Road signs in Ireland

Legal basis

Only regulatory signs and certain road markings are prescribed in regulations made by the Minister for Transport, the most recent being the Road Traffic (Traffic Signs) Regulations, 2025. Other traffic signs are provided for in directions issued by the Minister, primarily through the Traffic Signs Manual (TSM) issued by the Department of Transport or, in some cases, by circular letter. Regulatory signs and road markings are also defined in the TSM, but the regulations for them take precedence—the TSM simply provides guidance regarding the design and installation of signs and is not by itself a law.

The most recent edition of the TSM was published in 2019 (along with some chapters updated in 2021, 2024 and 2025). This succeeded two earlier editions, published in 1996 and 2010.

History

Directional information signs

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.

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change was never legislated for (apart from a reference to the change to italics in 1989) and the old designs were repealed only under the 1997 regulations, 20 years later.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. 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, was permitted in the 1996 but subsequently prohibited in the 2010 , which mandated the use of the terminal destination and next primary destination of the route instead. Today there remain very few examples, one notably on 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. These signs were only ever in use on the M7 Naas Bypass and M1 Airport Motorway.

From 1989 to 2005, signs on motorways were nearly identical to that on UK motorways, 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.

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 style 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.

Regulatory signs

Until 1997, all mandatory signs were circular in shape and featured black symbols on a white background with a red border. A unique example was the "keep left" sign, which used a curved arrow pointing upwards. Since the introduction of the 1997 regulations, their design is identical to those used in the United Kingdom, with white symbols on a blue background.

The former "No Entry" sign, a prohibition sign with an upward-pointing arrow, was replaced with the international standard red disk in the 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" from 1961 until 1997, and many of this older variant can still be seen around the State. Prior to 1961, it did not feature any inscription.

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 symbol "km/h" beneath the numerals. 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 pilot scheme was undertaken by the National Transport Authority to introduce new signs that would replace Belisha beacons on newly installed pedestrian crossings. This scheme saw the introduction of a new blue square-shaped pedestrian crossing sign (featuring 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

The first warning signs accorded to a standard laid out in the 1926 Road Signs and Traffic Signals Regulations. These signs were similar to signs used in the United Kingdom at that time. The signs were cast-iron plates, with raised type painted red on white. 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.

Yellow diamond-shaped warning signs made their first appearance following the adoption of the 1956 Traffic Signs Regulations. The shape and colour of these signs—as well as many of the symbols—were chosen to conform to recommendations by the United Nations, based on an eventually unrealised draft convention for international uniformity of road signs which had been in development beforehand.

Directional information signs

Design

Typeface

The Transport and Motorway typefaces are used on Irish road signs. Although it was designed uniquely for dark text on light backgrounds, the Transport Heavy weight is used for all signs in Ireland. A distinctive oblique variant of Transport Heavy is used for Irish text, in which letters are inclined at 15 degrees. The letter "a" is represented by 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 "A", "M" and "N" are similar in appearance to lowercase "a", "m" and "n".

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

Motorway signs use white text on a blue background. National routes (both primary and secondary) use white text on a green background, with the specific route number in yellow text. Regional and local county roads use black text on white background. Signs to points of interest (services, institutions, tourist sights) have white text on a brown background. The use of legend panels (coloured backgrounds for destinations and route numbers) and patches (coloured background containing a route number enclosed in brackets), derived from the 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 divides directional information signs into six categories: 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. 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. 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. Overhead Gantry and Exit Taper Gantry Signs — destinations are signposted in advance on signs mounted on gantry structures. Route Confirmatory, Route Marker and Route Direction Signs — these provide confirmation and information to drivers about the destinations and route ahead. 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 Gaeltacht, or the official name in English is identical to the Irish name or nearly so (for example Dún Laoghaire or 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 the route travelled, the destination or route number will be shown in brackets on route confirmatory signs. 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

File:IE Advance Direction Sign at 1km.svg|Map Type Advance Direction Sign (motorway) File:IE Advance Direction Sign at a Compact Junction.svg|Map Type Advance Direction Sign (national road) File:IE Map Type Roundabout Sign on Regional Route.svg|Map Type Advance Direction Sign (regional road, roundabout) File:IE Stack Sign with Grouped Panels.svg|Stack Type Advance Direction Sign (regional road) File:IE Direction Sign.svg|Direction Sign (regional road) File:IE Non-Lane Drop Gantry Sign.svg|Overhead Gantry Sign (motorway, non-lane drop) File:IE Lane Drop Gantry Sign with a Regional Diverge Panel.svg|Overhead Gantry Sign (national road, lane drop) File:IE Exit Taper Gantry Sign for a National Route.svg|Exit Taper Gantry Sign (motorway) File:IE Route Confirmatory Sign with a Spur Route.svg|Route Confirmatory Sign (national road) File:IE 2km Next Exit Sign.svg|Next Exit Sign (motorway) File:IE Lane Destination Sign.svg|Lane Destination Sign (national road) File:IE Exit Sign with Junction Number Panel (blue).svg|Exit Sign (motorway)

Other information signs

Chapter 4 of the divides other information signs into the following categories: Signs displaying civic or geographical information File:IE Town or Village Sign (green).svg|Town and Village Sign (national road) File:IE Town or Village Sign (white).svg|Town and Village Sign (regional/local road) File:IE Town or Village Sign (Gaeltacht, white).svg|Town and Village Sign (regional/local road, Gaeltacht) File:IE County Boundary (Type A) Sign.svg|County Boundary Sign (Type A) File:IE County Boundary (Type B) Sign.svg|County Boundary Sign (Type B) File:IE River Name Sign with Symbol.svg|River Name Sign with Symbol File:IE Entering a Gaeltacht Area Sign (with name, white).svg|Entering a Gaeltacht Area (regional road, with name) File:IE Entering a Gaeltacht Area Sign (without name, green).svg|Entering a Gaeltacht Area (national road, without name) Signs indicating facilities ahead of interest to road users File:IE road sign F-200.svg|F 200 Parking File:IE road sign F-202L.svg|F 202L Parking Direction File:IE road sign F-203A.svg|F 203A Parking Advance Direction File:IE road sign F-204.svg|F 204 Disabled Persons' Parking File:IE road sign F-204a.svg|F 204a e-Charging File:IE road sign F-205.svg|F 205 Bus Parking File:IE road sign F-206.svg|F 206 Cycle Parking File:IE road sign F-207R.svg|F 207R Park and Ride Direction File:IE road sign F-208L.svg|F 208L Park and Ride Advance Direction File:IE road sign F-210.svg|F 210 Hospital File:IE road sign F-212L.svg|F 212 Hospital Direction Sign File:IE road sign F-213-R.svg|F 213 Hospital Advance Direction File:IE road sign F-220.svg|F 220 Airport Repeater Sign File:IE road sign F-221L.svg|Sign F 221L Airport Direction File:IE road sign F-222-A.svg|F 222A Airport Advance Direction File:IE road sign F-230L.svg|F 231L Station Direction File:IE road sign F-231R.svg|F 232R Station Advance Direction File:IE road sign F-260.svg|F 260 Garda Station File:IE road sign F-261.svg|F 261 Garda Only Signs indicating traffic calming measures File:IE road sign F-400.svg|F 400 Metric Speed Limit Information File:IE road sign F-401-60.svg|F 401 60 km/h Speed Limit Ahead File:IE road sign F-402A.svg|F 402 Speed Camera Ahead File:IE road sign F-402a.svg|F 402a Average Speed Zone File:IE road sign F-402b-B.svg|F 402b Variable Speed Limit Zone (motorway) File:IE road sign F-403.svg|F 403 Slow Zone File:IE Traffic Calming 400m Sign.svg|Warning Traffic Calming Sign File:IE Traffic Calming Gateway Sign B (Inbound).svg|Town Name and Speed Limit Sign Signs indicating particular road layouts File:IE road sign F-300L.svg|F 300L Additional Lane Joining From Left (One to Two Lanes) File:IE road sign F-301R.svg|F 301R Additional Lanes Joining From Right (Two to Three Lanes) File:IE road sign F-302L.svg|F 302L Additional Lanes Joining From Left - Left Joining Lane Continues (Three to Four Lanes) File:IE road sign F-303R.svg|F 303R Additional Lanes Joining From Right - Left Joining Lane Continues (Two to Three Lanes) File:IE road sign F-304L.svg|F 304L Additional Lanes Joining From Left - Left Joining Lane Continues (Three to Four Lanes) File:IE road sign F-305R.svg|F 305R Additional Lanes Joining From Right - Right Joining Lane Continues (Two to Three Lanes) File:IE road sign F-306L.svg|F 306L Additional Lanes Joining From Left - Right Joining Lane Continues (Three to Four Lanes) File:IE road sign F-308 (200).svg|F 308 Lane Gain (Three to Four Lanes, 200 m) File:IE road sign F-324 (2024–).svg|F 324 Lane Diverge (Four Lanes) File:IE road sign F-330.svg|F 330 Start of Motorway File:IE road sign F-331 (EN).svg|F 331 Motorway Prohibitions (English) File:IE road sign F-331 (GA).svg|F 331 Motorway Prohibitions (Irish) File:IE road sign F-332.svg|F 332 Start of Motorway Ahead File:IE road sign F-333.svg|F 333 End of Motorway File:IE road sign F-334 (2km).svg|F 334 End of Motorway Ahead File:IE road sign F-340-1-B.svg|F 340.1 Countdown Marker (motorway, 100 m) File:IE road sign F-340-2-B.svg|F 340.2 Countdown Marker (motorway, 200 m) File:IE road sign F-340-3-B.svg|F 340.3 Countdown Marker (motorway, 300 m) File:IE road sign F-350.svg|F 350 Cul-de-sac File:IE road sign F-360.svg|F 360 Start of Nearside With-Flow Bus Lane File:IE road sign F-361.svg|F 361 Start of Offside With-Flow Bus Lane File:IE road sign F-362.svg|F 362 Continuous Bus Lane (Two Lanes) Signs indicating alternative or diversionary routes File:IE road sign F-500.svg|F 500 High Vehicle Advance File:IE road sign F-502L.svg|F 502L High Vehicle Direction File:IE road sign F-511L.svg|F 501R Heavy Vehicle Advance Direction File:IE road sign F-512R.svg|F 501R Heavy Vehicle Direction Services Signs Toll Road Signs File:IE road sign F-700.svg|F 700 Toll Road Ahead File:IE road sign F-701.svg|F 701 Toll Plaza Ahead Tunnel Information Signs File:IE road sign F-800-W.svg|F 800 Tunnel Information Sign File:IE road sign F-801.svg|F 801 Turn Headlights On File:IE road sign F-802.svg|F 802 Tunnel Radio Stations File:IE road sign F-803.svg|F 803 Emergency (Tunnel) Lay-by File:IE road sign F-804.svg|F 804 Fire Extinguisher and Telephone File:IE road sign F-805.svg|F 805 Fire Extinguisher, Telephone and Lay-by File:IE road sign F-806.svg|F 806 Emergency Station File:IE road sign F-807B-R.svg|F 807 Pedestrian Exit Miscellaneous Signs File:IE road sign F-901.svg|F 901 Tram Information Sign Must always be accompanied with supplementary plate P 041 File:IE road sign F-902.svg|F 902 Junction Definition Post File:IE road sign F-903.svg|F 903 Turn Back File:IE road sign F-904.svg|F 904 Authorised Vehicles Only File:IE road sign F-905-B (variant 1).svg|F 905 Location Reference Indicator Sign Tourist Attraction Signs Cycle Route Signs File:IE road sign C-100.svg|C 100 Two-Stage Right Turn

Regulatory signs

The three main types of regulatory signs are mandatory, restrictive and prohibitory, all of which are circular in shape. Mandatory signs are white on blue with a white border and restrictive signs are black on a white background, with a red border, while prohibitory signs are similar to restrictive signs in design, but include a red line diagonally bisecting the sign. Regulatory signs were introduced in 1956 with the Traffic Signs Regulations, 1956. Some signs were added later. These signs are laid out in Chapter 5 of the .

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

File:IE road sign RUS-001.svg|RUS 001 Keep Left File:IE road sign RUS-002.svg|RUS 002 Keep Right File:IE road sign RUS-003.svg|RUS 003 Pass Either Side File:IE road sign RUS-004.svg|RUS 004 Keep Straight Ahead File:IE road sign RUS-005.svg|RUS 005 Turn Right File:IE road sign RUS-006.svg|RUS 006 Turn Left File:IE road sign RUS-007.svg|RUS 007 Turn Left Ahead File:IE road sign RUS-008.svg|RUS 008 Turn Right Ahead File:IE road sign RUS-009.svg|RUS 009 Pedal Cycles Only File:IE road sign RUS-010.svg|RUS 010 Clearway File:IE road sign RUS-011.svg|RUS 011 No Straight Ahead File:IE road sign RUS-012.svg|RUS 012 No Right Turn File:IE road sign RUS-013.svg|RUS 013 No Left Turn File:IE road sign RUS-014.svg|RUS 014 No Overtaking File:Ireland road sign RUS 015.svg|RUS 015 Maximum Gross Weight (Traffic Management) File:IE road sign RUS-016.svg|RUS 016 Height Restriction File:IE road sign RUS-017.svg|RUS 017 No U-Turn File:IE road sign RUS-018-L-R.svg|RUS 018 Parking Permitted File:IE road sign RUS-019-L-R.svg|RUS 019 No Parking File:IE road sign RUS-020-L-R.svg|RUS 020 Taxi Stand File:IE road sign RUS-020a.svg|RUS 020a Electric Vehicle Parking Permitted File:IE road sign RUS-021.svg|RUS 021 Pedestrianised Street File:IE road sign RUS-026.svg|RUS 026 Yield File:IE road sign RUS-026G.svg|RUS 026 Géill Slí (Yield sign in Irish) File:IE road sign RUS-026A.svg|RUS 026A Yield Sign for Cyclists File:IE road sign RUS-027.svg|RUS 027 Stop File:IE road sign RUS-028.svg|RUS 028 Nearside With-flow Bus Lane File:IE road sign RUS-029.svg|RUS 029 Offside With-flow Bus Lane File:IE road sign RUS-030.svg|RUS 030 Contra-Flow Bus Lane File:IE road sign RUS-031 (square).svg|RUS 031 Bus Stop File:IE road sign RUS-031 (circle).svg|RUS 031 Bus Stop File:IE road sign RUS-032.svg|RUS 032 School Warden File:IE road sign RUS-032A.svg|RUS 032A School Street File:IE road sign RUS-033.svg|RUS 033 LRT Speed Limit File:IE road sign RUS-034.svg|RUS 034 LRT Stop File:IE road sign RUS-035.svg|RUS 035 LRT Yield File:IE road sign RUS-036.svg|RUS 036 Nearside Tram Lane File:IE road sign RUS-037.svg|RUS 037 Offside Tram Lane File:IE road sign RUS-038.svg|RUS 038 No Pedestrians File:IE road sign RUS-039.svg|RUS 039 Speed Limit (120 km/h) File:IE road sign RUS-040.svg|RUS 040 Speed Limit (100 km/h) File:IE road sign RUS-041.svg|RUS 041 Speed Limit (80 km/h) File:IE road sign RUS-042.svg|RUS 042 Speed Limit (60 km/h) File:IE road sign RUS-042A.svg|RUS 042A Rural Speed Limit File:IE road sign RUS-043.svg|RUS 043 Speed Limit (50 km/h) File:IE road sign RUS-044.svg|RUS 044 Speed Limit (30 km/h) File:IE road sign RUS-046.svg|RUS 046 Prohibited Number of Axles File:IE road sign RUS-047-W.svg|RUS 047 Prohibited Axles in Right Hand Lane File:IE road sign RUS-049.svg|RUS 049 Mini Roundabout File:IE road sign RUS-050.svg|RUS 050 No Entry File:IE road sign RUS-051.svg|RUS 051 Maximum Vehicle Length File:IE road sign RUS-052.svg|RUS 052 Maximum Vehicle Width File:IE road sign RUS-053.svg|RUS 053 Maximum Gross Weight File:IE road sign RUS-054.svg|RUS 054 Maximum Axle Weight File:IE road sign RUS-055.svg|RUS 055 No Cycles File:IE road sign RUS-056.svg|RUS 056 No Ridden or Accompanied Horses File:IE road sign RUS-057.svg|RUS 057 No Horse and Carts File:IE road sign RUS-058.svg|RUS 058 Shared Route for Pedal Cycles and Pedestrians File:IE road sign RUS-058-CL.svg|RUS 058CL Segregated Route for Pedal Cycles and Pedestrians (Cycle on Left) File:IE road sign RUS-058-CR.svg|RUS 058CR Segregated Route for Pedal Cycles and Pedestrians (Cycle on Right) File:IE road sign RUS-059.svg|RUS 059 Contra-flow Cycle Track File:IE road sign RUS-059A.svg|RUS 059A Contra-flow Cycling on One Way Street File:IE road sign RUS-059B.svg|RUS 059B Contra-flow Cycling on One Way Street File:IE road sign RUS-060.svg|RUS 060 Stop (Manual Control) File:IE road sign RUS-061.svg|RUS 061 Go (Manual Control) File:IE road sign RUS-061T.svg|RUS 061 Téigh (Manual Control) File:IE road sign RUS-062.svg|RUS 062 No Vehicles Carrying Explosives File:IE road sign RUS-063.svg|RUS 063 Restriction on Parking – Specified Events File:IE road sign RUS-064.svg|RUS 064 Speed Limit (40 km/h) File:IE road sign RUS-065.svg|RUS 065 Speed Limit (20 km/h) File:IE road sign RUS-066.svg|RUS 066 Pedestrian Crossing File:IE road sign RUS-067.svg|RUS 067 Parallel/Combined Zebra Crossing File:IE road sign RUS-068.svg|RUS 068 Cycle Street File:IE road sign RUS-068A.svg|RUS 068A End of Cycle Street File:IE road sign RUS-070.svg|RUS 070 Shared Zone File:IE road sign RUS-070A.svg|RUS 070A End of Shared Zone

Warning signs

Warning signs 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. 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 .

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

File:IE road sign W-001.svg|W 001 Crossroads File:IE road sign W-002-L.svg|W 002L Side Road - Left File:IE road sign W-002-R.svg|W 002R Side Road - Right File:IE road sign W-003-L.svg|W 003L T-Junction (Type 1) - Left File:IE road sign W-003-R.svg|W 003R T-Junction (Type 1) - Right File:IE road sign W-004-L.svg|W 004L T-Junction (Type 2) - Left File:IE road sign W-004-R.svg|W 004R T-Junction (Type 2) - Right File:IE road sign W-005-L.svg|W 005L Y-Junction - Left File:IE road sign W-005-R.svg|W 005R Y-Junction- Right File:IE road sign W-006-L.svg|W 006L Crossroads at Sharp Corner - Left File:IE road sign W-006-R.svg|W 006R Crossroads at Sharp Corner - Right File:IE road sign W-007-L-R.svg|W 007LR Staggered Junctions - Left/Right File:IE road sign W-007-R-L.svg|W 007RL Staggered Junctions - Right/Left File:IE road sign W-008-L.svg|W 008L Two Junctions on Left File:IE road sign W-008-R.svg|W 008R Two Junctions on Right File:IE road sign W-009-L.svg|W 009L Side Road on Outside of Bend - Left File:IE road sign W-009-R.svg|W 009R Side Road on Outside of Bend - Right File:IE road sign W-010-L.svg|W 010L Side Road on Inside of Bend - Left File:IE road sign W-010-R.svg|W 010R Side Road on Inside of Bend - Right File:IE road sign W-011-L.svg|W 011L Crossroads on Bend - Left File:IE road sign W-011-R.svg|W 011R Crossroads on Bend - Right File:IE road sign W-012-L.svg|W 012L Side Road on Dual C'way - Left (with CR Break) File:IE road sign W-012-R.svg|W 012R Side Road on Dual C'way - Right (with CR Break) File:IE road sign W-013.svg|W 013 Side Road on Dual C'way - (No CR Break) File:IE road sign W-014.svg|W 014 Crossroads on Dual C'way File:IE road sign W-015.svg|W 015 Crossroads (Major Road) Ahead File:IE road sign W-016.svg|W 016 T Junction (Major Road) Ahead File:IE road sign W-017-L.svg|W 017L Staggered Crossroads Ahead - Left File:IE road sign W-017-R.svg|W 017R Staggered Crossroads Ahead - Right File:IE road sign W-018-L.svg|W 018L Junction With Major Road at Sharp Corner - Left File:IE road sign W-018-R.svg|W 018R Junction With Major Road at Sharp Corner - Right File:IE road sign W-019.svg|W 019 Crossroads Ahead at Dual C'way File:IE road sign W-020.svg|W 020 T Junction Ahead at Dual C'way (With CR Break) File:IE road sign W-021-L.svg|W 021L Staggered Crossroads Ahead at Dual C'way - Left File:IE road sign W-021-R.svg|W 021R Staggered Crossroads Ahead at Dual C'way - Right File:IE road sign W-022.svg|W 022 T Junction Ahead at Dual C'way (No CR Break) File:IE road sign W-030.svg|W 030 Merging Traffic From Left File:IE road sign W-031.svg|W 031 Merging with Traffic on Right File:IE road sign W-032.svg|W 032 Merging and Diverging Traffic File:IE road sign W-033.svg|W 033 Loop File:IE road sign W-034 (two lanes).svg|W 034 Compact Junction File:IE road sign W-040.svg|W 040 Stop Ahead File:IE road sign W-041.svg|W 041 Yield Ahead File:IE road sign W-042.svg|W 042 Traffic Signals File:IE road sign W-043.svg|W 043 Roundabout Ahead File:IE road sign W-044.svg|W 044 Mini Roundabout Ahead File:IE road sign W-050-L.svg|W 050L Sharp Corner - Left File:IE road sign W-050-R.svg|W 050R Sharp Corner - Right File:IE road sign W-051-L.svg|W 051L Sharp Bend - Left File:IE road sign W-051-R.svg|W 051R Sharp Bend - Right File:IE road sign W-052-L.svg|W 052L Series of Sharp Corners - Left File:IE road sign W-052-R.svg|W 052R Series of Sharp Corners - Right File:IE road sign W-053-L.svg|W 053L Series of Sharp Bends - Left File:IE road sign W-053-R.svg|W 053R Series of Sharp Bends - Right File:IE road sign W-061-L.svg|W 061L Single Chevron - Left File:IE road sign W-061-R.svg|W 061R Single Chevron - Right File:IE road sign W-062-L.svg|W 062L Multiple Chevrons (Two) - Left File:IE road sign W-062-R.svg|W 062R Multiple Chevrons (Two) - Right File:IE road sign W-063-L.svg|W 063L Multiple Chevrons (Three) - Left File:IE road sign W-063-R.svg|W 063R Multiple Chevrons (Three) - Right File:IE road sign W-070-L.svg|W 070L Road Narrows on Left File:IE road sign W-070-R.svg|W 070R Road Narrows on Right File:IE road sign W-071.svg|W 071 Road Narrows on Both Sides File:IE road sign W-080.svg|W 080 Two-way Traffic File:IE road sign W-081.svg|W 081 Two-way Traffic Crossing File:IE road sign W-082.svg|W 082 Three Lanes of Traffic (Two With, One Against) File:IE road sign W-083.svg|W 083 Three Lanes of Traffic (One With, Two Against) File:IE road sign W-091L.svg|W 091L Lane Loss (Two to One Lane) - Left File:IE road sign W-091R.svg|W 091R Lane Loss (Two to One Lane) - Right File:IE road sign W-092L.svg|W 092L Lane Loss (Three to Two Lanes) - Left File:IE road sign W-092R (200).svg|W 092R Lane Loss (Three to Two Lanes) - Right (with 200m panel) File:IE road sign W-093L (400).svg|W 093L Lane Loss (Four to Three Lanes) - Left (with 400m panel) File:IE road sign W-093R.svg|W 093R Lane Loss (Four to Three Lanes) - Right File:IE road sign W-094.svg|W 094 Road Divides File:IE road sign W-095.svg|W 095 Dual Carriageway Ends File:IE road sign W-100.svg|W 100 Start of Passing Lane File:IE road sign W-101.svg|W 101 One-Lane Section File:IE road sign W-102.svg|W 102 Two-Lane Section File:IE road sign W-103.svg|W 103 Start of Climbing Lane File:IE road sign W-105.svg|W 105 Steep Descent File:IE road sign W-106.svg|W 106 Steep Ascent File:IE road sign W-110.svg|W 110 Restricted Headroom File:IE road sign W-111.svg|W 111 Overhead Electrical Cables File:IE road sign W-112.svg|W 112 Maximum Vehicle Length File:IE road sign W-113.svg|W 113 Maximum Vehicle Width File:IE road sign W-114.svg|W 114 Maximum Gross Weight (Traffic Management) File:IE road sign W-115.svg|W 115 Maximum Gross Weight File:IE road sign W-116.svg|W 116 Maximum Axle Weight File:IE road sign W-117.svg|W 117 Prohibited Number of Axles File:IE road sign W-120.svg|W 120 Level Crossing With Flashing Red Signals File:IE road sign W-121.svg|W 121 Level Crossing With No Flashing Red Signals File:IE road sign W-122.1-L.svg|W 122.1L Level Crossing Countdown Marker (100 m) File:IE road sign W-122.2-L.svg|W 122.2L Level Crossing Countdown Marker (200 m) File:IE road sign W-122.3-L.svg|W 122.3L Level Crossing Countdown Marker (300 m) File:IE road sign W-123.svg|W 123 Risk of Grounding File:IE road sign W-124.svg|W 124 Tram Crossing File:IE road sign W-125.svg|W 125 Tram Advisory Speed File:IE road sign W-126.svg|W 126 Level Crossing with No Flashing Red Signal – User Operated File:IE road sign W-130.svg|W 130 Road Hump File:IE road sign W-131.svg|W 131 Road Depression File:IE road sign W-132.svg|W 132 Humpback Bridge File:IE road sign W-133.svg|W 133 Uneven Road File:IE road sign W-134.svg|W 134 Slippery Road File:IE road sign W-135.svg|W 135 Soft Verge File:IE road sign W-140.svg|W 140 Pedestrians File:IE road sign W-140A.svg|W 140A Pedestrians Crossing File:IE road sign W-141.svg|W 141 School Ahead File:IE road sign W-142.svg|W 142 Children Crossing File:IE road sign W-143.svg|W 143 Cyclists File:IE road sign W-144.svg|W 144 Slippery for Cyclists File:IE road sign W-145.svg|W 145 Cyclists Dismount File:IE road sign W-146.svg|W 146 Pedestrian/Cycle Crossing File:IE road sign W-150.svg|W 150 Accompanied Horses File:IE road sign W-151.svg|W 151 Cattle or Farm Animals File:IE road sign W-152.svg|W 152 Sheep File:IE road sign W-153.svg|W 153 Deer or Wild Animals File:IE road sign W-154.svg|W 154 Jaunting Cars File:IE road sign W-160.svg|W 160 Unprotected Water File:IE road sign W-161.svg|W 161 Ford File:IE road sign W-162.svg|W 162 Tunnel File:IE road sign W-163.svg|W 163 Queues Likely File:IE road sign W-164.svg|W 164 Falling Rocks File:IE road sign W-165.svg|W 165 Low-flying Aircraft File:IE road sign W-166.svg|W 166 Crosswind File:IE road sign W-167.svg|W 167 Opening Bridge File:IE road sign W-168.svg|W 168 Tractors File:IE road sign W-169.svg|W 169 Drive on Left (Entry Point) File:IE road sign W-169a.svg|W 169A Drive on Left (Repeater) File:IE road sign W-170.svg|W 170 Other Hazard File:IE road sign W-183.svg|W 183 Barrier Board - 3 Bars File:IE road sign W-184.svg|W 184 Barrier Board - 4 Bars File:IE road sign W-185.svg|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). IE road sign WK-001.svg|WK 001 Roadworks Ahead IE road sign WK-010.svg|WK 010 One-lane Crossover (Out) IE road sign WK-011.svg|WK 011 One-lane Crossover (Back) IE road sign WK-012.svg|WK 012 Move to Left (One Lane) IE road sign WK-013.svg|WK 013 Move to Right (One Lane) IE road sign WK-014.svg|WK 014 Move to Left (Two Lanes) IE road sign WK-014A.svg|WK 014A Move to Left (Three Lanes) IE road sign WK-015.svg|WK 015 Move to Right (Two Lanes) IE road sign WK-015A.svg|WK 015A Move to Right (Three Lanes) IE road sign WK-016.svg|WK 016 Obstruction Between Lanes IE road sign WK-017.svg|WK 017 End of Obstruction Between Lanes IE road sign WK-018.svg|WK 018 Start of Central Reserve or Obstruction IE road sign WK-019.svg|WK 019 End of Central Reserve or Obstruction IE road sign WK-020.svg|WK 020 Lanes Diverge at Crossover IE road sign WK-021.svg|WK 021 Lanes Rejoin at Crossover IE road sign WK-022.svg|WK 022 Two-lane Crossover (Out) IE road sign WK-023.svg|WK 023 Two-lane Crossover (Back) IE road sign WK-024.svg|WK 024 Merge to the Right IE road sign WK-030.svg|WK 030 Single Lane (for Shuttle Working) IE road sign WK-031.svg|WK 031 Two-way Traffic IE road sign WK-032.svg|WK 032 Road Narrows on Left IE road sign WK-033.svg|WK 033 Road Narrows on Right IE road sign WK-034.svg|WK 034 Road Narrows on Both Sides IE road sign WK-035.svg|WK 035 Merging Traffic from Left IE road sign WK-040.svg|WK 040 Lane 2 of 2 Closed (Level 3) IE road sign WK-040A.svg|WK 040A Lane 2 of 2 Closed (Level 1) IE road sign WK-041.svg|WK 041 Lane 1 of 2 Closed (Level 3) IE road sign WK-041A.svg|WK 041A Lane 1 of 2 Closed (Level 1) IE road sign WK-042.svg|WK 042 Lane 3 of 3 Closed (Level 3) IE road sign WK-042A.svg|WK 042A Lane 3 of 3 Closed (Level 1) IE road sign WK-043.svg|WK 043 Lane 1 of 3 Closed (Level 3) IE road sign WK-043A.svg|WK 043A Lane 1 of 3 Closed (Level 1) IE road sign WK-044.svg|WK 044 Lanes 2 & 3 of 3 Closed (Level 3) IE road sign WK-044A.svg|WK 044A Lanes 2 & 3 of 3 Closed (Level 1) IE road sign WK-045.svg|WK 045 Lanes 1 & 2 of 3 Closed (Level 3) IE road sign WK-045A.svg|WK 045A Lanes 1 & 2 of 3 Closed (Level 1) IE road sign WK-046.svg|WK 046 Lane 4 of 4 Closed (Level 3) IE road sign WK-047.svg|WK 047 Lane 1 of 4 Closed (Level 3) IE road sign WK-048.svg|WK 048 Lanes 3 & 4 of 4 Closed (Level 3) IE road sign WK-049.svg|WK 049 Lanes 1 & 2 of 4 Closed (Level 3) IE road sign WK-050.svg|WK 050 Side Road on Left IE road sign WK-051.svg|WK 051 Side Road on Right IE road sign WK-052.svg|WK 052 Site Access IE road sign WK-060.svg|WK 060 Temporary Traffic Signals IE road sign WK-061.svg|WK 061 Flagman Ahead IE road sign WK-062.svg|WK 062 Queues Likely IE road sign WK-070.svg|WK 070 Hump or Ramp IE road sign WK-071.svg|WK 071 Uneven Surface IE road sign WK-072.svg|WK 072 Slippery Road IE road sign WK-073.svg|WK 073 Loose Chippings IE road sign WK-074.svg|WK 074 Soft Verge IE road sign WK-080.svg|WK 080 Pedestrians Cross to Left IE road sign WK-081.svg|WK 081 Pedestrians Cross to Right IE road sign WK-082.svg|WK 082 Temporary Pedestrian Crossing IE road sign WK-084.svg|WK 084 Cyclists Keep Left IE road sign WK-085.svg|WK 085 Cyclists Keep Right IE road sign WK-086.svg|WK 086 Cyclists IE road sign WK-087.svg|WK 087 Slippery for Cyclists IE road sign WK-090.svg|WK 090 Detour IE road sign WK-091-L.svg|WK 091 Diverted Traffic (Left) IE road sign WK-091-R.svg|WK 091 Diverted Traffic (Right) IE road sign WK-091A-L.svg|WK 091 Diverted Traffic (Upper Left) IE road sign WK-091A-R.svg|WK 091 Diverted Traffic (Upper Right) IE road sign WK-091B.svg|WK 091 Diverted Traffic (Straight) IE road sign WK-092.svg|WK 092 End of Detour IE road sign WK-093.svg|WK 093 Detour Destination IE road sign WK-094.svg|WK 094 Road Closed IE road sign WK-095.svg|WK 095 Stop Here On Red IE road sign WK-096.svg|WK 096 Free Recovery IE road sign WK-097.svg|WK 097 Free Recovery End IE road sign WK-098.svg|WK 098 Convoy System in Operation IE road sign WK-099.svg|WK 099 Follow Me IE road sign WK-100.svg|WK 100 Lane 2 of 2 Narrow (advance) IE road sign WK-101.svg|WK 101 Lane 3 of 3 Narrow (advance) IE road sign WK-102.svg|WK 102 Lanes 2 & 3 of 3 Narrow (advance) IE road sign WK-105.svg|WK 105 Lane 2 of 2 Narrow IE road sign WK-106.svg|WK 106 Lane 3 of 3 Narrow IE road sign WK-107.svg|WK 107 Lanes 2 & 3 of 3 Narrow IE road sign WK-110.svg|WK 110 Lane 2 of 2 Closed MLC IE road sign WK-111.svg|WK 111 Lane 1 of 2 Closed MLC IE road sign WK-112.svg|WK 112 Lane 3 of 3 Closed MLC IE road sign WK-113.svg|WK 113 Lane 1 of 3 Closed MLC IE road sign WK-114.svg|WK 114 Lanes 1 & 2 of 3 Closed MLC IE road sign WK-115.svg|WK 115 Lanes 2 & 3 of 3 Closed MLC IE road sign WK-116.svg|WK 116 Lane 4 of 4 Closed MLC IE road sign WK-117.svg|WK 117 Lane 1 of 4 Closed MLC IE road sign WK-118.svg|WK 118 Lanes 1 & 2 of 4 Closed MLC IE road sign WK-119.svg|WK 119 Lanes 3 & 4 of 4 Closed MLC

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). IE road sign P-001.svg|P 001 Distance IE road sign P-002.svg|P 002 Length IE road sign P-003L.svg|P 003L Direction - Left IE road sign P-003R.svg|P 003R Direction - Right IE road sign P-004L.svg|P 004L Direction and Distance - Left IE road sign P-004R.svg|P 004R Direction and Distance - Right IE road sign P-005.svg|P 005 Both Ways IE road sign P-010.svg|P 010 End IE road sign P-011.svg|P 011 Cautionary Speed IE road sign P-040.svg|P 040 Reduce Speed Now IE road sign P-041.svg|P 041 LRT Information IE road sign P-042.svg|P 042 Cycle Network Arrow IE road sign P-050 (buses).svg|P 050 Exceptions IE road sign P-051.svg|P 051 Periods of Operation IE road sign P-052.svg|P 052 Pedestrian Zone IE road sign P-053.svg|P 053 Parking IE road sign P-054.svg|P 054 km/h IE road sign P-055.svg|P 055 24-Hour Operation IE road sign P-056 (start).svg|P 056 Zonal No Parking IE road sign P-057.svg|P 057 Time Limit IE road sign P-060.svg|P 060 Oncoming Traffic IE road sign P-061.svg|P 061 Another Train Coming IE road sign P-062.svg|P 062 Long Low Vehicles IE road sign P-063.svg|P 063 Traffic Calming Ahead IE road sign P-064.svg|P 064 Tram Track IE road sign P-065.svg|P 065 Oil Spill IE road sign P-066.svg|P 066 Ice IE road sign P-067.svg|P 067 Safe Headroom IE road sign P-068.svg|P 068 Turn Off Engine When Stopped IE road sign P-069 (flood).svg|P 069 Hazard IE road sign P-070 (flooding risk).svg|P 070 Hazard - Direction and Distance IE road sign P-071.svg|P 071 Safe Overtaking of Cyclists 1.5m IE road sign P-071a.svg|P 071a Safe Overtaking of Cyclists 1.0m IE road sign P-072-1.svg|P 072 Train Level Crossing IE road sign P-080.svg|P 080 Slow

The following supplementary plates are used exclusively for roadworks signs: IE road sign P-081.svg|P 081 Concealed Entrance IE road sign P-082 (road marking).svg|P 082 Type of Works (used for sign WK 001) IE road sign P-083.svg|P 083 Use Shoulder IE road sign P-084.svg|P 084 Shoulder Closed IE road sign P-085.svg|P 085 Unfinished Road Surface IE road sign P-086.svg|P 086 On Slip Road

Notes

References

References

1. "S.I. No. 433/2025 — Road Traffic (Traffic Signs) Regulations, 2025".
2. "Current Traffic Signs Manual". Department of Transport.
3. (1996). "Traffic Signs Manual". Stationery Office.
4. (November 2010). "Traffic Signs Manual".
5. "S.I. No. 171/1962 — Road Traffic (Signs) Regulations, 1962".
6. "S.I. No. 181/1997 — Road Traffic (Signs) Regulations, 1997".
7. (12 October 1977). "New KM signs introduced by Minister". Irish Independent.
8. "S.I. No. 292/1988 — Road Traffic (Signs) (Amendment) Regulations, 1988".
9. (2 October 1983). "Naas Gets First Motorway". RTÉ Archives.
10. "S.I. No. 67/1961: Traffic Signs (Amendment) Regulations, 1961".
11. (8 February 2005). "New speed limits have been adopted smoothly, but there are loose ends in the system, says David McKittrick". Independent.
12. (24 October 2022). "Active Travel Pilot Scheme for New Zebra Crossings".
13. "S.I. No. 516/2022 — Road Traffic (Signs) (Amendment) Regulations 2022".
14. "S.I. No. 55/1926 — Road Signs and Traffic Signals Regulations, 1926".
15. "S.I. No. 284/1956 — Road Traffic (Signs) Regulations, 1956".
16. "Report 1956–1957". [[Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
17. (22 July 1952). "Final report submitted by the Group of Experts on Road Signs and Signals to the 6th session of the Transport and Communications Commission". United Nations.
18. "Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations, 1997".
19. "Road Traffic Act 1994, Section 36A".