Rules of the Road: Signage, Markings and Traffic Regulations
What the exam tests
This domain checks whether you can read Irish road signs and markings and apply the correct rule, not just recognise a shape. Questions often ask what a sign permits, what a marking forbids, or who has priority.
Core rules and concepts
- Sign families: warning signs are yellow diamonds with black symbols; regulatory signs are circular, usually red-bordered; information signs are rectangular and often blue or green; motorway signs are blue with an M prefix.
- Road markings: a continuous white centre line means do not cross; a broken white line may be crossed only when safe; double yellow lines mean no parking at any time; a yellow box junction must not be entered unless your exit is clear.
- Priority: a STOP line requires a complete stop; a yield line requires you to give way. At a junction, do not assume priority because you indicate.
- Speed: know the general limits and any lower limit posted for heavy goods vehicles. The sign on the road wins over the general limit.
Worked example
You approach a yellow box junction on a green light, but traffic beyond the box is stationary. The correct action is to wait before the box, even though your light is green. The box rule is about not blocking the junction; a green light does not give you the right to enter if your exit is blocked.
Traps that cost marks
- Treating a yield sign as a stop sign, or a stop sign as a yield.
- Crossing a continuous white line to overtake a slow vehicle.
- Assuming a green light always means you may proceed into a box junction.
- Missing that a lower speed limit applies to your vehicle category.