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2+2 RoadIreland

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Ireland. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Ireland

56. 2+2 Road

A 2+2 road is a road with two traffic lanes in each direction, providing a total of four lanes for through traffic. The opposing directions may be separated by a median, safety barrier, other physical divider or, on some roads, only by road markings.

The additional lane in each direction allows vehicles to overtake, change lanes and accommodate higher traffic volumes more easily than on a road with only one lane in each direction. Drivers must follow the applicable lane-use, overtaking and road-position rules.

2+2 Road
A 2+2 road with cable barrier. (N4 Dromad/Roosky, Ireland)
Wikimedia.org • Trans5999 • CC0
Which lane should you normally use on a 2+2 road?

This depends on the country's traffic rules. In countries where traffic keeps right, drivers should generally use the right-hand lane unless there is a reason to use another lane, such as overtaking or preparing for a turn.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 10–12; international framework subject to national law

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 160–169; national guidance example

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 135–138; national guidance example

1 Ireland 2 Motorway 3 Residential area 4 Zone 5 Speed limit 6 Bike path 7 Pedestrian warning 8 Bridge 9 Speed bump 10 Toll road 11 Quay 12 Slope 13 Bus lane 14 Stop sign 15 Give way 16 Roundabout 17 Road narrowing 18 Pedestrian crossing 19 Railway crossing 20 Turn prohibition 21 School area 22 Crossing animals 23 Slippery road 24 Curve 25 Chevron 26 Wrong-way driving 27 Height limit 28 Weight limit 29 Radar speed sign 30 Priority at the next junction 31 Traffic lights warning 32 Pedestrian lights 33 Left-hand traffic 34 Driving licence 35 End of restriction 36 Parking 37 No parking 38 Reversing 39 U-turn 40 Hostel 41 Tourist attraction 42 Licence plate 43 Dangers 44 Cyclist 45 Bus 46 Police 47 Ambulance 48 Taxi 49 European emission standard 50 Pothole 51 Path 52 Particulates 53 Air pollution 54 Rush hour 55 Road code 56 2+2 Road 57 Street gutter 58 Cargo bike 59 Forestry vehicle 60 Construction vehicle 61 Semi-trailer truck 62 Trolleybus 63 Speed pedelec 64 Delivery vehicle 65 Idling 66 Tow truck 67 Four-wheel drive 68 Bicycle 69 Motorcycle equipment 70 Tram 71 Rail track 72 Caravan 73 Trailer 74 Tow hitch 75 Fire truck 76 Siren 77 Convoy 78 Emergency vehicle lighting 79 Agricultural machinery 80 Electric bicycle 81 Electric vehicle 82 Pedelec 83 Quadricycle 84 Microcar 85 All-terrain vehicle 86 Van 87 Recreational vehicle 88 Scooter 89 Trikke 90 Personal mobility device 91 Skateboard 92 Segway 93 Kick scooter 94 Roller skates 95 Mailman 96 Hitchhiker 97 Toddler 98 Child 99 Disability 100 Motorail ...