs) Regulations 1997-2004, the 1997 regulations being the main set[4] which repealed various traffic signs regulations dating back to 1964.

History

Directional information signs

A.A.
fingerpost sign
19th-century directional sign in Lismore, County Waterford; it gives distances in miles, furlongs and perches.
A mixture of pre- and post-1975 fingerpost signs
Advance directional sign used pre-1975. This sign has since been removed.

The former 'fingerpost' style of Irish directional signs can still be seen in many rural areas of Ireland. These signs differ from their modern-day equivalent as they have black raised text on a white background. Destinations are in all caps (the placename in Irish was on top and in a smaller font than the one in English). Sometimes, the former route number ("T" for trunk road, "L" for link road) can be seen, and the former Bord Fáilte logo can be seen on some (they had responsibility for signs for a time), as well as occasionally a harp. Distances on these signs are in miles.

This style of sign has become a common feature of many tourist images of Ireland and can be seen in some Irish pubs. However, they can be easily rotated, and have been done so on occasion and therefore are not completely reliable. While most examples of these signs still in situ are rural finger-posts, the advance directional sign of this era can still very occasionally be seen: this has a grey background, with the destinations in outlined, white-background boxes linked together with black lines, and the text is not raised on these, unlike on fingerposts. These signs, rare even when the system was in use, can be seen in some areas of Dún Laoghaire and Drogheda. These signs were prescribed under various regulations, with the final design prescribed under the Road Traffic Signs (Regulations) 1962.[5]

Despite the new sign style being introduced in 1977, the design change was never legislated for (apart from a reference to the change to italics in 1989) and the old designs were repealed only under the 1997 regulations, 20 years later.

The first generation of the current sign system, introduced in 1977, can also be seen in on some national roads (and also on the oldest stretch of the M1). This is similar to the current system, but the signs are simpler, a different shade of green is used, and the Irish place names are not in italics. These signs were directly based on the Worboys Committee designs which had been adopted in the UK in 1965. These signs were replaced by the current system on 1 January 1989.[6] The design of signs has continued to evolve with the introduction of patching under the Guildford Rules in 1994 and the introduction of cantilever directional signs in 2005, as well as the expansion in gantry signs since then.

"Compass-point directions" (such as "The North, "The South" and "The West") were formerly used, particularly in Dublin where the road network intersects. This system, inherited from the UK system,[

George's Quay
.

Motorway / high quality dual carriageway signs

Original design

The original design (1983–1989) of Irish motorway signs were a simpler version of the UK design.[citation needed] These signs were only ever in use on the M7 Naas Bypass and M1 Airport Motorway and only rare examples are still in situ.

From 1989–2005, signs on motorways were nearly identical to that on UK motorways[citation needed] (but see new motorway signs, below); although in Ireland, motorway junctions were not always numbered, or the number was not always signposted. The sign at the actual exit, which in the UK shows the road number to be reached, was replaced by a flag sign with the destination instead. On the M50, in the case of junctions with national routes, the initial advance direction sign was replaced with a list of destinations for that national route. The 1989 design of signs can still be seen on older sections of the M4 and M7.

2005-2007

In 2005, upon the opening of the South Eastern Motorway section of the M50, the National Roads Authority erected new style gantry signs. The new signs retained typical colours and fonts but differed from older side of road signs in that they used separate overhead panels for each lane, headed with the route number in each case as well as new half-gantry signs closer to the exit. The new signs were also erected on the N2 Finglas–Ashbourne scheme and N7 Clondalkin–Naas scheme. These were the first roads in Ireland where overhead gantry signs have been used as a matter of course, instead of just very major junctions. Drivers are given clear advanced warning 1 km ahead of an upcoming junction. A half gantry at the junction then directed them to their destination. The new style signs are visually clearer than older type signs with drivers able to read the gantry signs from a distance of approximately 300 m on a straight stretch of road. Despite their significant advantages, the new gantry signs caused confusion because the downward arrows over the left traffic lanes seemed to indicate to drivers that they should pull out into the right lane if they wish to continue on the motorway or dual carriageway, breaking the keep left rule.

Current signing policy

In July 2007, some of the gantry signs on the M50 between Junctions 13–17 erected in 2005 were replaced with signs in a revised style, reverting to a single panel over the mainline. By March 2008 all the 2005 style gantries had been removed from the M50 (and were later removed from the N2 and N7). The one aspect of the 2005 scheme that was retained is the half-gantry (or cantilever) sign just before the exit, which has now also been extended to other roads. A second change introduced in 2007 is that the flag sign at the gore, which previously listed the primary destinations to be reached, now features the junction number and the word "Exit" instead. This revised scheme has been used on most motorway and high-quality dual carriageway schemes since 2007. The "Next Exit" signs listing destinations, which were originally used only on the M50, are now extended to other motorways.

2005-style vs. modern style gantry sign for junction 4 on the N7

Regulatory signs

Old yield sign in Culdaff, Inishowen.
Some rare speed limits are still in mph after 2005. They now read m.p.h. to distinguish them from the metric standard.

Although differing from the design originally laid down (see Regulatory signs), "Keep Left" and "Keep Right" signs are now mostly white on a blue background, on the British pattern. In order to avail themselves of standard designs from British suppliers, local authorities had made extensive use of the white-on-blue design, mostly because the electronically lit type of white-on-blue was more practical, in consequence of which legislation was enacted making both patterns legal. Under the Irish Power of One (energy conservation campaign) the electronic signs are being gradually replaced by reflective signs. The former "No Entry" sign, a prohibition sign with an upward-pointing arrow, was replaced with the international standard red disk in TSM 2010. However the older version, now termed "No Straight Ahead", may be used when combined with a time or other restriction.

Ireland's 'Yield' sign formerly read 'Yield Right of Way', and many of this older variant can still be seen around the State.

On 20 January 2005, imperial speed limits on signs were replaced with metric speed limits. Around 35,000 existing signs were modified or replaced and a further 23,000 new signs were erected bearing the speed limit in kilometres per hour. To avoid confusion with the old signs, all speed limit signs include the mention "km/h" beneath the numerals.[7] Distances, such as those shown on route confirmatory signs, had already been displayed in kilometres since the 1970s. Due to the two speed limits possible on non-urban roads after 2005 metrication, the "end of speed limit" signs in Ireland (a white circle with black diagonal line as used in the UK) is no longer used – the end of an urban speed restriction is signalled by the sign displaying the limit for the following section.

In October 2022, a nine-month long

pedestrian crossings. This scheme saw the introduction of a new blue square-shaped pedestrian crossing sign[8] (which may also feature a fluorescent yellow background), like those already used in continental Europe
. Following the conclusion of the study, the sign was officially adopted in March 2024, though beacons are still permitted to be installed.

Warning signs

Before adoption of the 1956 traffic signs regulations, warning signs accorded to a standard laid out in the 1926 Road Signs and Traffic Signals Regulations.[9] These signs, unlikely to exist in situ anywhere in Ireland nowadays, were similar to signs used in the United Kingdom at that time.

The signs were cast-iron plates, with raised type painted black on yellow. A square pictogram illustrated the hazard, and the type of hazard was written in both Irish, with traditional typeface, and English. A hollow red triangle normally surmounted the pole to which the sign was attached.

Directional information signs

Design

Guildford Rules patching for the N75 and the M8

Typeface

The

script a (ɑ), and the letter i was represented by dotless
i (ı) in order to better differentiate them from their accented forms; however, the normal letter i is now always used. Additionally, the capitals M, N and A are similar in appearance to lowercase m, n and a.

The Irish text is placed above the corresponding English and is always in mixed case. All English text is in upper case Roman alphabet.

Colour

Guildford Rules
) is used to show roads of different classification on signs.

Types of sign available

A number of types of sign are available for use on all purpose roads. Chapter 2 of the TSM divides directional information signs into six categories:

  1. Stack Type Advance Direction Signs — destinations are signposted in advance of at-grade roads, such as T junctions and staggered crossroads, where the destinations are placed on separate panels.
  2. Map Type Advance Direction Signs — destinations are signposted in advance of grade separated interchanges and roundabouts, where the junction is displayed as a pictogram. These are sometimes used at at-grade roads in exceptional circumstances.
  3. Direction Signs / Flag Signs — these are located at the road junction itself. The sign has a triangular point at one end and a chevron, and can also appear in the form of a fingerpost, particularly on rural roads.
  4. Overhead Gantry and Exit Taper Gantry Signs — destinations are signposted in advance on signs mounted on gantry structures.
  5. Route Confirmatory, Route Marker and Route Direction Signs — these provide confirmation and information to drivers about the destinations and route ahead.
  6. Other directional information signs, such as Next Exit Signs (which provide a list of destinations to take at the next exit) and Lane Destination Signs.

However, on rural roads, it is common for the appropriate signs to be missing. Often junctions are signed with only a fingerpost.

Destination signing policy

Generally directional signs on major routes show major or end destinations. Smaller towns and placenames are shown only on signs nearer to that location. Only the Irish place name is shown if the sign is in the

Port Laoise
). Due to the practice of signposting in both languages, usually a limited number of destinations will be signposted. If a destination can be reached by following a route which is a spur from that route, the destination and route number will be shown in brackets. Also, distances are shown in kilometres.

Destinations on motorways and high-quality dual carriageways are signposted as follows:

  • 2 km – Next Exit Sign, listing destinations to be reached by this exit
  • 1 km – Advance Directional Sign (map type or gantry)
  • 500 m – Advance Directional Sign (map type or gantry)
  • Beginning of exit taper (deceleration lane) – Exit Taper Gantry Sign
  • Gore – Exit Sign with junction number
  • 500 m following exit – Route Confirmatory Sign

At the entrance to Irish motorways, a "Motorway Ahead" sign is posted, listing the motorway regulations. The motorway speed limit is similarly posted on the slip-road.

  • Map Type Advance Direction Sign (motorway)
    Map Type Advance Direction Sign (motorway)
  • Map Type Advance Direction Sign (national road)
    Map Type Advance Direction Sign (national road)
  • Map Type Advance Direction Sign (regional road, roundabout)
    Map Type Advance Direction Sign (regional road, roundabout)
  • Stack Type Advance Direction Sign (regional road)
    Stack Type Advance Direction Sign (regional road)
  • Direction Sign (regional road)
    Direction Sign (regional road)
  • Overhead Gantry Sign (motorway)
    Overhead Gantry Sign (motorway)
  • Route Confirmatory Sign (national road)
    Route Confirmatory Sign (national road)
  • Next Exit Sign (motorway)
    Next Exit Sign (motorway)
  • Lane Destination Sign (national road)
    Lane Destination Sign (national road)

Other information signs

Chapter 4 of the TSM divides other information signs into the following categories:

  • Signs displaying civic or geographical information
    • Town and Village Sign (national road)
      Town and Village Sign (national road)
    • Town and Village Sign (regional/local road)
      Town and Village Sign (regional/local road)
    • Town and Village Sign (regional/local road, Gaeltacht)
      Town and Village Sign (regional/local road, Gaeltacht)
    • County Boundary Sign (Type A)
      County Boundary Sign (Type A)
    • County Boundary Sign (Type B)
      County Boundary Sign (Type B)
    • River Name Sign with Symbol
      River Name Sign with Symbol
    • Entering a Gaeltacht Area (with name)
      Entering a Gaeltacht Area (with name)
    • Entering a Gaeltacht Area (without name)
      Entering a Gaeltacht Area (without name)
  • Signs indicating facilities ahead of interest to road users
    • Sign F 200 Parking
      Sign F 200
      Parking
    • Sign F 202L Parking Direction
      Sign F 202L
      Parking Direction
    • Sign F 203A Parking Advance Direction
      Sign F 203A
      Parking Advance Direction
    • Sign F 204 Disabled Persons' Parking
      Sign F 204
      Disabled Persons' Parking
    • Sign F 204a e-Charging
      Sign F 204a
      e-Charging
    • Sign F 205 Bus Parking
      Sign F 205
      Bus Parking
    • Sign F 206 Cycle Parking
      Sign F 206
      Cycle Parking
    • Sign F 207R Park and Ride Direction
      Sign F 207R
      Park and Ride Direction
    • Sign F 208L Park and Ride Advance Direction
      Sign F 208L
      Park and Ride Advance Direction
    • Sign F 210 Hospital
      Sign F 210
      Hospital
    • Sign F 200 Hospital Direction Sign
      Sign F 200
      Hospital Direction Sign
    • Sign F 200 Hospital Advance Direction
      Sign F 200
      Hospital Advance Direction
    • Sign F 220 Airport Repeater Sign
      Sign F 220
      Airport Repeater Sign
    • Sign F 222A Airport Advance Direction
      Sign F 222A
      Airport Advance Direction
    • Sign F 231L Station Direction
      Sign F 231L
      Station Direction
    • Sign F 232R Station Advance Direction
      Sign F 232R
      Station Advance Direction
    • Sign F 260 Garda Station
      Sign F 260
      Garda Station
    • Sign F 261 Garda Only
      Sign F 261
      Garda Only
  • Signs indicating traffic calming measures
    • Sign F 400 Metric Speed Limit Information
      Sign F 400
      Metric Speed Limit Information
    • Sign F 401 60 km/h Speed Limit Ahead
      Sign F 401
      60 km/h Speed Limit Ahead
    • Sign F 402 Speed Camera Ahead
      Sign F 402
      Speed Camera Ahead
    • Sign F 402a Average Speed Zone
      Sign F 402a
      Average Speed Zone
    • Sign F 403 Slow Zone
      Sign F 403
      Slow Zone
    • Sign F 404 Shared Space
      Sign F 404
      Shared Space
    • Warning Traffic Calming Sign
      Warning Traffic Calming Sign
    • Town Name and Speed Limit Sign
      Town Name and Speed Limit Sign
  • Signs indicating particular road layouts
    • Sign F 300L Additional Lane Joining From Left (One to Two Lanes)
      Sign F 300L
      Additional Lane Joining From Left (One to Two Lanes)
    • Sign F 301R Additional Lanes Joining From Right (Two to Three Lanes)
      Sign F 301R
      Additional Lanes Joining From Right (Two to Three Lanes)
    • Sign F 302L Additional Lanes Joining From Left - Left Joining Lane Continues (Three to Four Lanes)
      Sign F 302L
      Additional Lanes Joining From Left - Left Joining Lane Continues (Three to Four Lanes)
    • Sign F 303R Additional Lanes Joining From Right - Left Joining Lane Continues (Two to Three Lanes)
      Sign F 303R
      Additional Lanes Joining From Right - Left Joining Lane Continues (Two to Three Lanes)
    • Sign F 304L Additional Lanes Joining From Left - Left Joining Lane Continues (Three to Four Lanes)
      Sign F 304L
      Additional Lanes Joining From Left - Left Joining Lane Continues (Three to Four Lanes)
    • Sign F 305R Additional Lanes Joining From Right - Right Joining Lane Continues (Two to Three Lanes)
      Sign F 305R
      Additional Lanes Joining From Right - Right Joining Lane Continues (Two to Three Lanes)
    • Sign F 306L Additional Lanes Joining From Left - Right Joining Lane Continues (Three to Four Lanes)
      Sign F 306L
      Additional Lanes Joining From Left - Right Joining Lane Continues (Three to Four Lanes)
    • Sign F-308 Lane Gain (Three to Four Lanes, 200m)
      Sign F-308
      Lane Gain (Three to Four Lanes, 200m)
    • Sign F 323 Lane Diverge (Three Lanes)
      Sign F 323
      Lane Diverge (Three Lanes)
    • Sign F 330 Start of Motorway
      Sign F 330
      Start of Motorway
    • Sign F 331 Motorway Prohibitions (English)
      Sign F 331
      Motorway Prohibitions (English)
    • Sign F 331 Motorway Prohibitions (Irish)
      Sign F 331
      Motorway Prohibitions (Irish)
    • Sign F 332 Start of Motorway Ahead
      Sign F 332
      Start of Motorway Ahead
    • Sign F 333 End of Motorway
      Sign F 333
      End of Motorway
    • Sign F 334 End of Motorway Ahead
      Sign F 334
      End of Motorway Ahead
    • Sign F 340.1 Countdown Marker (motorway, 100m)
      Sign F 340.1
      Countdown Marker (motorway, 100m)
    • Sign F 340.2 Countdown Marker (motorway, 200m)
      Sign F 340.2
      Countdown Marker (motorway, 200m)
    • Sign F 340.3 Countdown Marker (motorway, 300m)
      Sign F 340.3
      Countdown Marker (motorway, 300m)
    • Sign F 350 Cul-de-sac
      Sign F 350
      Cul-de-sac
    • Sign F 360 Start of Nearside With-Flow Bus Lane
      Sign F 360
      Start of Nearside With-Flow Bus Lane
    • Sign F 361 Start of Offside With-Flow Bus Lane
      Sign F 361
      Start of Offside With-Flow Bus Lane
  • Signs indicating alternative or diversionary routes
    • Sign F 500 High Vehicle Advance
      Sign F 500
      High Vehicle Advance
    • Sign F 502L High Vehicle Direction
      Sign F 502L
      High Vehicle Direction
    • Sign F 501R Heavy Vehicle Advance Direction
      Sign F 501R
      Heavy Vehicle Advance Direction
    • Sign F 501R Heavy Vehicle Direction
      Sign F 501R
      Heavy Vehicle Direction
  • Services Signs
  • Toll Road Signs
    • Sign F 700 Toll Road Ahead
      Sign F 700
      Toll Road Ahead
    • Sign F 700 Toll Plaza Ahead
      Sign F 700
      Toll Plaza Ahead
  • Tunnel Information Signs
    • Sign F 800 Tunnel Information Sign
      Sign F 800
      Tunnel Information Sign
    • Sign F 801 Turn Headlights On
      Sign F 801
      Turn Headlights On
    • Sign F 802 Tunnel Radio Stations
      Sign F 802
      Tunnel Radio Stations
    • Sign F 803 Emergency (Tunnel) Lay-by
      Sign F 803
      Emergency (Tunnel) Lay-by
    • Sign F 804 Fire Extinguisher and Telephone
      Sign F 804
      Fire Extinguisher and Telephone
    • Sign F 805 Fire Extinguisher, Telephone and Lay-by
      Sign F 805
      Fire Extinguisher, Telephone and Lay-by
    • Sign F 806 Emergency Station
      Sign F 806
      Emergency Station
    • Sign F 807 Pedestrian Exit
      Sign F 807
      Pedestrian Exit
  • Miscellaneous Signs
    • Sign F 901 Tram Information Sign [note 1]
      Sign F 901
      Tram Information Sign
      [note 1]
    • Sign F 902 Junction Definition Post
      Sign F 902
      Junction Definition Post
    • Sign F 903 Turn Back
      Sign F 903
      Turn Back
    • Sign F 904 Authorised Vehicles Only
      Sign F 904
      Authorised Vehicles Only
    • Sign F 905 Location Reference Indicator Sign
      Sign F 905
      Location Reference Indicator Sign
  • Tourist Attraction Signs
  • Cycle Route Signs

    • Regulatory signs

    Regulatory signs are mostly circular and mostly black on a white background, with a red border. If the sign contains a prohibition, a red line will diagonally bisect the sign. This type of road sign was introduced in 1956 with the Traffic Signs Regulations, 1956. Some signs were added later. These signs are laid out in Chapter 5 of the TSM.

    Speed limit signs have the speed with the letters "km/h" underneath.

    • RUS 001 Keep Left
      RUS 001
      Keep Left
    • RUS 002 Keep Right
      RUS 002
      Keep Right
    • RUS 003 Pass Either Side
      RUS 003
      Pass Either Side
    • RUS 004 Keep Straight Ahead
      RUS 004
      Keep Straight Ahead
    • RUS 005 Turn Right
      RUS 005
      Turn Right
    • RUS 006 Turn Left
      RUS 006
      Turn Left
    • RUS 007 Turn Left Ahead
      RUS 007
      Turn Left Ahead
    • RUS 008 Turn Right Ahead
      RUS 008
      Turn Right Ahead
    • RUS 009 Pedal Cycles Only
      RUS 009
      Pedal Cycles Only
    • RUS 010 Clearway
      RUS 010
      Clearway
    • RUS 011 No Straight Ahead
      RUS 011
      No Straight Ahead
    • RUS 012 No Right Turn
      RUS 012
      No Right Turn
    • RUS 013 No Left Turn
      RUS 013
      No Left Turn
    • RUS 014 No Overtaking
      RUS 014
      No Overtaking
    • RUS 015 Maximum Gross Weight (Traffic Management)
      RUS 015
      Maximum Gross Weight (Traffic Management)
    • RUS 016 Height Restriction
      RUS 016
      Height Restriction
    • RUS 017 No U-Turn
      RUS 017
      No U-Turn
    • RUS 018 Parking Permitted
      RUS 018
      Parking Permitted
    • RUS 019 No Parking
      RUS 019
      No Parking
    • RUS 020 Taxi Stand
      RUS 020
      Taxi Stand
    • RUS 020a Electric Vehicle Parking Permitted
      RUS 020a
      Electric Vehicle Parking Permitted
    • RUS 021 Pedestrianised Street
      RUS 021
      Pedestrianised Street
    • RUS 026 Yield
      RUS 026
      Yield
    • RUS 026 Géill Slí (Yield sign in Irish)
      RUS 026
      Géill Slí (Yield sign in Irish)
    • RUS 027 Stop
      RUS 027
      Stop
    • RUS 028 Nearside With-flow Bus Lane
      RUS 028
      Nearside With-flow Bus Lane
    • RUS 029 Offside With-flow Bus Lane
      RUS 029
      Offside With-flow Bus Lane
    • RUS 030 Contra-Flow Bus Lane
      RUS 030
      Contra-Flow Bus Lane
    • RUS 031 Bus Stop
      RUS 031
      Bus Stop
    • RUS 032 School Warden
      RUS 032
      School Warden
    • RUS 033 LRT Speed Limit
      RUS 033
      LRT
      Speed Limit
    • RUS 034 LRT Stop
      RUS 034
      LRT Stop
    • RUS 035 LRT Yield
      RUS 035
      LRT Yield
    • RUS 036 Nearside Tram Lane
      RUS 036
      Nearside Tram Lane
    • RUS 037 Offside Tram Lane
      RUS 037
      Offside Tram Lane
    • RUS 038 No Pedestrians
      RUS 038
      No Pedestrians
    • RUS 039 Speed Limit (120 km/h)
      RUS 039
      Speed Limit (120 km/h)
    • RUS 040 Speed Limit (100 km/h)
      RUS 040
      Speed Limit (100 km/h)
    • RUS 041 Speed Limit (80 km/h)
      RUS 041
      Speed Limit (80 km/h)
    • RUS 041A Rural Speed Limit
      RUS 041A
      Rural Speed Limit
    • RUS 042 Speed Limit (60 km/h)
      RUS 042
      Speed Limit (60 km/h)
    • RUS 043 Speed Limit (50 km/h)
      RUS 043
      Speed Limit (50 km/h)
    • RUS 044 Speed Limit (30 km/h)
      RUS 044
      Speed Limit (30 km/h)
    • RUS 046 Prohibited Number of Axles
      RUS 046
      Prohibited Number of Axles
    • RUS 047 Prohibited Axles in Right Hand Lane
      RUS 047
      Prohibited Axles in Right Hand Lane
    • RUS 049 Mini Roundabout
      RUS 049
      Mini Roundabout
    • RUS 050 No Entry
      RUS 050
      No Entry
    • RUS 051 Maximum Vehicle Length
      RUS 051
      Maximum Vehicle Length
    • RUS 052 Maximum Vehicle Width
      RUS 052
      Maximum Vehicle Width
    • RUS 053 Maximum Gross Weight
      RUS 053
      Maximum Gross Weight
    • RUS 054 Maximum Axle Weight
      RUS 054
      Maximum Axle Weight
    • RUS 055 No Cycles
      RUS 055
      No Cycles
    • RUS 056 No Ridden or Accompanied Horses
      RUS 056
      No Ridden or
      Accompanied
      Horses
    • RUS 057 No Horse and Carts
      RUS 057
      No Horse and Carts
    • RUS 058 Shared Route for Pedal Cycles and Pedestrians
      RUS 058
      Shared Route for Pedal Cycles and
      Pedestrians
    • RUS 058CL Segregated Route for Pedal Cycles and Pedestrians (Cycle on Left)
      RUS 058CL
      Segregated Route for Pedal Cycles and Pedestrians (Cycle on Left)
    • RUS 058CR Segregated Route for Pedal Cycles and Pedestrians (Cycle on Right)
      RUS 058CR
      Segregated Route for Pedal Cycles and Pedestrians (Cycle on Right)
    • RUS 059 Contra-flow Cycle Track
      RUS 059
      Contra-flow Cycle Track
    • RUS 060 Stop (Manual Control)
      RUS 060
      Stop (Manual Control)
    • RUS 061 Go (Manual Control)
      RUS 061
      Go (Manual Control)
    • RUS 061 Téigh (Manual Control)
      RUS 061
      Téigh (Manual Control)
    • RUS 062 No Vehicles Carrying Explosives
      RUS 062
      No Vehicles Carrying Explosives
    • RUS 064 Speed Limit (40 km/h)
      RUS 064
      Speed Limit (40 km/h)
    • RUS 065 Speed Limit (20 km/h)
      RUS 065
      Speed Limit (20 km/h)
    • RUS 066 Pedestrian Crossing
      RUS 066
      Pedestrian Crossing

    Warning signs

    Warning signs use the

    MUTCD design, in that they are black on an amber (orangish-yellow) background, and are diamond-shaped. This type of road sign was introduced with the Traffic Signs Regulations, 1956.[10]
    Some signs were added later, and many types of signs, even common ones, do not appear in any statutes. These signs are laid out in Chapter 6 of the TSM.

    Some types of sign (for example, pedestrian/zebra crossing signs) are somewhat randomly designed, and differ between county/city boroughs.

    • W 001 Crossroads
      W 001
      Crossroads
    • W 002L Side Road - Left
      W 002L
      Side Road - Left
    • W 002R Side Road - Right
      W 002R
      Side Road - Right
    • W 003L T-Junction (Type 1) - Left
      W 003L
      T-Junction (Type 1) - Left
    • W 003R T-Junction (Type 1) - Right
      W 003R
      T-Junction (Type 1) - Right
    • W 004L T-Junction (Type 2) - Left
      W 004L
      T-Junction (Type 2) - Left
    • W 004R T-Junction (Type 2) - Right
      W 004R
      T-Junction (Type 2) - Right
    • W 005L Y-Junction - Left
      W 005L
      Y-Junction - Left
    • W 005R Y-Junction- Right
      W 005R
      Y-Junction- Right
    • W 006L Crossroads at Sharp Corner - Left
      W 006L
      Crossroads at Sharp Corner - Left
    • W 006R Crossroads at Sharp Corner - Right
      W 006R
      Crossroads at Sharp Corner - Right
    • W 007LR Staggered Junctions - Left/Right
      W 007LR
      Staggered Junctions - Left/Right
    • W 007RL Staggered Junctions - Right/Left
      W 007RL
      Staggered Junctions - Right/Left
    • W 008L Two Junctions on Left
      W 008L
      Two Junctions on Left
    • W 008R Two Junctions on Right
      W 008R
      Two Junctions on Right
    • W 009L Side Road on Outside of Bend - Left
      W 009L
      Side Road on Outside of Bend - Left
    • W 009R Side Road on Outside of Bend - Right
      W 009R
      Side Road on Outside of Bend - Right
    • W 010L Side Road on Inside of Bend - Left
      W 010L
      Side Road on Inside of Bend - Left
    • W 010R Side Road on Inside of Bend - Right
      W 010R
      Side Road on Inside of Bend - Right
    • W 011L Crossroads on Bend - Left
      W 011L
      Crossroads on Bend - Left
    • W 011R Crossroads on Bend - Right
      W 011R
      Crossroads on Bend - Right
    • W 012L Side Road on Dual C'way - Left (with CR Break)
      W 012L
      Side Road on
      CR
      Break)
    • W 012R Side Road on Dual C'way - Right (with CR Break)
      W 012R
      Side Road on Dual C'way - Right (with CR Break)
    • W 013 Side Road on Dual C'way - (No CR Break)
      W 013
      Side Road on Dual C'way - (No CR Break)
    • W 014 Crossroads on Dual C'way
      W 014
      Crossroads on Dual C'way
    • W 015 Crossroads (Major Road) Ahead
      W 015
      Crossroads (Major Road) Ahead
    • W 016 T Junction (Major Road) Ahead
      W 016
      T Junction (Major Road) Ahead
    • W 017L Staggered Crossroads Ahead - Left
      W 017L
      Staggered Crossroads Ahead - Left
    • W 017R Staggered Crossroads Ahead - Right
      W 017R
      Staggered Crossroads Ahead - Right
    • W 018L Junction With Major Road at Sharp Corner - Left
      W 018L
      Junction With Major Road at Sharp Corner - Left
    • W 018R Junction With Major Road at Sharp Corner - Right
      W 018R
      Junction With Major Road at Sharp Corner - Right
    • W 019 Crossroads Ahead at Dual C'way
      W 019
      Crossroads Ahead at Dual C'way
    • W 020 T Junction Ahead at Dual C'way (With CR Break)
      W 020
      T Junction Ahead at Dual C'way (With CR Break)
    • W 021L Staggered Crossroads Ahead at Dual C'way - Left
      W 021L
      Staggered Crossroads Ahead at Dual C'way - Left
    • W 021R Staggered Crossroads Ahead at Dual C'way - Right
      W 021R
      Staggered Crossroads Ahead at Dual C'way - Right
    • W 022 T Junction Ahead at Dual C'way (No CR Break)
      W 022
      T Junction Ahead at Dual C'way (No CR Break)
    • W 030 Merging Traffic From Left
      W 030
      Merging Traffic From Left
    • W 031 Merging With Traffic From' Right
      W 031
      Merging With Traffic From' Right
    • W 032 Merging and Diverging Traffic
      W 032
      Merging and Diverging Traffic
    • W 033 Loop
      W 033
      Loop
    • W 034 Compact Junction
      W 034
      Compact Junction
    • W 040 Stop Ahead
      W 040
      Stop Ahead
    • W 041 Yield Ahead
      W 041
      Yield Ahead
    • W 042 Traffic Signals
      W 042
      Traffic Signals
    • W 043 Roundabout Ahead
      W 043
      Roundabout Ahead
    • W 044 Mini Roundabout Ahead
      W 044
      Mini Roundabout Ahead
    • W 050L Sharp Corner - Left
      W 050L
      Sharp Corner - Left
    • W 050R Sharp Corner - Right
      W 050R
      Sharp Corner - Right
    • W 051L Sharp Bend - Left
      W 051L
      Sharp Bend - Left
    • W 051R Sharp Bend - Right
      W 051R
      Sharp Bend - Right
    • W 052L Series of Sharp Corners - Left
      W 052L
      Series of Sharp Corners - Left
    • W 052R Series of Sharp Corners - Right
      W 052R
      Series of Sharp Corners - Right
    • W 053L Series of Sharp Bends - Left
      W 053L
      Series of Sharp Bends - Left
    • W 053R Series of Sharp Bends - Right
      W 053R
      Series of Sharp Bends - Right
    • W 061L Single Chevron - Left
      W 061L
      Single Chevron - Left
    • W 061R Single Chevron - Right
      W 061R
      Single Chevron - Right
    • W 062L Multiple Chevrons (Two) - Left
      W 062L
      Multiple Chevrons (Two) - Left
    • W 062R Multiple Chevrons (Two) - Right
      W 062R
      Multiple Chevrons (Two) - Right
    • W 063L Multiple Chevrons (Three) - Left
      W 063L
      Multiple Chevrons (Three) - Left
    • W 063R Multiple Chevrons (Three) - Right
      W 063R
      Multiple Chevrons (Three) - Right
    • W 070L Road Narrows on Left
      W 070L
      Road Narrows on Left
    • W 070R Road Narrows on Right
      W 070R
      Road Narrows on Right
    • W 071 Road Narrows on Both Sides
      W 071
      Road Narrows on Both Sides
    • W 080 Two-way Traffic
      W 080
      Two-way Traffic
    • W 081 Two-way Traffic Crossing
      W 081
      Two-way Traffic Crossing
    • W 082 Three Lanes of Traffic (Two With, One Against)
      W 082
      Three Lanes of Traffic (Two With, One Against)
    • W 083 Three Lanes of Traffic (One With, Two Against)
      W 083
      Three Lanes of Traffic (One With, Two Against)
    • W 091L Lane Loss (Two to One Lane) - Left
      W 091L
      Lane Loss (Two to One Lane) - Left
    • W 091R Lane Loss (Two to One Lane) - Right
      W 091R
      Lane Loss (Two to One Lane) - Right
    • W 092L Lane Loss (Three to Two Lanes) - Left
      W 092L
      Lane Loss (Three to Two Lanes) - Left
    • W 092R Lane Loss (Three to Two Lanes) - Right (with 200m panel)
      W 092R
      Lane Loss (Three to Two Lanes) - Right (with 200m panel)
    • W 093L Lane Loss (Four to Three Lanes) - Left (with 400m panel)
      W 093L
      Lane Loss (Four to Three Lanes) - Left (with 400m panel)
    • W 093R Lane Loss (Four to Three Lanes) - Right
      W 093R
      Lane Loss (Four to Three Lanes) - Right
    • W 094 Road Divides
      W 094
      Road Divides
    • W 095 Dual Carriageway Ends
      W 095
      Dual Carriageway Ends
    • W 100 Start of Passing Lane
      W 100
      Start of Passing Lane
    • W 101 One-Lane Section
      W 101
      One-Lane Section
    • W 102 Two-Lane Section
      W 102
      Two-Lane Section
    • W 103 Start of Climbing Lane
      W 103
      Start of Climbing Lane
    • W 105 Steep Descent
      W 105
      Steep Descent
    • W 106 Steep Ascent
      W 106
      Steep Ascent
    • W 110 Restricted Headroom
      W 110
      Restricted Headroom
    • W 111 Overhead Electrical Cables
      W 111
      Overhead Electrical Cables
    • W 112 Maximum Vehicle Length
      W 112
      Maximum Vehicle Length
    • W 113 Maximum Vehicle Width
      W 113
      Maximum Vehicle Width
    • W 114 Maximum Gross Weight (Traffic Management)
      W 114
      Maximum Gross Weight (Traffic Management)
    • W 115 Maximum Gross Weight
      W 115
      Maximum Gross Weight
    • W 116 Maximum Axle Weight
      W 116
      Maximum Axle Weight
    • W 117 Prohibited Number of Axles
      W 117
      Prohibited Number of Axles
    • W 120 Level Crossing With Flashing Red Signals
      W 120
      Level Crossing With Flashing Red Signals
    • W 121 Level Crossing With No Flashing Red Signals
      W 121
      Level Crossing With No Flashing Red Signals
    • W 122.1L Level Crossing Countdown Marker (100 m)[note 2]
      W 122.1L
      Level Crossing Countdown Marker (100 m)[note 2]
    • W 122.2L Level Crossing Countdown Marker (200 m)
      W 122.2L
      Level Crossing Countdown Marker (200 m)
    • W 122.3L Level Crossing Countdown Marker (300 m)
      W 122.3L
      Level Crossing Countdown Marker (300 m)
    • W 123 Risk of Grounding
      W 123
      Risk of Grounding
    • W 124 Tram Crossing
      W 124
      Tram Crossing
    • W 125 Tram Advisory Speed
      W 125
      Tram Advisory Speed
    • W 130 Road Hump
      W 130
      Road Hump
    • W 131 Road Depression
      W 131
      Road Depression
    • W 132 Humpback Bridge
      W 132
      Humpback Bridge
    • W 133 Uneven Road
      W 133
      Uneven Road
    • W 134 Slippery Road
      W 134
      Slippery Road
    • W 135 Soft Verge
      W 135
      Soft Verge
    • W 140 Pedestrians
      W 140
      Pedestrians
    • W 140A Pedestrians Crossing
      W 140A
      Pedestrians Crossing
    • W 141 School Ahead
      W 141
      School Ahead
    • W 141 Children Crossing
      W 141
      Children Crossing
    • W 143 Cyclists
      W 143
      Cyclists
    • W 144 Slippery for Cyclists
      W 144
      Slippery for Cyclists
    • W 145 Cyclists Dismount
      W 145
      Cyclists Dismount
    • W 150 Accompanied Horses
      W 150
      Accompanied Horses
    • W 151 Cattle or Farm Animals
      W 151
      Cattle or Farm Animals
    • W 152 Sheep
      W 152
      Sheep
    • W 153 Deer or Wild Animals
      W 153
      Deer or Wild Animals
    • W 154 Jaunting Cars
      W 154
      Jaunting Cars
    • W 160 Unprotected Water
      W 160
      Unprotected Water
    • W 160 Ford
      W 160
      Ford
    • W 162 Tunnel
      W 162
      Tunnel
    • W 163 Queues Likely
      W 163
      Queues Likely
    • W 164 Falling Rocks
      W 164
      Falling Rocks
    • W 165 Low-flying Aircraft
      W 165
      Low-flying Aircraft
    • W 166 Crosswind
      W 166
      Crosswind
    • W 167 Opening Bridge
      W 167
      Opening Bridge
    • W 168 Tractors
      W 168
      Tractors
    • W 169 Drive on Left (Entry Point)
      W 169
      Drive on Left (Entry Point)
    • W 169 Drive on Left (Repeater)
      W 169
      Drive on Left (Repeater)
    • W 170 Other Hazard
      W 170
      Other Hazard
    • W 183 Barrier Board - 3 Bars
      W 183
      Barrier Board - 3 Bars
    • W 184 Barrier Board - 4 Bars
      W 184
      Barrier Board - 4 Bars
    • W 185 Barrier Board - 5 Bars
      W 185
      Barrier Board - 5 Bars

    Roadwork signs

    Road works hazard signs are reddish orange. Lane closure signs are diamond shaped for Level 1 roads (Urban and Low Speed Roads) and Level 2 roads (Rural Single Carriageway Roads), and square shaped for Level 3 Roads (Dual Carriageways and Motorways).

    • WK 001 Roadworks Ahead
      WK 001
      Roadworks Ahead
    • WK 030 Single Lane (for Shuttle Working)
      WK 030
      Single Lane (for Shuttle Working)
    • WK 031 Two-way Traffic
      WK 031
      Two-way Traffic
    • WK 032 Road Narrows on Left
      WK 032
      Road Narrows on Left
    • WK 033 Road Narrows on Right
      WK 033
      Road Narrows on Right
    • WK 034 Road Narrows on Both Sides
      WK 034
      Road Narrows on Both Sides
    • WK 035 Merging Traffic from Left
      WK 035
      Merging Traffic from Left
    • WK 040 Lane 2 of 2 Closed (Level 3)
      WK 040
      Lane 2 of 2 Closed (Level 3)
    • WK 040A Lane 2 of 2 Closed (Level 1 & 2)
      WK 040A
      Lane 2 of 2 Closed (Level 1 & 2)
    • WK 041 Lane 1 of 2 Closed (Level 3)
      WK 041
      Lane 1 of 2 Closed (Level 3)
    • WK 041A Lane 1 of 2 Closed (Level 1 & 2)
      WK 041A
      Lane 1 of 2 Closed (Level 1 & 2)
    • WK 042 Lane 3 of 3 Closed (Level 3)
      WK 042
      Lane 3 of 3 Closed (Level 3)
    • WK 042A Lane 3 of 3 Closed (Level 1 & 2)
      WK 042A
      Lane 3 of 3 Closed (Level 1 & 2)
    • WK 043 Lane 1 of 3 Closed (Level 3)
      WK 043
      Lane 1 of 3 Closed (Level 3)
    • WK 043A Lane 1 of 3 Closed (Level 1 & 2)
      WK 043A
      Lane 1 of 3 Closed (Level 1 & 2)
    • WK 044 Lanes 2 & 3 of 3 Closed (Level 3)
      WK 044
      Lanes 2 & 3 of 3 Closed (Level 3)
    • WK 044A Lanes 2 & 3 of 3 Closed (Level 1 & 2)
      WK 044A
      Lanes 2 & 3 of 3 Closed (Level 1 & 2)
    • WK 045 Lanes 1 & 2 of 3 Closed (Level 3)
      WK 045
      Lanes 1 & 2 of 3 Closed (Level 3)
    • WK 045A Lanes 1 & 2 of 3 Closed (Level 1 & 2)
      WK 045A
      Lanes 1 & 2 of 3 Closed (Level 1 & 2)
    • WK 046 Lane 4 of 4 Closed (Level 3)
      WK 046
      Lane 4 of 4 Closed (Level 3)
    • WK 047 Lane 1 of 4 Closed (Level 3)
      WK 047
      Lane 1 of 4 Closed (Level 3)
    • WK 048 Lanes 3 & 4 of 4 Closed (Level 3)
      WK 048
      Lanes 3 & 4 of 4 Closed (Level 3)
    • WK 049 Lanes 1 & 2 of 4 Closed (Level 3)
      WK 049
      Lanes 1 & 2 of 4 Closed (Level 3)
    • WK 050 Side Road on Left
      WK 050
      Side Road on Left
    • WK 051 Side Road on Right
      WK 051
      Side Road on Right
    • WK 060 Temporary Traffic Signals
      WK 060
      Temporary Traffic Signals
    • WK 061 Flagman Ahead
      WK 061
      Flagman Ahead
    • WK 062 Queues Likely
      WK 062
      Queues Likely
    • WK 070 Hump or Ramp
      WK 070
      Hump or Ramp
    • WK 071 Uneven Surface
      WK 071
      Uneven Surface
    • WK 072 Slippery Road
      WK 072
      Slippery Road
    • WK 073 Loose Chippings
      WK 073
      Loose Chippings
    • WK 074 Soft Verge
      WK 074
      Soft Verge
    • WK 080 Pedestrians Cross to Left
      WK 080
      Pedestrians Cross to Left
    • WK 081 Pedestrians Cross to Right
      WK 081
      Pedestrians Cross to Right
    • WK 082 Temporary Pedestrian Crossing
      WK 082
      Temporary Pedestrian Crossing
    • WK 086 Cyclists
      WK 086
      Cyclists
    • WK 087 Slippery for Cyclists
      WK 087
      Slippery for Cyclists
    • WK 090 Detour
      WK 090
      Detour
    • WK 091 Diverted Traffic (Left)
      WK 091
      Diverted Traffic (Left)
    • WK 091 Diverted Traffic (Right)
      WK 091
      Diverted Traffic (Right)
    • WK 091 Diverted Traffic (Upper Left)
      WK 091
      Diverted Traffic (Upper Left)
    • WK 091 Diverted Traffic (Upper Right)
      WK 091
      Diverted Traffic (Upper Right)
    • WK 091 Diverted Traffic (Straight)
      WK 091
      Diverted Traffic (Straight)
    • WK 092 End of Detour
      WK 092
      End of Detour
    • WK 093 Detour Destination
      WK 093
      Detour Destination

    Supplementary plates

    Supplementary plates are used in addition to warning, regulatory and roadworks signs. Their purpose is to provide additional information to the sign they are placed beneath (with sign P 056 being an exception, which is placed on its own as it contains a regulatory sign).

    • P 001 Distance
      P 001
      Distance
    • P 002 Length
      P 002
      Length
    • P 003L Direction - Left
      P 003L
      Direction - Left
    • P 003R Direction - Right
      P 003R
      Direction - Right
    • P 004L Direction and Distance - Left
      P 004L
      Direction and Distance - Left
    • P 004R Direction and Distance - Right
      P 004R
      Direction and Distance - Right
    • P 005 Both Ways
      P 005
      Both Ways
    • P 010 End
      P 010
      End
    • P 011 Cautionary Speed
      P 011
      Cautionary Speed
    • P 040 Reduce Speed Now
      P 040
      Reduce Speed Now
    • P 041 LRT Information
      P 041
      LRT
      Information
    • P 042 Cycle Network Arrow
      P 042
      Cycle Network Arrow
    • P 050 Exceptions[note 3]
      P 050
      Exceptions[note 3]
    • P 051 Periods of Operation
      P 051
      Periods of Operation
    • P 052 Pedestrian Zone
      P 052
      Pedestrian Zone
    • P 053 Parking[note 3]
      P 053
      Parking[note 3]
    • P 054 km/h
      P 054
      km/h
    • P 055 24-Hour Operation
      P 055
      24-Hour Operation
    • P 056 Zonal No Parking[note 4]
      P 056
      Zonal No Parking[note 4]
    • P 057 Time Limit
      P 057
      Time Limit
    • P 060 Oncoming Traffic
      P 060
      Oncoming Traffic
    • P 061 Another Train Coming
      P 061
      Another Train Coming
    • P 062 Long Low Vehicles
      P 062
      Long Low Vehicles
    • P 063 Traffic Calming Ahead
      P 063
      Traffic Calming Ahead
    • P 067 Safe Headroom
      P 067
      Safe Headroom
    • P 071 Safe Overtaking of Cyclists 1.5m
      P 071
      Safe Overtaking of Cyclists 1.5m
    • P 071a Safe Overtaking of Cyclists 1.0m
      P 071a
      Safe Overtaking of Cyclists 1.0m
    • P 080 Slow
      P 080
      Slow

    See also

    Wikimedia Commons has media related to road signs in Ireland.

    Notes

    1. ^ Must always be accompanied with supplementary plate P 041
    2. ^ The diagonal bars are reversed if the sign is placed on the other side of the carriageway.
    3. ^ a b Text for this sign is variable. Permitted variants are outlined in the TSM.
    4. ^ At the end of the restriction, "Ceantar/ZONE" is substituted with "Críoch/END".

    References

    1. ^ "Traffic Signs Manual". trafficsigns.ie. Department of Transport.
    2. ^ "Traffic Signs Manual 2010".
    3. ^ "Previous Traffic Signs Manuals". trafficsigns.ie. Department of Transport.
    4. ^ "S.I. No. 181/1997 — Road Traffic (Signs) Regulations, 1997".
    5. ^ "S.I. No. 171/1962 — Road Traffic (Signs) Regulations, 1962".
    6. ^ "S.I. No. 292/1988 — Road Traffic (Signs) (Amendment) Regulations, 1988".
    7. ^ McKittrick, David (8 February 2005). "New speed limits have been adopted smoothly, but there are loose ends in the system, says David McKittrick". Independent. Retrieved 1 August 2019.
    8. ^ "S.I. No. 516/2022 — Road Traffic (Signs) (Amendment) Regulations 2022".
    9. ^ "S.I. No. 55/1926 — Road Signs and Traffic Signals Regulations, 1926".
    10. ^ "S.I. No. 284/1956 — Road Traffic (Signs) Regulations, 1956".

    External links

    Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Road_signs_in_Ireland&oldid=1218523188"