Stop signIreland

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.


14. Stop sign

A stop sign requires drivers to bring their vehicle to a complete stop and give way before entering or crossing the road ahead. The stop must be made at the stop line or another legally prescribed position.

After stopping, the driver may continue only when this can be done safely and without interfering with traffic that has priority. The sign does not create priority for the driver who has stopped.

Stop sign
Stop sign. (Ballylooby, County Tipperary, Ireland)
Wikimedia.org • Sarah777 • CC0
Must I stop completely at a stop sign in Ireland?

Yes. Come to a complete stop when the applicable stop sign controls your approach, even when you cannot see another road user. Slowing to a crawl is not a stop. The stopping duty is separate from the duty to give way before continuing.

🔗 revisedacts.lawreform.ie • Ireland, Traffic and Parking Regulations — articles 8, 19–21; RSA junction priority; no imported first-arrival rule

🔗 rsa.ie • RSA Rules of the Road — guidance, law date 1 March 2025; read with later amendments

Stop and give way. Stop and give way.

English • RUS 027 • Stop. You must stop before entering the major road and give way to traffic on it. Stop at the stop line where one is provided.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Roadguidelines.ie • Department of Transport • Traffic Signs Manual • RUS 027
🔗 Irishstatutebook.ie • Road Traffic (Traffic Signs) Regulations 2025 (EN)

SVG source: Government of Ireland – Department of Transport • Public domain • Original revision 2021-12-02. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Artwork verified against Roadguidelines.ie • official published diagram RUS 027.

Where must I stop at a stop-controlled junction in Ireland?

Stop at the stop line. Without a stop line, stop before the junction at the prescribed safe position. Look for pedestrians and cyclists as well as motor traffic before moving into the other road.

🔗 revisedacts.lawreform.ie • Ireland, Traffic and Parking Regulations — articles 8, 19–21; RSA junction priority; no imported first-arrival rule

🔗 rsa.ie • RSA Rules of the Road — guidance, law date 1 March 2025; read with later amendments

Does stopping first give me priority at a stop sign in Ireland?

A complete stop does not, by itself, give you priority. Give way to the road users entitled to pass under the junction’s signs and rules, check pedestrians and cyclists, and proceed only when the gap is safe. Do not follow another stopped vehicle through without satisfying your own stopping and yielding duties.

🔗 revisedacts.lawreform.ie • Ireland, Traffic and Parking Regulations — articles 8, 19–21; RSA junction priority; no imported first-arrival rule

🔗 rsa.ie • RSA Rules of the Road — guidance, law date 1 March 2025; read with later amendments

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 ...