Pedestrian lightsIreland

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

32. Pedestrian lights

Pedestrian lights are traffic signals that regulate when pedestrians may begin crossing a road. They normally display a red standing figure to prohibit starting and a green walking figure to permit crossing.

A flashing signal or countdown may warn that the permitted crossing period is ending. Pedestrians should cross without unnecessary delay, while turning drivers must remain alert and allow pedestrians who entered lawfully to finish crossing safely.

Pelican crossing displaying the amber pedestrian signal. (Dublin, Ireland)
Wikimedia.org • Billy Hicks • CC BY-SA

What do pedestrian traffic signals mean in Ireland?

Where fitted, a green walking-person symbol indicates when pedestrians may begin to cross, and a red standing-person symbol means do not begin. Check that traffic has stopped and follow the exact locally displayed symbol or audible instruction.

🔗 rsa.ie • Ireland, RSA pedestrian safety, pedestrian lights

What if the pedestrian signal changes while you are crossing in Ireland?

Do not start unless the pedestrian light is steady green. If you have already started lawfully, clear the crossing safely without delaying. Where there is a central island, treat each side separately and wait for green before starting the next section.

🔗 revisedacts.lawreform.ie • Ireland, Traffic and Parking Regulations 1997, articles 8,30 and46

May turning drivers ignore pedestrians on a signal-controlled crossing in Ireland?

No. Drivers must watch for pedestrians still on the crossing and obey the local rules on giving way when turning. A signal for vehicles does not justify driving into someone who has not yet reached a safe place.

🔗 revisedacts.lawreform.ie • Ireland, Traffic and Parking Regulations 1997, articles 8,30 and46

Must Irish pedestrians wait for a second green signal on a central island?

Yes. RSA guidance says to treat each side separately and await the signal for that section.

🔗 rsa.ie • Ireland, RSA pedestrian safety, pedestrian lights

What accessible indications may Irish pedestrian lights provide?

An audible bleep or a vibrating panel on the push button may indicate when to cross.

🔗 rsa.ie • Ireland, RSA pedestrian safety, pedestrian lights

Traffic lights warning

Left-hand traffic

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 ...