Mandatory signsIreland
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Additional signsMandatory signs
A mandatory sign is a traffic sign that tells drivers what they must do. Instead of prohibiting actions, these signs impose obligations such as following a specific direction, using a particular lane, or keeping a minimum speed. Their purpose is to guide traffic safely and efficiently by ensuring that all road users follow the same required behaviour in places where it is necessary for order and safety.
How are compulsory instructions shown in Ireland?
Regulatory signs also require actions such as keeping left or following a designated direction.
🔗 rsa.ie • RSA Rules of the Road — guidance, law date 1 March 2025; read with later amendments
🔗 irishstatutebook.ie • S.I.433/2025 — current Irish traffic-sign and road-marking descriptions
What does a mandatory-direction sign require in Ireland?
Where a compulsory-direction sign is installed in Ireland, follow only the arrow direction or permitted combination of directions. The restriction applies at the location or movement it regulates; it is not an instruction to ignore other traffic controls.
🔗 rsa.ie • RSA Rules of the Road — guidance, law date 1 March 2025; read with later amendments
🔗 irishstatutebook.ie • S.I.433/2025 — current Irish traffic-sign and road-marking descriptions
Does a mandatory-direction sign give me priority over pedestrians in Ireland?
No. It tells you which way to move, not who goes first. Check traffic lights, other priority signs, pedestrians and cyclists, and give way when required before completing the manoeuvre.
🔗 rsa.ie • RSA Rules of the Road — guidance, law date 1 March 2025; read with later amendments
🔗 irishstatutebook.ie • S.I.433/2025 — current Irish traffic-sign and road-marking descriptions
1. Mandatory roundabout direction
This traffic sign indicates the mandatory direction around a roundabout. Traffic must circulate in the direction shown by the arrows. The sign does not itself determine priority; follow the applicable priority signs, traffic signals and local rules.
English • RUS 049 • Mini-roundabout. Follow the clockwise direction indicated by the arrows at the mini-roundabout and yield to traffic approaching from the right as required.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Roadguidelines.ie • Department of Transport • Traffic Signs Manual • RUS 049
🔗 Irishstatutebook.ie • Road Traffic (Traffic Signs) Regulations 2025 (EN)
SVG source: Government of Ireland – Department of Transport • Public domain • Original revision 2023-08-01. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Artwork verified against Roadguidelines.ie • official published diagram RUS 049.
2. Turning left mandatory
This traffic sign indicates that turning left is mandatory at the junction ahead. Traffic must turn left and may not continue straight ahead or turn right.
English • RUS 007 • Turn left ahead. Traffic must turn left ahead at the junction indicated.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Roadguidelines.ie • Department of Transport • Traffic Signs Manual • RUS 007
🔗 Irishstatutebook.ie • Road Traffic (Traffic Signs) Regulations 2025 (EN)
SVG source: Government of Ireland – Department of Transport • Public domain • Original revision 2023-07-31. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Artwork verified against Roadguidelines.ie • official published diagram RUS 007.
3. Turning right mandatory
This traffic sign indicates that turning right is mandatory at the junction ahead. Traffic must turn right and may not continue straight ahead or turn left.
English • RUS 008 • Turn right ahead. Traffic must turn right ahead at the junction indicated.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Roadguidelines.ie • Department of Transport • Traffic Signs Manual • RUS 008
🔗 Irishstatutebook.ie • Road Traffic (Traffic Signs) Regulations 2025 (EN)
SVG source: Government of Ireland – Department of Transport • Public domain • Original revision 2023-07-31. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Artwork verified against Roadguidelines.ie • official published diagram RUS 008.
4. Pass obstacle on the left
This traffic sign indicates that traffic must pass an obstacle on the left. Keep to the left of the obstacle and follow any accompanying signs or road markings.
English • RUS 001 • Keep left. Traffic must pass to the left of the sign or obstruction, following the arrow.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Roadguidelines.ie • Department of Transport • Traffic Signs Manual • RUS 001
🔗 Irishstatutebook.ie • Road Traffic (Traffic Signs) Regulations 2025 (EN)
SVG source: Government of Ireland – Department of Transport • Public domain • Original revision 2023-07-31. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Artwork verified against Roadguidelines.ie • official published diagram RUS 001.
5. Pass obstacle on either side
This traffic sign indicates that traffic must pass an obstacle on either the left or the right. Use either permitted side while following the road layout and any accompanying signs or markings.
English • RUS 003 • Pass either side. Traffic may pass either side of the sign or obstruction.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Roadguidelines.ie • Department of Transport • Traffic Signs Manual • RUS 003
🔗 Irishstatutebook.ie • Road Traffic (Traffic Signs) Regulations 2025 (EN)
SVG source: Government of Ireland – Department of Transport • Public domain • Original revision 2023-07-31. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Artwork verified against Roadguidelines.ie • official published diagram RUS 003.
6. Pass obstacle on the right
This traffic sign indicates that traffic must pass an obstacle on the right. Keep to the right of the obstacle and follow any accompanying signs or road markings.
English • RUS 002 • Keep right. Traffic must pass to the right of the sign or obstruction, following the arrow.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Roadguidelines.ie • Department of Transport • Traffic Signs Manual • RUS 002
🔗 Irishstatutebook.ie • Road Traffic (Traffic Signs) Regulations 2025 (EN)
SVG source: Government of Ireland – Department of Transport • Public domain • Original revision 2023-07-31. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Artwork verified against Roadguidelines.ie • official published diagram RUS 002.
7. Mandatory left
This traffic sign indicates a mandatory direction to the left. Traffic must proceed to the left at the sign and may not continue straight ahead or to the right.
English • RUS 006 • Turn left. Traffic must turn left at the junction indicated.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Roadguidelines.ie • Department of Transport • Traffic Signs Manual • RUS 006
🔗 Irishstatutebook.ie • Road Traffic (Traffic Signs) Regulations 2025 (EN)
SVG source: Government of Ireland – Department of Transport • Public domain • Original revision 2023-07-31. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Artwork verified against Roadguidelines.ie • official published diagram RUS 006.
8. Mandatory right
This traffic sign indicates a mandatory direction to the right. Traffic must proceed to the right at the sign and may not continue straight ahead or to the left.
English • RUS 005 • Turn right. Traffic must turn right at the junction indicated.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Roadguidelines.ie • Department of Transport • Traffic Signs Manual • RUS 005
🔗 Irishstatutebook.ie • Road Traffic (Traffic Signs) Regulations 2025 (EN)
SVG source: Government of Ireland – Department of Transport • Public domain • Original revision 2023-07-31. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Artwork verified against Roadguidelines.ie • official published diagram RUS 005.
9. Driving straight ahead mandatory
This traffic sign indicates that driving straight ahead is mandatory. Traffic must continue straight ahead and may not turn left or right at the location to which the sign applies.
English • RUS 004 • Keep straight ahead. Traffic must proceed straight ahead at the junction indicated.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Roadguidelines.ie • Department of Transport • Traffic Signs Manual • RUS 004
🔗 Irishstatutebook.ie • Road Traffic (Traffic Signs) Regulations 2025 (EN)
SVG source: Government of Ireland – Department of Transport • Public domain • Original revision 2023-07-31. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Artwork verified against Roadguidelines.ie • official published diagram RUS 004.
10. Mandatory path for cyclists
This traffic sign indicates a mandatory path for cyclists. Cyclists must use the designated path where the sign applies. Other road users may use the path only where the applicable signs or local rules permit them to do so.
English • RUS 009 • Cycle track. The sign identifies a cycle track. Its use by pedal cycles, permitted e-mopeds and electric scooters is governed by the applicable cycle-track rules.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Roadguidelines.ie • Department of Transport • Traffic Signs Manual • RUS 009
🔗 Irishstatutebook.ie • Road Traffic (Traffic Signs) Regulations 2025 (EN)
SVG source: Government of Ireland – Department of Transport • Public domain • Original revision 2023-07-31. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Artwork verified against Roadguidelines.ie • official published diagram RUS 009.
11. Mandatory shared pedestrian and cycle path
This traffic sign indicates a mandatory shared path for pedestrians and cyclists. Pedestrians and cyclists must use the same designated path rather than separate sections. They must share the space safely and follow the applicable local rules.
English • RUS 058 • Shared pedestrian and cycle track. Pedestrians and people using pedal cycles, e-mopeds or electric scooters share this track. Take care around other users and follow the shared-track rules.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Roadguidelines.ie • Department of Transport • Traffic Signs Manual • RUS 058
🔗 Irishstatutebook.ie • Road Traffic (Traffic Signs) Regulations 2025 (EN)
SVG source: Government of Ireland – Department of Transport • Public domain • Original revision 2023-08-01. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Artwork verified against Roadguidelines.ie • official published diagram RUS 058.
