Additional signsIreland

Learn traffic rules with clear explanations and visual examples in our illustrated book, designed to make studying simple and engaging.


Additional signs

An additional sign is a traffic sign placed directly below another sign to provide extra information or clarify how the main sign should be understood. It can specify conditions such as distance, time periods, road users affected, directions, or special circumstances. Additional signs do not create new rules by themselves but modify, limit, or explain the meaning of the sign above them so drivers can apply the rule correctly in that specific situation.


Buses allowed. Traffic from both directions. To the left. To the right. ... metres to the left. ... metres to the right. ... metres ahead. For ... metres. Indicated height. Disc parking, maximum 2 hours. For the number of minutes shown. For the number of hours shown. During the time shown on the indicated days. Minimum overtaking distance from cyclists. Recommended speed. Reduce speed now. Drive slowly. Speed in km/h. Traffic calming. Pedestrian zone. Oncoming vehicles in the middle of the road. Another train coming if lights continue flashing. End.

1. Buses allowed

This supplementary sign indicates that buses are allowed where the main traffic sign would otherwise restrict their access or use. The bus categories covered depend on the applicable local definitions.

Buses allowed.

2. Traffic from both directions

This supplementary sign indicates that traffic may approach from both directions on the road or traffic stream concerned by the main sign.

Traffic from both directions.

3. To the left

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign applies in the direction shown by the arrow, to the left.

To the left.

4. To the right

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign applies in the direction shown by the arrow, to the right.

To the right.

5. metres to the left

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign refers to a location the indicated distance to the left.

... metres to the left.

6. metres to the right

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign refers to a location the indicated distance to the right.

... metres to the right.

7. metres ahead

This supplementary sign indicates the distance from the main traffic sign to the point where the indicated danger, regulation or information begins. The distance is shown in metres.

... metres ahead.

8. For metres

This supplementary sign indicates the length of the section to which the main traffic sign applies. The length is shown in metres.

For ... metres.

9. Indicated height

This supplementary sign shows an indicated vehicle height. Read it together with the main traffic sign to determine how the height value affects the applicable rule or restriction.

Indicated height.

10. Disc parking, maximum 2 hours

This supplementary sign indicates that a parking disc must be used and parking is limited to a maximum of 2 hours.

Disc parking, maximum 2 hours.

11. For the number of minutes shown

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign applies for the number of minutes shown.

For the number of minutes shown.

12. For the number of hours shown

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign applies for the number of hours shown.

For the number of hours shown.

13. During the time shown on the indicated days

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign applies during the time shown on the indicated days.

During the time shown on the indicated days.

14. Minimum overtaking distance from cyclists

This supplementary sign indicates the minimum lateral distance to be kept from cyclists when overtaking. The required distance is shown on the sign.

Minimum overtaking distance from cyclists.

15. Recommended speed

This supplementary sign indicates a recommended speed rather than a maximum speed limit. Its legal effect depends on the applicable local rules.

Recommended speed.

16. Reduce speed now

This supplementary sign instructs or advises drivers to reduce speed immediately in connection with the situation indicated by the main traffic sign.

Reduce speed now.

17. Drive slowly

This supplementary sign advises drivers to drive slowly in connection with the situation indicated by the main traffic sign.

Drive slowly.

18. Speed in km/h

This supplementary sign indicates that the displayed speed is expressed in kilometres per hour (km/h).

Speed in km/h.

19. Traffic calming

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign applies in an area with traffic-calming measures.

Traffic calming.

20. Pedestrian zone

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign applies to a pedestrian zone.

Pedestrian zone.

21. Oncoming vehicles in the middle of the road

This supplementary sign warns that oncoming vehicles may use the middle of the road.

Oncoming vehicles in the middle of the road.

22. Another train coming if lights continue flashing

This supplementary sign warns that another train may be approaching if the crossing lights continue flashing after a train has passed.

Another train coming if lights continue flashing.

23. End

This supplementary sign indicates the end of the section to which the main traffic sign applies.

End.