Wrong-way drivingIreland

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.


26. Wrong-way driving

Wrong-way driving occurs when a driver travels against the legally permitted direction of traffic. It may happen on a one-way road, divided road, motorway entrance or exit, or another road section reserved for traffic travelling in one direction.

Wrong-way driving creates an extreme risk of a head-on collision. Drivers must follow direction signs, no-entry signs, lane arrows and road markings. Anyone who accidentally enters a road in the wrong direction should slow down, warn other traffic, stop in the safest available place and contact the emergency services.

Wrong-way driving
Bilingual 'Turn Back' wrong-way warning sign. (Lucan, County Dublin, Ireland)
Wikimedia.org • Leimanbhradain • CC BY-SA
How can you avoid driving the wrong way in Ireland?

Traffic normally keeps left here. Keep to the correct side of the road and use no-entry and one-way signs to identify prohibited approaches; do not enter an exit ramp against its permitted direction.

🔗 revisedacts.lawreform.ie • Ireland, Traffic and Parking Regulations — articles 9, 12, 23, 28, 33; RSA current wrong-way motorway campaign

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

🔗 rsa.ie • RSA current motorway safety — lane use and wrong-way emergency instructions

What signs can prevent wrong-way driving in Ireland?

Read no-entry signs, one-way signs, lane arrows and temporary directions together; a wide road is not automatically two-way. Before entering a motorway, expressway, one-way street or slip road, check the permitted direction rather than relying only on a navigation app.

🔗 revisedacts.lawreform.ie • Ireland, Traffic and Parking Regulations — articles 9, 12, 23, 28, 33; RSA current wrong-way motorway campaign

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

🔗 rsa.ie • RSA current motorway safety — lane use and wrong-way emergency instructions

What should you do if you enter a road against traffic in Ireland?

Do not continue along the wrong-way lane or try to reverse or make a U-turn across a high-speed road. Reduce speed, warn other traffic if safe, get to a protected stopping place away from moving traffic when possible and contact the police or road operator for assistance.

🔗 revisedacts.lawreform.ie • Ireland, Traffic and Parking Regulations — articles 9, 12, 23, 28, 33; RSA current wrong-way motorway campaign

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

🔗 rsa.ie • RSA current motorway safety — lane use and wrong-way emergency instructions

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 ...