Prohibitory signsIreland

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

Prohibitory signs

A prohibitory sign is a traffic sign that tells drivers what is not allowed on that specific road or in that situation. These signs impose restrictions such as no entry, no overtaking, no parking, speed limits, or bans on certain types of vehicles. Their purpose is to clearly indicate actions that are forbidden to ensure safety, maintain traffic flow, and protect vulnerable road users.

Flammable or explosive goods prohibited.

Vehicles wider than indicated prohibited.

Vehicles higher than indicated prohibited.

Vehicles heavier than indicated prohibited.

Vehicles exceeding the axle-load limit prohibited.

Trucks heavier than indicated prohibited.

How are prohibitory signs classified in Ireland?

Regulatory signs include entry, parking, speed and other restrictions. Read any qualifying plate.

🔗 revisedacts.lawreform.ie • Ireland, Traffic and Parking Regulations — articles 22–24, 28, 35; Signs Regulations 2025 regulatory directions and supplementary plates

🔗 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 no-turn sign prohibit in Ireland?

It prohibits the left, right or other turn shown at the junction or position controlled by the sign in Ireland. Follow any supplementary panel or authorised direction and choose another legal route.

🔗 revisedacts.lawreform.ie • Ireland, Traffic and Parking Regulations — articles 22–24, 28, 35; Signs Regulations 2025 regulatory directions and supplementary plates

🔗 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

Can a no-turn restriction apply only to certain vehicles or hours in Ireland?

Yes, where the local sign system provides a supplementary condition or exemption, such as a vehicle class, time or authorised access. Without a valid exception, comply with the prohibited movement shown.

🔗 revisedacts.lawreform.ie • Ireland, Traffic and Parking Regulations — articles 22–24, 28, 35; Signs Regulations 2025 regulatory directions and supplementary plates

🔗 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. No entry

This traffic sign means no entry. Drivers may not enter from the direction in which the sign is placed.

English • RUS 050 • No entry. Vehicles must not enter the road from this direction. Observe any lawfully indicated exception.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Roadguidelines.ie • Department of Transport • Traffic Signs Manual • RUS 050
🔗 Irishstatutebook.ie • Road Traffic (Traffic Signs) Regulations 2025 (EN)

SVG source: Government of Ireland – Department of Transport • Public domain • Original revision 2022-01-26. Wikimedia original unmodified.

2. Access prohibited in both directions

This traffic sign indicates that drivers may not enter the road from either direction.

English • RUS 021 • Pedestrianised street. Vehicular traffic is prohibited in both directions on the pedestrianised street. An accompanying plate may specify operating times and permitted deliveries or access to premises; observe those conditions.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Roadguidelines.ie • Department of Transport • Traffic Signs Manual • RUS 021
🔗 Irishstatutebook.ie • Road Traffic (Traffic Signs) Regulations 2025 (EN)

SVG source: Government of Ireland – Department of Transport • Public domain • Original revision 2022-01-19. Wikimedia original unmodified.

3. Pedestrians prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that pedestrians are prohibited. Pedestrians may not enter or continue beyond the sign. Other road users may still be permitted unless another restriction applies.

English • RUS 038 • No pedestrians. Pedestrians must not proceed beyond this sign at the indicated light-rail or tramway section.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Roadguidelines.ie • Department of Transport • Traffic Signs Manual • RUS 038
🔗 Irishstatutebook.ie • Road Traffic (Traffic Signs) Regulations 2025 (EN)

SVG source: Government of Ireland – Department of Transport • Public domain • Original revision 2021-11-26. Wikimedia original unmodified.

4. Cyclists prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that cyclists are prohibited. Cyclists may not enter or continue beyond the sign. Other road users may still be permitted unless another restriction applies.

English • RUS 055 • No cycles, e-mopeds or electric scooters. Pedal cycles, e-mopeds and electric scooters must not proceed beyond this sign.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Roadguidelines.ie • Department of Transport • Traffic Signs Manual • RUS 055
🔗 Irishstatutebook.ie • Road Traffic (Traffic Signs) Regulations 2025 (EN)

SVG source: Government of Ireland – Department of Transport • Public domain • Original revision 2021-07-16. Wikimedia original unmodified.

5. Equestrians prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that equestrians are prohibited. Equestrians may not enter or continue beyond the sign. Other road users may still be permitted unless another restriction applies.

English • RUS 056 • No animals. People riding, leading, driving or in charge of horses or other animals must not proceed beyond this sign. The statutory animal prohibition excludes cats and dogs.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Roadguidelines.ie • Department of Transport • Traffic Signs Manual • RUS 056
🔗 Irishstatutebook.ie • Road Traffic (Traffic Signs) Regulations 2025 (EN)

SVG source: Government of Ireland – Department of Transport • Public domain • Original revision 2021-07-14. Wikimedia original unmodified.

6. Horsecarts prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that horsecarts are prohibited. Horse-drawn vehicles may not enter or continue beyond the sign. Other road users may still be permitted unless another restriction applies.

English • RUS 057 • No animal-drawn vehicles. Animal-drawn vehicles must not proceed beyond this sign.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Roadguidelines.ie • Department of Transport • Traffic Signs Manual • RUS 057
🔗 Irishstatutebook.ie • Road Traffic (Traffic Signs) Regulations 2025 (EN)

SVG source: Government of Ireland – Department of Transport • Public domain • Original revision 2021-07-15. Wikimedia original unmodified.

7. Flammable or explosive goods prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that vehicles carrying flammable or explosive substances are prohibited. Vehicles carrying the substances covered by the sign may not enter or continue beyond it.

English • RUS 062 • No vehicles carrying explosive material. At the road-tunnel entrance, a vehicle or a towed vehicle carrying explosive material must not proceed. The statutory definition includes substances liable to explode or dangerously react, produce flame or dangerous heat, or emit hazardous gases under normal conditions of transport.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Roadguidelines.ie • Department of Transport • Traffic Signs Manual • RUS 062
🔗 Irishstatutebook.ie • Road Traffic (Traffic Signs) Regulations 2025 (EN)

SVG source: Government of Ireland – Department of Transport • Public domain • Original revision 2021-08-01. Wikimedia original unmodified.

8. Vehicles wider than indicated prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that vehicles wider than indicated are prohibited. A vehicle or vehicle combination whose overall width, including its load, exceeds the displayed limit may not continue beyond the sign.

English • RUS 052 • Maximum vehicle width. Vehicles wider than 2.15 m must not proceed. Include the load when checking width.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Roadguidelines.ie • Department of Transport • Traffic Signs Manual • RUS 052
🔗 Irishstatutebook.ie • Road Traffic (Traffic Signs) Regulations 2025 (EN)

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Government of Ireland – Department of Transport • Public domain • Source revision 2021-08-01. Wikimedia original unmodified.

9. Vehicles higher than indicated prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that vehicles higher than indicated are prohibited. A vehicle or vehicle combination whose overall height, including its load, exceeds the displayed limit may not continue beyond the sign.

English • RUS 016 • Height restriction. Do not proceed if your vehicle or load exceeds the indicated clearance of 4.65 m.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Roadguidelines.ie • Department of Transport • Traffic Signs Manual • RUS 016
🔗 Irishstatutebook.ie • Road Traffic (Traffic Signs) Regulations 2025 (EN)

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Government of Ireland – Department of Transport • Public domain • Source revision 2021-08-01. Wikimedia original unmodified.

10. Vehicles heavier than indicated prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that vehicles heavier than indicated are prohibited. Vehicles or vehicle combinations exceeding the displayed mass limit may not continue beyond the sign. The legally relevant mass is determined by the applicable local rules.

English • RUS 053 • Maximum gross weight — safety. Vehicles with a design gross vehicle weight exceeding 10 tonnes must not proceed. The restriction applies regardless of the load currently carried; safety weight restrictions have no access exemption.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Roadguidelines.ie • Department of Transport • Traffic Signs Manual • RUS 053
🔗 Irishstatutebook.ie • Road Traffic (Traffic Signs) Regulations 2025 (EN)
🔗 Irishstatutebook.ie • Maximum design gross vehicle weight • traffic rules (EN)

SVG source: Government of Ireland – Department of Transport • Public domain • Original revision 2021-08-01. Wikimedia original unmodified.

11. Vehicles exceeding the axle-load limit prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that vehicles exceeding the indicated axle-load limit are prohibited. A vehicle whose load on an axle exceeds the displayed limit may not continue beyond the sign.

English • RUS 054 • Maximum axle weight. Do not proceed if the load on any axle exceeds 4 tonnes.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Roadguidelines.ie • Department of Transport • Traffic Signs Manual • RUS 054
🔗 Irishstatutebook.ie • Road Traffic (Traffic Signs) Regulations 2025 (EN)

SVG source: Government of Ireland – Department of Transport • Public domain • Original revision 2021-12-12. Wikimedia original unmodified.

12. Trucks heavier than indicated prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that trucks heavier than indicated are prohibited. Trucks covered by the sign may not continue if they exceed the displayed mass limit. The legally relevant mass is determined by the applicable local rules.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Government of Ireland – Department of Transport • Public domain • Source revision 2023-08-18. Wikimedia original unmodified.

13. Turning left prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that turning left is prohibited. A left turn may not be made where the sign applies. Other movements may still be permitted unless another restriction applies.

English • RUS 013 • No left turn. Vehicular traffic must not turn left at the junction, subject to any lawfully indicated exception.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Roadguidelines.ie • Department of Transport • Traffic Signs Manual • RUS 013
🔗 Irishstatutebook.ie • Road Traffic (Traffic Signs) Regulations 2025 (EN)

SVG source: Government of Ireland – Department of Transport • Public domain • Original revision 2021-12-25. Wikimedia original unmodified.

14. Turning right prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that turning right is prohibited. A right turn may not be made where the sign applies. Other movements may still be permitted unless another restriction applies.

English • RUS 012 • No right turn. Vehicular traffic must not turn right at the junction, subject to any lawfully indicated exception.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Roadguidelines.ie • Department of Transport • Traffic Signs Manual • RUS 012
🔗 Irishstatutebook.ie • Road Traffic (Traffic Signs) Regulations 2025 (EN)

SVG source: Government of Ireland – Department of Transport • Public domain • Original revision 2021-12-25. Wikimedia original unmodified.

15. Turning around prohibited (U-turn)

This traffic sign indicates that turning around (making a U-turn) is prohibited. A U-turn may not be made where the prohibition applies. Other movements may still be permitted unless another restriction applies.

English • RUS 017 • No U-turn. Vehicular traffic must not make a U-turn.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Roadguidelines.ie • Department of Transport • Traffic Signs Manual • RUS 017
🔗 Irishstatutebook.ie • Road Traffic (Traffic Signs) Regulations 2025 (EN)

SVG source: Government of Ireland – Department of Transport • Public domain • Original revision 2021-12-25. Wikimedia original unmodified.

16. Driving straight ahead prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that driving straight ahead is prohibited. Traffic may not continue straight ahead where the sign applies. Other movements may still be permitted unless another restriction applies.

English • RUS 011 • No straight ahead. Traffic must not proceed straight ahead past the sign. Follow the permitted route indicated by the other signs.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Roadguidelines.ie • Department of Transport • Traffic Signs Manual • RUS 011
🔗 Irishstatutebook.ie • Road Traffic (Traffic Signs) Regulations 2025 (EN)

SVG source: Government of Ireland – Department of Transport • Public domain • Original revision 2021-12-24. Wikimedia original unmodified.

17. Overtaking prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that overtaking is prohibited. The vehicles covered by the prohibition and any categories that may still be overtaken depend on the applicable local rules.

English • RUS 014 • No overtaking. Overtaking is prohibited for the signed section. Observe the extent indicated by accompanying signs or plates.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Roadguidelines.ie • Department of Transport • Traffic Signs Manual • RUS 014
🔗 Irishstatutebook.ie • Road Traffic (Traffic Signs) Regulations 2025 (EN)

SVG source: Government of Ireland – Department of Transport • Public domain • Original revision 2021-12-18. Wikimedia original unmodified.

18. Start of a speed limit

This traffic sign indicates the start of a speed limit. The displayed value is the maximum permitted speed from this point. The limit remains in force until it ends or is replaced according to the applicable traffic signs and local rules.

English • RUS 043 • 50 km/h speed limit. The maximum permitted speed is 50 km/h.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Roadguidelines.ie • Department of Transport • Traffic Signs Manual • RUS 043
🔗 Irishstatutebook.ie • Road Traffic (Traffic Signs) Regulations 2025 (EN)

SVG source: Government of Ireland – Department of Transport • Public domain • Original revision 2026-06-29. Wikimedia original unmodified.

19. Entry prohibited (checkpoint)

This traffic sign indicates a checkpoint with restricted entry. Road users may not proceed beyond the checkpoint unless they are authorised or permitted to continue according to the applicable rules and instructions.

English • RUS 031 • School warden stop sign. Stop when this sign is displayed by a school warden. Remain stopped until the warden permits traffic to proceed.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Roadguidelines.ie • Department of Transport • Traffic Signs Manual • RUS 031
🔗 Irishstatutebook.ie • Road Traffic (Traffic Signs) Regulations 2025 (EN)

SVG source: Government of Ireland – Department of Transport • Public domain • Original revision 2021-08-02. Wikimedia original unmodified.

20. Parking prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that parking is prohibited. Vehicles may not be parked in the area covered by the sign unless an exception applies. Brief stopping to pick up or drop off passengers or to load or unload goods may still be permitted where local rules allow it.

English • RUS 063 • Parking restriction for specified events. Parking by mechanically propelled vehicles is prohibited or restricted during the event-related periods shown on the accompanying information plate. Read that plate for the dates, times and extent of the restriction.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Roadguidelines.ie • Department of Transport • Traffic Signs Manual • RUS 063
🔗 Irishstatutebook.ie • Road Traffic (Traffic Signs) Regulations 2025 (EN)

SVG source: Government of Ireland – Department of Transport • Public domain • Original revision 2021-12-08. Wikimedia original unmodified.

21. Parking and stopping prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that parking and stopping are prohibited. Vehicles may not stop or park voluntarily where the restriction applies, except where an applicable rule provides an exemption or stopping is required by traffic conditions.

English • RUS 010 • Clearway. Stopping or parking is prohibited during the periods shown on the accompanying plate. An END plate marks where the clearway restriction finishes.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Roadguidelines.ie • Department of Transport • Traffic Signs Manual • RUS 010
🔗 Irishstatutebook.ie • Road Traffic (Traffic Signs) Regulations 2025 (EN)

SVG source: Government of Ireland – Department of Transport • Public domain • Original revision 2022-01-23. Wikimedia original unmodified.