Information road signs in Ireland
Information signs help you find your way and use the road, pointing to directions, routes, services, tolls, bus and cycle lanes and facilities. They are usually rectangular, and while they do not carry the same force as a regulatory sign, reading them correctly keeps your journey smooth and lawful. The theory test expects you to know what the common ones mean. Browse the information signs below, each with its meaning, then test your recognition in a real quiz.
100 metres to the next exit.
This is a motorway information sign that tells you that the next exit off the motorway is 100 metres ahead.
Bus and cycle lane ahead on right.
This sign tells you that there is an offside bus lane ahead on the right. Only buses, taxis and cyclists may use the bus lane during the stated operational hours.
Coin basket in this lane.
This sign is used at toll plazas to direct traffic into a lane where the toll charge may be paid by putting the exact change into an automatic coin machine. This lane usually has a height barrier fitted to prevent large vehicles using it.
Directional indicator on.
All vehicles are fitted with warning lights to alert you to different things. This light tells you that the directional indicator is on. If this light is still on after you have completed your manoeuvre, cancel it to avoid misleading other road users. It is important to understand the meaning of your vehicle’s warning lights, information on which can be found in the vehicle’s handbook.
Electronic toll accepted in any lane.
This sign is used at toll plazas to direct traffic into a lane where the toll charge is collected electronically. When the vehicle passes through the plaza it is identified by means of an electronic tag fitted to the front windscreen. Payment will be collected via the users account. Only vehicles fitted with the tags are allowed to use those lanes.
Overhead electric cables.
This sign gives advance warning of electric cables overhead. Drivers with a high load should be particularly careful.
Pass either side.
This sign tells you that traffic may pass on either side of the traffic island.
Sharp change of direction to the right.
This sign gives advance warning of a sharp change of direction to the right. You should slow down as you approach the hazard.
Start of cycle track.
This sign indicates the start of a cycle track. If the track is bounded by a broken white line, other road users should avoid using it wherever possible. If it is bounded by a continuous white line, drivers of cars and other vehicles must not drive on it.
The driver may proceed in the direction of the green arrow if the way is clear.
A green arrow (filter light) means that traffic may proceed in the direction of the arrow if it is safe to do so.
The edge of the carriageway or hard shoulder.
A single broken yellow line along the side of the road marks the edge of the carriageway/hard shoulder. This is normally for the use of pedestrians and cyclists. As a driver, however, you may use it briefly to allow faster traffic to overtake, but only where it is safe to do so.
Three hundred meters to the next exit.
This is a motorway information sign that tells you that the next exit off the motorway is 300 metres ahead.
Toll collector operating lane.
This sign is used at toll plazas to direct traffic into a lane where the toll charge may be paid directly to a cashier. This lane would normally be used by motorists who have neither the exact change nor an electronic tag on their vehicle.
Tram lane on left.
This sign tells you there is a tram lane on the left. Be aware that there might be pedestrians in the area and crossing the road.
Tram lane on right.
This sign tells you there is an offside tram lane on the right. Drivers should also be aware that there might be pedestrians in the area.
With-flow bus and cycle lane ahead on left.
This sign tells you there is a with-flow nearside bus lane ahead to the left. Only buses, taxis and cyclists may use the bus lane during the stated operational hours.
With-flow bus and cycle lane on left.
This sign indicates a nearside with-flow bus lane on the left. Only buses, taxis and cyclists may use the bus lane during the stated operational hours.
With-flow bus lane on the right.
This sign indicates a with-flow offside bus lane on the right. Only buses, taxis and cyclists may use the bus lane during the stated operational hours.