Pedestrian crossingIreland
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.
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.
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.
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.
Does an Irish courtesy crossing automatically give pedestrians priority?
No. Raised, patterned or coloured courtesy crossings do not themselves give automatic right of way.
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.
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.

Traffic rules
Ireland