Regulatory Traffic Signs
Regulatory traffic signs are among the most important to learn for your Irish driving test. These signs set out the rules of the road and must always be obeyed — failing to follow them is an offence.
What They Do
They tell you what you must or must not do. Unlike warning or information signs, regulatory signs are legally binding.
Shapes & Colours
⭕ Circular: Most regulatory signs are round.
🔴 Red: Prohibitions (what you must not do).
🔵 Blue: Mandatory instructions (what you must do).
🛑 Stop (Octagon): Unique eight-sided shape.
🔻 Yield (Triangle Down): Only downward-pointing triangle.
Regulatory Traffic Signs
Stop
Yield
Yield
School Wardens Stop Sign
No Left Turn
No Entry
No Right Turn
Parking Prohibited
Clearway
Max Speed Limit 30km/h
Max Speed Limit 50km/h
Max Speed Limit 60km/h
Max Speed Limit 80km/h
Max Speed Limit 120km/h
Taxi Rank
No Entry for Large Vehicles (by reference to weight)
No U-Turn
No Overtaking
Pedestrianised Street
Height Restriction
Parking Permitted
Disc Parking Plate
Zonal Restriction – No Parking of Large Vehicles
End of the Restriction Zone
Mandatory Signs at Junctions (White and Blue)
Turn Left Ahead
Turn Right Ahead
Turn Left
Turn Right
Pass Either Side
Straight Ahead
Keep Right
Keep Left
Manual Traffic Control Sign at Roadworks
No Entry for Pedestrians to Tramway
Stop
Either Form of Go
or Téigh can be used
No Entry to Goods Vehicles (by Reference to Number of Axles)
With Flow Bus Lane on Left
With Flow Bus Lane on Right
Contra Flow Bus Lane
Tram Lane on Left
Tram Lane on Right
Start of Cycle Track
End of Cycle Track
Electronic Variable Speed Limit Sign (Tunnel Only)
In a Tunnel Goods Vehicle Cannot Use Right-Hand Lane (by reference to number of axles)
Electronic Periodic Speed Limit Sign
Electronic Periodic Speed Limit Sign at School
Tram Only Street
Tram and Access Only Street
Bus Only Street
Traffic Lane Control Signs in a Tunnel
Go (Lane Open)
Stop (Lane Closed)
Move into the Left-Hand Lane
Move into the Right-Hand Lane
Why They Matter for the Driving Test
- You will be tested on your knowledge of regulatory signs during the theory test.
- During the practical test, failure to follow these signs (e.g., not stopping at a Stop sign) is a serious fault.
Quick Tips
- Memorise shapes and colours to identify them quickly.
- Always obey regulatory signs without hesitation.
- Pay special attention to speed limit signs — examiners will watch this closely.
