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Turn prohibitionIreland

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

20. Turn prohibition

A turn prohibition prevents drivers from turning in the direction indicated by a traffic sign. It may prohibit a left turn, a right turn or a U-turn at an intersection or along a specified section of road.

Drivers must continue along a permitted route and follow any lane arrows or mandatory-direction signs. A turn prohibition does not itself determine priority or speed, and any exemption for cyclists, public transport or other road users must be expressly indicated.

Turn prohibition
No-left-turn sign at the North Circular Road and St Peter's Church junction. (Dublin, Ireland)
Wikimedia.org • Spanish Coches • CC BY
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

Does a no-left-turn sign always prohibit a U-turn in Ireland?

Do not decide whether a U-turn is permitted from that sign alone. The Irish Rules of the Road require you to check for U-turn prohibitions, relevant road markings and one-way restrictions, and to make the manoeuvre only when it is completely safe. Give way to other road users.

🔗 rsa.ie • Irish Road Safety Authority, Rules of the Road

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

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 ...