Pedestrian crossingIreland

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.


18. Pedestrian crossing

A pedestrian crossing is a designated place where pedestrians may cross a road. It is commonly indicated by road markings, traffic signs, signals or a combination of these measures.

Drivers must approach with appropriate caution and give way when required by local law. Pedestrians must also observe approaching traffic and follow any pedestrian signals or instructions from authorised traffic controllers.

Pedestrian crossing
Pedestrian crossing warning sign on Main Street. (Stradbally, County Laois, Ireland)
Wikimedia.org • Sarah777 • CC0
When must drivers give way at a pedestrian crossing in Ireland?

At a zebra crossing, give way to pedestrians waiting to cross or already crossing. Slow down on approach and stop to let them cross, behind the stop line where one is provided.

🔗 revisedacts.lawreform.ie • Ireland, Law Reform Commission, Traffic and Parking Regulations, articles 8 and 10, updated to 9 October 2025

Are all pedestrian crossings controlled the same way in Ireland?

No. At pedestrian lights, pedestrians must wait for the green or cross-now signal; at a zebra crossing, drivers must give way to people waiting or already crossing. Follow an authorised school warden’s STOP control where provided.

🔗 rsa.ie • Ireland, Road Safety Authority, pedestrian crossing guidance

May I enter a pedestrian crossing if the road beyond it is blocked in Ireland?

Keep the crossing clear and wait until there is space beyond it. RSA guidance says not to overtake at or near a zebra or pelican crossing or pedestrian signals; a stopped vehicle may hide someone crossing.

🔗 rsa.ie • Ireland, RSA Rules of the Road, March 2025 law edition, railway-crossing guidance

Does a central island divide an Irish zebra crossing?

Yes. Treat each side as a separate crossing.

🔗 rsa.ie • Ireland, Road Safety Authority, pedestrian safety: crossings, accessible signals and school wardens

May Irish pedestrians cross beside a zebra crossing within its zig-zag markings?

No. Use the crossing. Without zig-zags, do not cross within 15 metres on either side.

🔗 rsa.ie • Ireland, Road Safety Authority, pedestrian safety: crossings, accessible signals and school wardens

Does an Irish courtesy crossing automatically give pedestrians priority?

No. Raised, patterned or coloured courtesy crossings do not themselves give automatic right of way.

🔗 rsa.ie • Ireland, Road Safety Authority, pedestrian safety: crossings, accessible signals and school wardens

May Irish children cross while the school warden’s Stop sign is lowered?

No. Wait until the warden raises it and traffic is stopped; do not cross while the warden remains on the footpath.

🔗 rsa.ie • Ireland, Road Safety Authority, pedestrian safety: crossings, accessible signals and school wardens

Warning for a pedestrian crossing. Warning for a pedestrian crossing.

English • W 140A • Pedestrians crossing. Pedestrians may cross the road ahead. This warning does not by itself establish a controlled pedestrian crossing.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Roadguidelines.ie • Department of Transport • Traffic Signs Manual • W 140A

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Government of Ireland – Department of Transport • Public domain • Source revision 2021-12-16. Wikimedia original unmodified.

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 ...