Traffic signsIreland
Traffic rules
Ireland
Priority signs
Warning signs
Prohibitory signs
Mandatory signs
Information signs
Additional signsTraffic signs
A traffic sign is a standardised visual symbol placed along roads to guide, warn, or regulate drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. These signs provide essential information about road conditions, rules, directions, and potential hazards, helping to ensure safety and smooth traffic flow. They come in various shapes and colours—such as triangular warning signs, circular prohibitory or mandatory signs, and rectangular information signs—each designed for quick recognition and clear understanding.
How are traffic signs grouped in Ireland?
The RSA guide distinguishes regulatory signs, warning signs and information signs. Use Irish meanings rather than the British colour system.
🔗 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
Is a temporary speed limit at roadworks binding in Ireland?
Where an authorised temporary regulatory speed limit is in force, you must obey it. A roadworks warning alone should not be mistaken for a new numerical limit, but conditions may require driving more slowly.
🔗 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
101. For the number of hours shown
This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign applies for the number of hours shown.
English • P 055 • 24-hour operation. The restriction or regulation indicated by the associated sign applies for 24 hours. Read this supplementary plate together with the sign it qualifies.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Roadguidelines.ie • Department of Transport • Traffic Signs Manual • P 055
🔗 Irishstatutebook.ie • Road Traffic (Traffic Signs) Regulations 2025 (EN)
SVG source: Government of Ireland – Department of Transport • Public domain • Original revision 2021-08-06. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Artwork verified against Roadguidelines.ie • official published diagram P 055.
102. During the time shown on the indicated days
This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign applies during the time shown on the indicated days.
English • P 051 • Periods of operation. The associated restriction or regulation applies Monday to Saturday, 09:30–16:00, as shown. Read this supplementary plate together with the sign it qualifies.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Roadguidelines.ie • Department of Transport • Traffic Signs Manual • P 051
🔗 Irishstatutebook.ie • Road Traffic (Traffic Signs) Regulations 2025 (EN)
SVG source: Government of Ireland – Department of Transport • Public domain • Original revision 2021-08-06. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Artwork verified against Roadguidelines.ie • official published diagram P 051.
103. Minimum overtaking distance from cyclists
This supplementary sign indicates the minimum lateral distance to be kept from cyclists when overtaking. The required distance is shown on the sign.
English • P 071 • Safe overtaking of cyclists — 1.5 m. The plate advises leaving at least 1.5 m when passing a cyclist. It is used where the speed limit exceeds 50 km/h; a separate 1.0 m plate is specified for roads with a limit of 50 km/h or less. Overtake only when it is safe. Read this supplementary plate together with the sign it qualifies.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Roadguidelines.ie • Department of Transport • Traffic Signs Manual • P 071
🔗 Roadguidelines.ie • Department of Transport • passing-distance advice note
SVG source: Government of Ireland – Department of Transport • Public domain • Original revision 2023-12-18. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Artwork verified against Roadguidelines.ie • official published diagram P 071.
104. Recommended speed
This supplementary sign indicates a recommended speed rather than a maximum speed limit. Its legal effect depends on the applicable local rules.
English • P 011 • Cautionary speed. A speed of 35 km/h is advised for the hazard. This supplementary plate is advisory and is not a mandatory speed-limit sign. Read this supplementary plate together with the sign it qualifies.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Roadguidelines.ie • Department of Transport • Traffic Signs Manual • P 011
Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Government of Ireland - Department of Transport • Public domain • Source revision 2023-09-03. Wikimedia original unmodified.
105. Reduce speed now
This supplementary sign instructs or advises drivers to reduce speed immediately in connection with the situation indicated by the main traffic sign.
English • P 040 • Reduce speed now. Reduce speed now for the hazard or change in road conditions indicated by the associated sign. Read this supplementary plate together with the sign it qualifies.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Roadguidelines.ie • Department of Transport • Traffic Signs Manual • P 040
Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Government of Ireland - Department of Transport • Public domain • Source revision 2023-09-03. Wikimedia original unmodified.
106. Drive slowly
This supplementary sign advises drivers to drive slowly in connection with the situation indicated by the main traffic sign.
English • P 080 • Slow. Slow down for the situation identified by the associated sign. Read this supplementary plate together with the sign it qualifies.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Roadguidelines.ie • Department of Transport • Traffic Signs Manual • P 080
🔗 Irishstatutebook.ie • Road Traffic (Traffic Signs) Regulations 2025 (EN)
Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Government of Ireland - Department of Transport • Public domain • Source revision 2023-08-17. Wikimedia original unmodified.
107. Speed in km/h
This supplementary sign indicates that the displayed speed is expressed in kilometres per hour (km/h).
English • P 054 • km/h. The number shown on the associated speed sign is measured in kilometres per hour. Read this supplementary plate together with the sign it qualifies.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Roadguidelines.ie • Department of Transport • Traffic Signs Manual • P 054
🔗 Irishstatutebook.ie • Road Traffic (Traffic Signs) Regulations 2025 (EN)
SVG source: Government of Ireland – Department of Transport • Public domain • Original revision 2023-12-18. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Artwork verified against Roadguidelines.ie • official published diagram P 054.
108. Traffic calming
This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign applies in an area with traffic-calming measures.
English • P 063 • Traffic calming. Traffic-calming features are ahead, at the indicated distance of 400 m. Reduce speed appropriately. Read this supplementary plate together with the sign it qualifies.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Roadguidelines.ie • Department of Transport • Traffic Signs Manual • P 063
SVG source: EthanL13 • CC0 • Original revision 2023-12-18. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Artwork verified against Roadguidelines.ie • official published diagram P 063.
109. Pedestrian zone
This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign applies to a pedestrian zone.
English • P 052 • Pedestrianised street exceptions. The associated pedestrianised-street restriction has a delivery exemption from 06:30 to 11:00, as shown. It permits loading or unloading at premises adjacent to, or accessible only from, the restricted street during that period. Read this supplementary plate together with the sign it qualifies.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Roadguidelines.ie • Department of Transport • Traffic Signs Manual • P 052
🔗 Irishstatutebook.ie • Road Traffic (Traffic Signs) Regulations 2025 (EN)
SVG source: Government of Ireland – Department of Transport • Public domain • Original revision 2023-08-17. Wikimedia original unmodified.
110. Oncoming vehicles in the middle of the road
This supplementary sign warns that oncoming vehicles may use the middle of the road.
English • P 060 • Oncoming traffic in the middle of the road. Expect oncoming traffic near the middle of the road at the hazard indicated. Proceed only when it is safe. Read this supplementary plate together with the sign it qualifies.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Roadguidelines.ie • Department of Transport • Traffic Signs Manual • P 060
SVG source: Government of Ireland – Department of Transport • Public domain • Original revision 2023-12-18. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Artwork verified against Roadguidelines.ie • official published diagram P 060.
111. Another train coming if lights continue flashing
This supplementary sign warns that another train may be approaching if the crossing lights continue flashing after a train has passed.
English • P 061 • Another train coming. If the warning lights continue after one train passes, another train is approaching. Remain stopped and do not cross until the lights cease and it is safe. Read this supplementary plate together with the sign it qualifies.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Roadguidelines.ie • Department of Transport • Traffic Signs Manual • P 061
SVG source: Government of Ireland – Department of Transport • Public domain • Original revision 2023-12-18. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Artwork verified against Roadguidelines.ie • official published diagram P 061.
112. End
This supplementary sign indicates the end of the section to which the main traffic sign applies.
English • P 010 • End. The regulation or restriction identified by the associated sign ends here. Other traffic rules and restrictions remain applicable. Read this supplementary plate together with the sign it qualifies.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Roadguidelines.ie • Department of Transport • Traffic Signs Manual • P 010
🔗 Irishstatutebook.ie • Road Traffic (Traffic Signs) Regulations 2025 (EN)
Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Government of Ireland – Department of Transport • Public domain • Source revision 2023-08-09. Wikimedia original unmodified.
