Signs & Signals
Signals
A driver intending to slow down, stop or alter course, shall either give a signal by using a direction indicator or stop lamp, as appropriate or give the appropriate hand signal specified in the regulations.
A driver shall indicate the direction in which the vehicle is to be driven to a member of An Garda Síochána by giving either a signal by using a direction indicator or the appropriate hand signal, as specified in the regulations. A driver shall give a signal in sufficient time before altering course and in such a manner as to be clearly visible and clearly understood by those for whom such signal is intended. A driver shall not give simultaneous contradictory signals.
Where a member of An Garda Síochána gives a signal in accordance with the Schedule of diagrams to the Regulations as set out in the Rules of the Road, drivers and pedestrians shall act in accordance with the duty related to that signal.
Traffic Signs
There are detailed regulations on road signs in tandem with the general regulations in relation to road traffic signs. The regulations specify the signs and set out the obligations on drivers and road users in relation to them. The local authority has the power to provide traffic signs on land adjoining the roadway. Procedures apply in relation to privately owned land. An objection can be made to the Department, which may order removal of the sign.
A person other than the road authority (council) may not provide a traffic sign or anything that might be confused with a sign, make a sign less visible or obstruct a sign visible from the road without the road authority’s consent. Contravention is an offence.
It is an offence to interfere with a traffic sign.
Basic Signs
A driver of a vehicle shall stop the vehicle in advance of a “stops” line or “stop” sign. Where both traffic signs are provided, the driver of a vehicle shall stop the vehicle in advance of a traffic sign. A driver of a vehicle approaching a road junction at which there is a “yield” sign or “yield” line, shall yield right of way to traffic on the major road.
Where traffic sign regarding maintaining direction or “must turn right”, traffic sign “must turn left” is provided, traffic shall proceed in the direction indicated by the arrow shown on the sign. Where a traffic sign requiring that the same direction not be maintained or prohibiting turning left or turning right is provided, traffic shall not proceed in the direction indicated by the arrow shown on the sign.
Where the appropriate signs are provided, traffic approaching shall be kept to the left, right, or either left or right of the sign.
Where traffic signs regarding weight restrictions are provided, the driver of a vehicle, the unladen weight of which exceeds the weight specified on the sign, shall not proceed beyond the sign. This does not apply where it is necessary for a vehicle to enter a road solely for the purpose of access to and egress from a premises accessible only from that road.
Signs Controlling Entry
Where a continuous white line has been provided on a roadway or where two such traffic signs are provided in parallel, the driver shall not cross that sign or signs. Where a broken white line is provided, a driver shall not cross that line, save where it can be crossed without danger to other traffic or pedestrians. Where both a broken white line and a continuous white line are provided, and the continuous white line is nearer, a driver shall not cross the line save where it can be crossed without danger to other traffic or pedestrians.
The above does not operate to prevent a driver from driving across a roadway along the centre of which the traffic signs are being provided for the purpose of entering or leaving premises adjoining the right-hand side of that roadway.
Where hatched markings are provided in an area of roadway, a vehicle shall not enter the area. Where a broken white line sign is provided, it shall indicate the boundary of a traffic lane. Where a “must maintain direction” sign or “must turn left” sign is provided, traffic must proceed in accordance with the arrows shown. Where a “No Entry Line” is provided across the entrance to a road, the driver shall not proceed beyond such sign so as to enter that road.
Where a “yellow box junction” is provided at a junction, whether controlled by traffic lights or otherwise, notwithstanding any indication to the contrary that may be given, a driver of a vehicle shall not enter, either wholly or partly, the crosshatched area unless the vehicle can clear the area without stopping. This does not apply where a driver of a vehicle intends to make a right-hand turn and enters the crosshatched area for that purpose.
A person shall not drive onto a road or part of a road which is marked with the traffic sign for “pedestrianised street” or during the hours of pedestrianisation. A vehicle shall not be parked in a road or part of a road at the entrance to which the above sign is provided, (during the period concerned if applicable).If a vehicle is parked on the road or its entrance at the time in advance of the commencement of the period the parking of vehicle must cease and the vehicle must be removed prior to the commencement of the period.
Traffic Lights
Where traffic lights are provided, a person shall not drive a vehicle past the traffic lights or past the “stop” sign where such sign is provided in association with the traffic lights, when the red lamp of the traffic light is illuminated. A driver of a vehicle approaching traffic lights in which a non-flashing amber light is illuminated shall not drive the vehicle past the traffic lights, or past the “stop” sign, when such sign is provided, save when the vehicle is so close to the traffic lights that it cannot safely be stopped without passing the traffic lights or traffic sign.
A driver of a vehicle facing a traffic light illuminated green may proceed beyond the traffic lights or beyond the traffic sign provided that no other user is endangered and subject to compliance with other relevant provisions. Where the traffic light is green and indicates a directional arrow, the driver of a vehicle wishing to proceed in accordance with the arrow may only do so when such a lamp is illuminated.
When an amber lamp is illuminated on an intermittent basis, a driver of a vehicle may only proceed past the traffic light or “stop” sign, where a right of way is yielded to any pedestrian who has commenced crossing the roadway at the traffic lights. Where a “yield” sign or “yield” line is provided, or both, a driver of a vehicle may proceed past the traffic light when the amber light at the lower level of the lights is illuminated on an intermittent basis, subject to compliance with the above.
Regulatory Signs
Speed limit signs are prescribed by law under the general legislation in respect of road traffic signs. Prior to 2005, the speed limits were in imperial distances (mph), and there was a crossover transition period when they were in both imperial and metric measures.
The Road Authority, after consulting the station with the Garda Commissioner, may provide regulatory signs. The Road Authority’s signs may contain information and warnings as they consider desirable.
The Road Authority shall provide signs as may be requested by the Commissioner in the positions indicated from time to time. Regulatory signs are those relating to the existence of a road regulation. Warning signs are those relating to dangers or advising precautions to be taken.
A person may not provide a traffic sign visible from a public road without the local authority’s consent. The occupier or, in the case of unoccupied land, the owner is guilty of an offence.
A person should not provide any sign device, notice or light that is not a traffic light if visible from the public road and is capable of being confused with a traffic light, making a traffic sign or obstructing the view of the public road so as to render it dangerous.