1. These Regulations may be cited as the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations, 1997.

2. These Regulations shall come into operation on 1st day of October, 1997.

3. (1) The Regulations listed in Part I of the First Schedule are hereby revoked.

(2) (a) The Bye-Laws listed in Part II of the First Schedule are hereby revoked save for Part V and Part VII of each such Bye-Laws.

(b) The Dublin Area Traffic and Parking Bye-Laws (S.I. No. 182 of 1986) are hereby revoked save for Part V, Part VII and Part VIII.

4. (1) In these Regulations:—

"the Act of 1961" means the Road Traffic Act, 1961 (No. 24 of 1961);

"the Act of 1968" means the Road Traffic Act, 1968 (No. 25 of 1968);

"the Act of 1993" means the Roads Act, 1993 (No. 14 of 1993);

"the Act of 1994" means the Road Traffic Act, 1994 (No. 7 of 1994);

"access" means entry or exit by vehicles to or from premises adjacent to or accessible only from a road and includes stopping a vehicle on a roadway solely for the purpose of loading or unloading goods on to or from such vehicle from or to such premises;

"animal" does not include a cat or a dog;

F1["appointed stand" has the meaning assigned to it by section 84 (inserted by section 15 of the Road Traffic Act 2002 (No. 12 of 2002)) of the Act of 1961;]

"authorised person" has the meaning assigned to it by section 103(8) (inserted by the Act of 1968) of the Act of 1961;

"bus lane" and "contra flow bus lane" have the meanings assigned to them in article 32;

F2["bus-only street" means a street or a portion of a street at each entrance to which is provided traffic sign number RUS 011 (no straight ahead) accompanied by an information plate to indicate that vehicles, other than large public service vehicles, pedal cycles, L1e-A e-mopeds, electric scooters and vehicles entering for access only, are prohibited from entering that street;]

F3["car club" means a car club licensed in that regard by a road authority;

"car club vehicle parking bay" means a space intended for the parking of a mechanically propelled vehicle in which is displayed a car club vehicle permit;

"car club vehicle permit" means a car club permit issued by a road authority and for the purposes of Article 44A;]

"carriageway" means that part of a roadway on which traffic proceeds in a single direction;

"casual trading" and "casual trading area" have the meanings assigned to them by the Casual Trading Act, 1995 (No. 19 of 1995);

"clearway" has the meaning assigned to it in article 40;

F2["cycle track" means part of a road, including part of a footway or part of a roadway, which is provided primarily for the use of pedal cycles, L1e-A e-mopeds and electric scooters;]

"disabled persons parking bay" means a space intended for the parking of a mechanically propelled vehicle in which is displayed a disabled persons parking permit;

F4["disabled person’s parking permit" means a disabled person’s parking permit granted under article 43;]

"direction of traffic flow" means—

(a) the direction in which a vehicle proceeds forwards along a carriageway so that the median strip is at all times on the right hand side of the vehicle, or

(b) where no median strip is provided, the direction in which a vehicle proceeds along a carriageway so that having entered the carriageway without contravening either article 22 or article 23, it proceeds in the same direction along the carriageway;

F5["electric scooter" has the meaning assigned to it in the Road Traffic (Electric Scooters) Regulations 2024 (S.I. No. 199 of 2024);]

F3["electrically powered vehicle" means a mechanically propelled vehicle that is powered—

(a) solely by means of a re-chargeable battery, or

(b) by means of a re-chargeable battery and an internal combustion engine where either power source may be used to propel the vehicle;

"electrically powered vehicle recharging bay" means a space intended for the parking of an electrically powered vehicle while the vehicle’s battery is being re-charged;]

"footway" has the meaning assigned to it by section 2(1) of the Act of 1993;

F6["footway build out" means part of the footway is built out to extend into the adjoining roadway;]

"goods vehicle" means a vehicle used exclusively for carrying goods and taxed for commercial purposes;

"grass margin" means that portion of a public road situated on either side of a footway and which is provided for the growing of grass, trees or shrubbery of any kind;

F7["holiday" means Good Friday or a day that is a public holiday;]

F5[L1e-A e-moped means a mechanically propelled vehicle that is a bicycle or tricycle capable of propulsion solely by the physical exertions of a person or persons seated on it, and equipped with an auxiliary electric motor—

(a) which has a maximum continuous rated power greater than 0.25 kilowatts but less than or equal to 1 kilowatt, and

(b) the output of which cuts off when the physical exertions stop and before, or when, the bicycle or tricycle reaches the speed of 25 kilometres per hour]

"left hand side" and "right hand side" shall be determined by facing in the direction of traffic flow;

"lighting up hours" means the period commencing one half hour after sunset on any day and ending one half hour before sunrise on the next day;

"loading bay" has the meaning assigned to it in article 42;

F7["local authority" means county council, city council or borough or town council;]

F2["median strip" means a boundary between the two carriageways of a road other than a traffic sign to which Regulation 48 of the Regulations of 2024 refer;]

"motorway" has the meaning assigned to it in section 2(1) of the Act of 1993;

F2["parking bay" means the area contained between lines of the type referred to in Regulation 56 of the Regulations of 2024;]

"public road" has the meaning assigned to it by section 2 (1) of the Act of 1993;

F2["Regulations of 2024" mean Road Traffic (Signs) Regulations 2024 (S.I. No. 200 of 2024);]

"road" has the meaning assigned to it by section 2 (1) of the Act of 1993;

"road inset" means a part of a roadway specially inset in a footway or road' verge;

"road junction" means the section of a roadway contained within the projection of roadway boundaries at the intersection of roadways;

"road verge" means that part of a public road which is not a footway, a grass margin, a median strip or a roadway;

"roadway" has the meaning assigned to it by section 2(1) of the Act of 1993;

F7["roadworks" has the meaning assigned to it by section 101D of the Act of 1961;]

"traffic" does not include pedestrians;

"traffic sign" has the meaning assigned to it by section 95(1) of the Act of 1961, as amended by section 37 of the Act of 1994;

"traffic warden" has the meaning assigned to it by section 2 (3) of the Local Authorities (Traffic Wardens) Act 1975 (No. 14 of 1975);

"taxi" and "wheelchair accessible taxi" have the meanings assigned to them in the Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicles) (Amendment) Regulations 1995 (S.I. No. 136 of 1995).

(2) A reference in these Regulations to the loading of goods shall be taken to include the supplying of fuel for the operation of the vehicle.

F8[(3) (i) Notwithstanding paragraph (ii), a reference in these Regulations to a traffic sign prescribed in the Regulations of 2024 and any number referred to in association with a traffic sign shall be the number allocated to such sign in such Regulations.

(ii) Descriptions given to traffic signs in the Regulations of 2024 may be referred to in these Regulations for the purpose of identification.]

(4) A reference in these Regulations to an information plate accompanying a traffic sign shall, unless otherwise specified, be to a plate which shall indicate the period during which the restriction or prohibition indicated by such traffic sign applies.

F9[(5) F10[(a) Subject to paragraph (b), a reference in these Regulations to a vehicle unless otherwise specified, means a mechanically propelled vehicle (other than a mechanically propelled wheelchair), a pedal cycle or an electric scooter.]

(b) In Articles 20 and 21 insofar as they relate to either traffic sign number RRM 017 (stop line) or traffic sign number RRM 018 (yield line), and Articles 6, 7, 8(1) and 31, of these Regulations a reference to a vehicle shall be construed as including a reference to a light rail vehicle.]

(6) For the purpose of these Regulations, a pedestrian shall include a person in charge of a vehicle which is not mechanically propelled.

(7) (a) In these Regulations, any reference to an article or Schedule, which is not otherwise identified, is a reference to an article of, or Schedule to, these Regulations.

(b) In these Regulations, any reference to a sub-article, paragraph, or sub-paragraph, which is not otherwise identified, is a reference to the sub-article, paragraph, or sub-paragraph of the provision in which the reference occurs.

F11[(8) In Article 8, other than sub-article (1), and Articles 10, 12, 18, 31 and 48, of these Regulations a reference to a driver shall be construed as including a reference to the driver of a light rail vehicle.]

F12[5. (1) These Regulations shall apply save where compliance is not possible as a result of an obstruction to traffic or pedestrians or because of an emergency situation confronting a road user which could not reasonably have been expected or anticipated.

(2) A prohibition or restriction imposed by these Regulations shall not apply to the driver of a fire brigade vehicle or an ambulance or to the use by a member of the Garda Siochana of a vehicle in the performance of the duties of that member, where such use does not thereby endanger the safety of road users.

(3) Save where otherwise expressly provided in these Regulations, a prohibition on the entry of a vehicle to a road or main area or the prohibition on the stopping or parking of a vehicle imposed by these Regulations shall not apply to —

(a) a vehicle being used in connection with the removal of an obstruction to traffic;

F13[(b) a vehicle being used in connection with the carrying out of roadworks or the removal of any spillage, fallen power lines or other hazard from the road;

(c) a vehicle being used by a local authority, the National Roads Authority, or their agents, in connection with the provision or maintenance of a traffic sign or public lighting, the collection of refuse or the sweeping, cleaning or gritting of a public road, footway or cycle track;]

(d) a vehicle being used in connection with the removal of a vehicle pursuant to the provisions of regulations made under section 97 of the Principal Act, as amended by section 3 of the Act of 1968, or regulations made under section 41 of the Act of 1994;

(e) a vehicle being used for the purpose of facilitating the immobilisation of a vehicle or the removal of an immobilisation device from a vehicle pursuant to section 101B of the Principal Act, as inserted by section 9 of the Dublin Transport. Authority (Dissolution) Act, 1987 (No. 34 of 1987):

(f) a vehicle being used by a traffic warden in the performance of the duties of that warden;

F14[(fa) a vehicle being used in connection with the operation of electronic or other apparatus referred to in subsection (1) of section 81 of the Road Traffic Act 2010 (No. 25 of 2010) under an agreement referred to in subsection (7) of that section and which is at a location determined, for the purposes of that section, by a member of the Garda Síochána not below the rank of Superintendent;]

(g) a vehicle which has been damaged or has broken down, during the period necessary to effect repairs to the vehicle or remove it from the location.

F15[(h) a vehicle being used by An Post in connection with the provision of postal services (within the meaning of section 6 of the Communications Regulation (Postal Services) Act 2011 (No. 21 of 2011)).]

(4) A prohibition on the parking of a vehicle imposed by article 36(2)(a) shall not apply to a vehicle parked while goods are being loaded in or on to it or unloaded from it, for a period not exceeding thirty minutes from the commencement of the parking.

(5) A prohibition on the parking of a vehicle imposed by article 36(2)(m) shall not apply to a vehicle parked in a cycle track, on the right hand edge of which traffic sign number RRM 023 has been provided, while goods are being loaded in or on to it or unloaded from it for a period not exceeding thirty minutes from the commencement of such parking.

(6) A restriction on the parking of a vehicle imposed by article 37 shall not apply to —

(a) a vehicle to which sub-article (3) applies;

(b) a vehicle parked at the edge of a roadway while a passenger is entering or leaving it; or

(c) a vehicle parked while goods are being loaded in or on to it or unloaded from it, for a period not exceeding thirty minutes from the commencement of the parking.]

6. (1) A driver of a vehicle or a pedestrian shall comply with a direction given by a member of the Garda Síochána for the purpose of regulating or controlling traffic.

(2) Where a direction given by a member of the Garda Síochána is inconsistent with a provision in these Regulations, the direction shall override that provision.

7. A vehicle shall not be driven at a speed exceeding that which will enable its driver to bring it to a halt within the distance which the driver can see to be clear.

8. (1) Save as otherwise indicated by a traffic sign in respect of which an article in these Regulations refers, a vehicle shall yield right of way where a provision of this article applies.

(2) When starting from a stationary position a driver shall yield the right of way to other traffic and pedestrians.

(3) A driver of a vehicle approaching a road junction shall yield the right of way to another vehicle which has commenced to turn or cross at the junction in accordance with these Regulations and to a pedestrian who has commenced to cross at the junction in accordance with these Regulations.

(4) A driver of a vehicle entering a public road from a place which is not a public road shall yield the right of way to all vehicles and pedestrians proceeding in either direction along the public road.

F16[(5) At a junction of 2 roads at which traffic sign number RUS 027 (stop), RUS 026 (yield / Géill Slí), RRM 017 (stop line), RRM 018 (yield line) or any traffic sign indicating which of the roads is the major road has not been provided, the driver of a vehicle approaching that junction shall—

(a) where the road on which he or she is driving terminates at the junction, yield the right of way to traffic and pedestrians on the other road, or

(b) where the road on which he or she is driving does not terminate at the junction, yield the right of way to traffic and pedestrians approaching the junction from the right on the other road.]

F17[(6) A driver of a vehicle approaching a pedestrian crossing where traffic sign number RPC 001 (zebra pedestrian crossing) or traffic sign number RUS 066 (pedestrian crossing) is provided shall yield the right of way to any pedestrian who is waiting to cross or has commenced crossing the road at the crossing.]

F18[(6A) A driver of a vehicle approaching a pedestrian crossing where traffic sign number RPC 001 (zebra pedestrian crossing) or traffic sign number RPC 001A (zebra pedestrian crossing without belisha beacons) is provided shall yield the right of way to any pedestrian who is waiting to cross or has commenced crossing the road at the crossing.

(6B) A driver of a pedal cycle or L1e-A e-moped or electric scooter user approaching a zebra pedestrian crossing where traffic sign number RPC 001B (zebra pedestrian crossing of a cycle track) is provided shall yield the right of way to any pedestrian who is waiting to cross at the zebra pedestrian crossing or has commenced crossing the cycle track at the crossing.]

(7) A driver of a vehicle approaching a road junction and intending to turn right at the junction shall yield the right of way to a vehicle approaching on the same road from the opposite direction and intending to proceed straight through or turn left at the junction.

(8) A driver shall not drive from one traffic lane to another without yielding the right of way to traffic in that other lane.

9. Save where otherwise required by these Regulations, a vehicle shall be driven on the left hand side of the roadway in such a manner so as to allow, without danger or inconvenience to traffic or pedestrians, approaching traffic to pass on the right and overtaking traffic to overtake on the right.

F19[10. (1) A driver shall not overtake or attempt to overtake if to do so would endanger or cause inconvenience to—

(a) a pedal cyclist or an electric scooter user, or

(b) another person.]

(2) A driver shall not overtake, or attempt to overtake, unless the roadway ahead of the driver—

(a) is free from approaching traffic, pedestrians and any obstruction, and

(b) is sufficiently long and wide to permit the overtaking to be completed without danger or inconvenience to other traffic or pedestrians.

(3) A driver shall not overtake, or attempt to overtake, on a stretch of roadway on which traffic sign number RUS 014 [no overtaking] has been provided.

F20[(3A) The end of the prohibition applying in respect of a stretch of roadway under sub-article (3) is indicated by the provision of traffic sign number RUS 014 accompanied by an information plate containing the word "Críoch/END".]

(4) Subject to the provisions of sub-article (5), a driver shall overtake on the right and shall not move in towards the left until it is safe to do so.

F19[(5) (a) A driver (other than a pedal cyclist and electric scooter user) may only overtake on the left—

(i) where the driver of the vehicle about to be overtaken has signalled an intention to turn to the right and the driver of the overtaking vehicle intends, after overtaking, to go straight ahead or turn to the left,

(ii) where the driver of the overtaking vehicle intends, after overtaking, to turn to the left at the next road junction and has signalled this intention, or

(iii) in slow-moving traffic, when vehicles in the traffic lane on the driver’s right are moving more slowly than the overtaking vehicle.

(b) A pedal cyclist or electric scooter user may overtake on the left where vehicles to the pedal cyclist’s or electric scooter user’s right are stationary or are moving more slowly than the overtaking pedal cycle or electric scooter, except where the vehicle to be overtaken—

(i) has signalled an intention to turn to the left and there is a reasonable expectation that the vehicle in which the driver has signalled an intention to turn to the left will execute a movement to the left before the cycle or electric scooter overtakes the vehicle,

(ii) is stationary for the purposes of permitting a passenger or passengers to alight or board the vehicle, or

(iii) is stationary for the purposes of loading or unloading.]

11. A driver of a vehicle approaching a road junction shall—

(a) drive on the left hand side of the roadway if intending to turn left at the junction;

(b) subject to paragraph (c), drive close to the centre of the roadway if intending to turn right at the junction; or

(c) drive on the right hand side of the roadway when on a one-way roadway which is wide enough for more than one lane of traffic, if intending to turn right at the junction.

12. (1) Before reversing, a driver shall ensure that to so reverse would not endanger other traffic or pedestrians.

(2) A driver shall not reverse onto a major road from another road.

(3) A driver shall not reverse from a place adjacent to a public road onto a public road save where it is clear to the driver that to so reverse would not endanger other traffic or pedestrians.

13. (1) Subject to sub-articles (2) and (3), a vehicle shall not be driven along or across a footway.

(2) Sub-article (1) does not apply to a vehicle being driven for the purpose of access to or egress from a place adjacent to the footway.

(3) A reference in sub-article (1) to driving along or across a footway, includes s reference to driving wholly or partly along or across a footway.

14. (1) A cycle track shall be indicated by—

(a) traffic sign number RUS 009 (with-flow cycle track) provided in association with traffic sign number RRM 022 (continuous white line) or RRM 023 (broken white line) which latter signs may be marked on the right hand edge of the cycle track or on the right hand and left hand edges of the cycle track,

(b) traffic sign number RUS 059 (contra-flow cycle track) provided in association with traffic sign number RRM 022 (continuous white line) which may be marked on the right hand edge of the cycle track or on the left hand edge of the cycle track or on both sides, or

F22[(c) traffic sign number RUS 058 (shared track for pedal cycles, electric scooters and pedestrians).]

(2) The periods of operation of a cycle track may be indicated on an information plate which may be provided in association with traffic sign number RUS 009, RUS 059 or RUS 058.

F22[(3) Where a cycle track, provided by traffic sign number RUS 009 in association with traffic sign number RRM 022 (continuous white line) or RRM 023 (broken white line), is two-way, pedal cycles, L1e-A e-mopeds and electric scooters shall be driven as near as possible to the left-hand side of each lane.]

F22[(4) (a) A pedal cycle, L1e-A e-moped or an electric scooter shall be driven on a cycle track that is on—

(i) a road,

(ii) a portion of a road, or

(iii) an area, at the entrance to which traffic sign number RUS 021 (pedestrianised street or area) is provided.

(b) A pedal cycle, L1e-A e-moped or an electric scooter shall be driven on a cycle track at the entrance to which traffic sign number RUS 059 (contra-flow cycle track) is provided and pedal cycles, L1e-A e-mopeds and electric scooters shall only be driven in the direction indicated by the contra-flow cycle track.]

(5)(a) A mechanically propelled vehicle, other than a mechanically propelled wheelchair, shall not be driven along or across a cycle track on the right hand edge of which traffic sign number RRM 022 has been provided, save for the purposes of access to or egress from a place adjacent to the cycle track or from a roadway to such a place.

(b) A reference in paragraph (a) to driving along or across a cycle track shall include a reference to driving wholly or partly along or across a cycle track.

(6) Where a vehicle is parked on that part of a road in relation to which traffic sign number RUS 009 is provided in association with traffic sign number RRM 022 or RRM 023 or traffic sign number RUS 059 is provided in association with traffic sign number RRM 022 or at a place where traffic sign number RUS 058 is provided, in advance of the commencement of the period indicated on an information plate which may accompany traffic sign number RUS 009, RUS 059 or RUS 058, the parking of the said vehicle shall cease and the vehicle shall be removed from that part of the road prior to the commencement of that period save where article 5(5) applies.

F22[(7) (a) A shared track shall be indicated by the provision of traffic sign number RUS 058 (shared track for pedal cycles, electric scooters and pedestrians) and the design displayed on the particular traffic sign number RUS 058 that is provided shall indicate if the shared track is—

(i) a non-segregated track where there is no visual or physical segregation of use between pedestrians and persons driving pedal cycles or electric scooters, or

(ii) a segregated track with a continuous white line on the track or a barrier provided along the length of the track signifying a separate area for use by persons driving pedal cycles or electric scooters and an adjoining separate area for use by pedestrians.

(b) At a location where traffic sign number RUS 058 indicates that a shared track is—

(i) non-segregated, as described in paragraph (a), pedestrians and persons driving pedal cycles or electric scooters may use that track, or

(ii) segregated, as described in paragraph (a), persons driving pedal cycles or electric scooters shall only use the area of the track that is designated on the sign for use by them and pedestrians shall only use the area of the track that is designated on the sign for use by them.

(c) A mechanically propelled vehicle, other than a mechanically propelled wheelchair, shall not be driven, wholly or partly, along or across a shared track where traffic sign number RUS 058 is provided, save for the purposes of access to or egress from a place adjacent to the shared track or from a roadway to such a place.

(d) The end of a prohibition or of a restriction under this sub-article shall be indicated by the provision of traffic sign number RUS 058 accompanied by an information plate specifying the word "Críoch/END".

(e) In this sub-article, "pedestrians" includes any person using a wheelchair, mechanically propelled, or otherwise.]]

15. When entering a roundabout, a driver shall turn to the left.

16. (1) A vehicle shall not be driven along or across a median strip.

(2) A reference in sub-article (1) to driving along or across a median strip shall include a reference to driving wholly or partly along or across a median strip.

17. (1) Where traffic sign number RUS 015 (maximum design gross vehicle weight — traffic management) is provided at the entrance to a road, the driver of a vehicle, the design gross vehicle weight of which exceeds the weight specified on the sign, shall not proceed beyond the sign.

(2) Sub-article (1) does not apply where it is necessary for a vehicle to enter a road solely for the purpose of gaining access to or egress from premises accessible only from that road.]

18. (1) 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 set out in Table A in the Second Schedule.

(2) A driver shall indicate the direction in which the vehicle is to be driven to a member of the Garda Síochána by giving either a signal by using a direction indicator or the appropriate hand signal set out in Table B in the Second Schedule.

(3) 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.

(4) A driver shall not give simultaneous contradictory signals.

F24[19. (1) Subject to sub-article (2), whenever a member of the Garda Síochána gives a signal described in column (1) of Table C in the Second Schedule, drivers and pedestrians shall act in accordance with the duty specified in column (2) of that Table opposite the signal described in column (1).

(2) The last two duties specified in column (2) of Table C in the Second Schedule do not apply to the driver of a light rail vehicle.]

20. (1) A driver of a vehicle shall stop the vehicle in advance of traffic sign number RRM 017 [stop line] or traffic sign number RUS 027 [stop sign].

(2) Where both traffic signs referred to in sub-article (1) are provided, a driver of a vehicle shall stop the vehicle in advance of traffic sign number RRM 017 [stop line].

21. A driver of a vehicle approaching a road junction at which traffic sign number RUS 026 [yield sign] or traffic sign number RRM 018 [yield line] has been provided, shall yield the right of way to traffic on the major road.

22. Where traffic sign number RUS 004 (must maintain direction), traffic sign number RUS 005 (must turn right) or traffic sign number RUS 006 (must turn left) is provided, traffic shall proceed in the direction indicated by the arrow shown on the sign.]

23. (1) Subject to sub-article (3) where traffic sign number RUS Oil [must not maintain the same direction], traffic sign number RUS 012 [must not turn right] or traffic sign number RUS 013 [must not turn left] is provided, traffic shall not proceed in the direction indicated by the arrow shown on the sign.

(2) Where traffic sign number RUS Oil and either traffic sign number RUS 012 or traffic sign number RUS 013 are provided, traffic shall not proceed in either of the directions indicated by the arrow shown on the signs.

F26[(3) The traffic signs referred to in sub-article (1) may be accompanied by information plates which shall where the restrictions are not to apply—

(a) on a continuous basis, indicate the period or periods in which restrictions apply, or

(b) to certain classes of vehicles, indicate the vehicles to which the restrictions do not apply.]

24. (1) Where traffic sign number RUS 001 F27[…] is provided, approaching traffic shall keep to the left of such sign.

(2) Where traffic sign number RUS 002 is provided, approaching traffic shall keep to the right of such sign.

(3) Where traffic sign number RUS 003 is provided, approaching traffic shall keep to either the left or right of such sign.

25. (1) Where traffic sign number RRM 001 [continuous white line] has been provided on a roadway or where two such traffic signs are provided in parallel, a driver shall not cross that sign or signs.

(2) Where traffic sign number RRM 002 [broken white line] has been provided on a roadway, a driver shall not cross that line, save where it can be crossed without danger to other traffic or pedestrians.

(3) Where traffic sign number RRM 001 and traffic sign number RRM 002 have been provided in parallel and traffic sign RRM 001 is nearer, a driver shall not cross such line, and where traffic sign number RRM 002 is nearer, a driver shall not cross the line save where it can be crossed without danger to other traffic or pedestrians.

(4) Nothing in this article shall so operate as to prevent a driver from driving across a roadway, along the centre of which the traffic signs referred to have been provided, for the purpose of entering or leaving land or premises adjoining the right hand side of that roadway.

F28[(5) Notwithstanding the reference to "provided in parallel" in sub-articles (1) and (3), the traffic signs referred to may be provided other than equal distance apart.

(6) Nothing in this article shall so operate as to prevent a driver from driving along a roadway, where traffic sign number RRM 001 (continuous white line) has been provided, where due to the width or length or both of the vehicle in relation to the road lane width, and where the vehicle is not engaged in an overtaking manoeuvre, it is necessary to straddle or marginally cross that sign.]

26. Where traffic sign number RRM 021 [hatched markings] has been provided in an area of roadway, a vehicle shall not enter the area.

27. (1) Traffic sign number [RRM 003] [broken white line], shall indicate the boundary of a traffic lane.

(2) Where traffic sign number RRM 004 [must maintain direction], traffic sign number RRM 005 [must turn left] or RRM 006 [must turn right] is provided, traffic must proceed in the direction indicated by the arrows shown on the sign.

(3) Where traffic sign number RRM 004 and either traffic sign number RRM 005 or traffic sign number RRM 006 are provided, traffic must proceed in either of the directions indicated by the arrows shown on the sign.

27A. At a place on a public road where roadworks are being carried out and temporary road markings are being provided, the lines or arrows displayed by traffic sign numbers RRM 001, RRM 002, RRM 003, RRM 004, RRM 005, RRM 006 or RRM 021 referred to in articles 25 to 27, shall be orange coloured markings instead of white.]

28. Where traffic sign number RRM 019 [No Entry Line] is provided across the entrance to a road, a driver shall not proceed beyond such sign so as to enter that road.

29. (1) Subject to sub-article (2), where traffic sign number RRM 020 (yellow box) is provided on a public road or at a junction between one or more roads or at a junction between one or more roads and a light railway (whether the junctions are controlled by traffic sign number RTS 001, RTS 002, RTS 004 or RTS 013 (traffic lights), or otherwise) and notwithstanding any indication to the contrary that may be given by such traffic signs, a driver of a vehicle shall not enter, either partly or wholly, the cross-hatched area unless the vehicle can clear the area without stopping.

(2) Sub-article (1) does not apply where the driver of a vehicle intending to make a right hand turn at a junction enters the cross-hatched area for that purpose.

(3) Where traffic sign number RRM 020 is provided in a traffic lane at the end of an adjacent bus lane, where traffic sign number RUS 028 or traffic sign number RUS 029 used in association with traffic sign number RRM 024 are provided, to facilitate the drivers of vehicles exiting the bus lane to enter the adjacent traffic lane, a driver of a vehicle, other than a driver of a vehicle that is exiting the bus lane, shall not enter, either partly or wholly, the cross-hatched area unless the vehicle can clear the area without stopping.]

30. (1) Where traffic sign number RTS 001, RTS 002, RTS 003, RTS 004 or RTS 013 (referred to in these Regulations as "traffic lights") is provided, a person shall not drive a vehicle past the traffic lights, or past traffic sign number RRM 017 (stop line) where such sign is provided in association with the traffic lights when the red lamp of the traffic light is illuminated.

(2) 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 traffic sign number RRM 017 (stop line) when such sign is provided in association with the traffic lights, save when the vehicle is so close to the traffic lights that it cannot safely be stopped before passing the traffic lights or traffic sign number RRM 017.

(3)(a) A driver of a vehicle facing traffic sign number RTS 001, RTS 002, RTS 003 or RTS 013 in which the green lamp is illuminated may proceed beyond the traffic lights, or beyond traffic sign number RRM 017 (stop line) if such traffic sign is provided in association with the traffic lights, provided no other road user is endangered and subject to compliance with the relevant provisions of articles 8 and 29.

(b) When traffic lights contain green lamps which indicate a directional arrow, a driver of a vehicle wishing to proceed in accordance with paragraph (a) in the direction indicated by the arrow may only do so when such lamp is illuminated.

(4) Where an amber lamp in traffic sign number RTS 001 is illuminated on an intermittent basis, a driver of a vehicle may only proceed past the traffic light or where traffic sign number RRM 017 (stop line) is provided in association with traffic lights, past such sign, where right of way is yielded to any pedestrian who has commenced crossing the roadway at the traffic lights.

(5) Where traffic sign number RTS 004 is provided in advance of traffic sign number RUS 026 (yield / Géill Slí) or traffic sign number RRM 018 (yield line) 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 provisions of article 21.

(6) The expression—

(a) "redlamp" in sub-article (1) includes a red lamp on traffic sign number RTS 002 which, when illuminated, indicates a red directional arrow, a red directional U-Turn arrow or the word "BUS", in red,

(b) "non-flashingamber light" in sub-article (2) includes non-flashing amber lamps on traffic sign number RTS 002 which, when illuminated, indicate an amber directional arrow, an amber directional U-Turn arrow or the word "BUS", in amber, and includes a non-flashing amber lamp on traffic sign number RTS 004 which, when illuminated, indicates an amber directional arrow, and

(c) "greenlamp" in sub-article (3) includes green lamps on traffic sign number RTS 002 which, when illuminated, indicate a green directional arrow, a green directional U-Turn arrow or the word "BUS", in green.]

31. (1) A driver or pedestrian approaching a railway level crossing, a swing bridge or a lifting bridge at which traffic sign number RTS 005 (level crossing traffic lights) has been provided shall not, while the red lamps are flashing, proceed beyond traffic sign number RRM 017 (stop line) or barrier or half barrier where such line, barrier or half barrier is provided, or otherwise beyond traffic sign number RTS 005.

(2) A driver of a vehicle or pedestrian approaching a railway level crossing, a swing bridge or a lifting bridge at which traffic sign number RTS 005 has been provided and in which a non-flashing amber light is illuminated, shall not proceed past that sign or past traffic sign number RRM 017 (stop line) where such sign is provided in association with the traffic lights, save when the vehicle is so close to the traffic sign that it cannot safely be stopped before passing traffic sign numbers RTS 005 or RRM 017.

(3) A driver approaching a railway level crossing, a swing bridge or a lifting bridge at which traffic sign number RRM 020 (yellow box) has been provided shall not enter either totally or partly the area covered by the traffic sign unless the vehicle can clear the area without stopping, notwithstanding any indication to the contrary given by a traffic signal at the level crossing or bridge, as the case may be.]

32. (1)(a) A bus lane shall be indicated by means of traffic sign number RUS 028 or traffic sign number RUS 029 used in association with traffic sign number RRM 024.

(b) A contra-flow bus lane shall be indicated by means of traffic sign number RUS 030 used in association with traffic sign number RRM 024.

F34[(2) A person shall not enter a bus lane with a vehicle, other than a large public service vehicle, a pedal cycle, an L1e-A e-moped or an electric scooter, during the period of operation of the bus lane indicated on an information plate.

(3) A person shall not enter a contra-flow bus lane with a vehicle, other than a large public service vehicle, a pedal cycle, an L1e-A e-moped or an electric scooter.

(4) A person shall not enter a bus-only street with a vehicle other than a large public service vehicle, a pedal cycle, an L1e-A e-moped or an electric scooter except for the purpose of access.]

(5)(a) Sub-articles (2) and (3) do not apply to a vehicle crossing a with-flow bus lane or a contra-flow bus lane solely for the purpose—

(i) of entering or leaving premises or property adjacent to such a bus lane, or

(ii) of entering or leaving a road inset adjacent to such a bus lane in order to load or unload goods.

(b) Sub-article (2) does not apply to—

(i) a taxi or a wheelchair accessible taxi which is being used in the course of business, or

(ii) a vehicle authorised and identified in accordance with sub-article (6), being driven by a driver authorised under that sub-article, in which is being carried, a member of the Government, a Minister of State who regularly attends meetings of the Government, the Attorney General or the Ceann Comhairle, in the course of his or her duties as such.

(6) The Minister may—

(a) authorise vehicles and drivers for the purposes of the exemption from this article contained in sub-article (5)(b)(ii), and

(b) specify the form of identification to be attached to the windscreen of a vehicle to which that exemption applies.

(7) Vehicles and drivers authorised under the Road Traffic (Bus Lanes) (Exemption) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 527 of 2011) shall be deemed to be authorised under sub-article (6).]

F35[33. (1) A driver on a motorway shall not—

(a) drive a mechanically propelled vehicle against the direction of traffic flow;

(b) drive a mechanically propelled vehicle on or across any part of the motorway which is not a carriageway;

(c) stop or park a mechanically propelled vehicle on any part of a motorway;

(d) drive a mechanically propelled vehicle of a class for which an ordinary speed limit of not more than 90 kilometres per hour is prescribed by regulations under section 3 or 4 of the Road Traffic Act 2004 in the traffic lane nearest the right hand edge of a carriageway having more than one traffic lane except where it is necessary to proceed in that lane due to an obstruction or because another lane or lanes is or are for the time being closed to traffic.

(e) Paragraph (d) does not apply where –

(i) a special speed limit of not more than 80 kilometres per hour applies under a special speed limit bye-law, or

(ii) a speed limit of not more than 80 kilometres per hour applies under a road works speed limit order.

(2) A prohibition imposed by paragraph (b) or (c) of sub-article (1) shall not apply in relation to any part of the motorway which is provided for the parking of mechanically propelled vehicles or for the provision of services or amenities.

(3) A prohibition imposed by sub-article (1)(c) does not apply—

(a) in the case of a mechanically propelled vehicle which is stopped on a carriageway while it is prevented from proceeding by an obstruction, or

(b) subject to sub-article (4), in the case of a mechanically propelled vehicle which has been involved in an accident or is broken down.

(4) (a) The driver or other person in charge of a mechanically propelled vehicle on a motorway which has been involved in an accident or cannot proceed because of breakdown, mechanical defect or other emergency shall—

(i) as soon as, and insofar as, is possible, drive or move the mechanically propelled vehicle from the carriageway on to the nearest available space to the left of the left hand edge of the carriageway so that no part of the vehicle extends on to the carriageway, and

(ii) use the nearest available telephone as soon as possible to notify the Garda Síochána of the accident, breakdown or other circumstance which has necessitated the stopping of the mechanically propelled vehicle on the motorway.

(b) The driver or other person in charge of a mechanically propelled vehicle to which this sub-article applies shall not allow the vehicle to remain parked on the motorway for longer than is necessary and for this purpose shall accept an offer of assistance or service by a member of the Garda Síochána or by an employee or agent of a road authority.]

34. F36[…]

35. A vehicle being driven on a dual-carriageway or other road that has a central reserve or traffic island must not change direction of travel at a location where traffic sign number RUS 017 (no U-turn) has been provided.]

36. (1) Save as otherwise provided for in these Regulations and subject to article 5 a vehicle shall not be parked on a public road at a location, in a manner or for a purpose, referred to in sub-article (2).

(2) A vehicle shall not be parked—

(a) on that side of a section of roadway along the edge of which traffic sign number RRM 008 (double yellow lines) has been provided,

(b) on a section of roadway where traffic sign number RUS 019 (no parking sign) has been provided, during the period indicated on the information plate accompanying such traffic sign,

(c) within 5 metres of a road junction,

(d) on a section of roadway with less than 3 traffic lanes and where traffic sign number RRM 001 (continuous white line) has been provided,

(e) on a section of roadway where traffic sign number RUS 020 (taxis), in association with RRM 029 (appointed stand), has been placed to indicate that an appointed stand has been provided,

(f) in any place, position or manner that will result in the vehicle obstructing, delaying or interfering with the entrance to or exit from a fire brigade station, an ambulance station or a Garda station,

(g) in any place, position or manner that will result in the vehicle obstructing an entrance or an exit for vehicles to or from a premises, save with the consent of the occupier of such premises,

(h) within 15 metres (on the approach side) or 5 metres (on the side other than the approach side) of a section of roadway if there is no footpath build-out and where any of the following traffic signs have been provided—

(i) traffic sign number RPC 001 (zebra pedestrian crossing),

F39[(ia) traffic sign number RPC 001A (zebra pedestrian crossing without belisha beacons),]

(ii) traffic sign number RPC 002 (zig-zag pedestrian crossing lines) associated with RPC 001 (zebra pedestrian crossing), F39[RPC 001A (zebra pedestrian crossing without belisha beacons),] RPC 003 or RPC 004 (pedestrian crossing signals), or

(iii) traffic sign numbers RTS 001, RTS 002, RTS 003, RTS 004 or RTS 013 (traffic lights),

(i) on a footway, a grass margin or a median strip,

(j) on a part of a roadway which is a casual trading area, during hours of trading, unless the vehicle is for the time being in use for the purposes of casual trading,

(k) in a manner in which it will interfere with the normal flow of traffic or which obstructs or endangers other traffic,

(l) where traffic sign number RUS 031 (bus stop) or RRM 030 (stopping place or stand) has been provided unless the vehicle is a large public service vehicle,

(m) in a cycle track where traffic sign number RUS 009, RUS 058 or RUS 059 is provided, or

(n) on a stretch of roadway with less than 3 traffic lanes where traffic sign number RUS 014 (no overtaking) has been provided.]

37. (1) A vehicle shall not be parked during a period which may be indicated on an information plate, on that side of a section of roadway along the edge of which traffic sign number RRM 007 [single yellow line] has been provided.

(2) (a) Subject to paragraph (b), where traffic sign number RUS 018 [Restricted Parking] is provided a vehicle may only be parked for the length of time and, where appropriate, during the period, indicated on the information plate accompanying the sign.

F40[(b) Where a vehicle is removed from a place in respect of which paragraph (a) applies it may not be parked again in that place within 1 hour of its removal during the period when the restriction is in force.]

(3) (a) Subject to paragraphs (b) and (c), a vehicle, other than a large public service vehicle, shall not be parked where traffic sign number RUS 019 [No Parking] accompanied by an information plate containing the words "Except Buses - Ach Amháin Busanna" is provided.

(b) (i) The restriction referred to in paragraph (a) may be applied for a specific period which shall be indicated on an information plate.

F41[(ii) A large public service vehicle parked in accordance with paragraph (a) shall not be parked for a period exceeding one hour from the commencement of such parking or shall not be parked for a period exceeding any other period of time in excess of one hour applying at a specified period or periods during any day which is indicated on an information plate.]

(c) Where a large public service vehicle, having been parked in that portion of a roadway where the restriction as provided for in paragraph (b) applies, leaves, it shall not be parked again in that portion of the roadway within one hour of leaving while the restriction applies.

(4) Where a vehicle is parked in a parking place which is the subject of a provision contained in bye-laws made under section 36 of the Act of 1994 it shall only be parked in accordance with such a provision.

(5) Where traffic sign number RRM 011, RRM 012, RRM 013 or RRM 014 [Parking Bays] is provided, a vehicle must be parked within the limits of the parking bay.

38. (1) (a) Where traffic sign number RUS 019 [Prohibition on Parking] is provided at the entrance to an area in association with an information plate containing a symbol to indicate a large vehicle, a vehicle whose F42[maximum design gross vehicle weight] exceeds the weight specified on the information plate, shall not be parked in the said area.

(b) Paragraph (a) shall not apply to a large vehicle parked while goods are being loaded in or on to it or unloaded from it, for a period not exceeding thirty minutes from the commencement of the parking.

(2) The end of the prohibition provided for in sub-article (1) shall be indicated by traffic sign number RUS 019 accompanied by an information plate containing a symbol to indicate a large vehicle and the word "END/CRIOCH".

39. (1) A person shall not park a vehicle in a contra flow bus lane.

(2) A person shall not park a vehicle in a bus lane during the period of operation of the bus lane.

(3) A person shall not park a vehicle other than F43[a large public service vehicle] in a bus only street except for loading or unloading.

(4) Sub-article (2) shall not apply to a taxi or a wheelchair accessible taxi which is stopped while picking up or setting down passengers in the course of its use.

40. (1) A clearway means a part of a roadway at the start of which traffic sign number RUS 010 [Clearway], accompanied by an information plate, is provided and at the end of which traffic sign number RUS 010 [Clearway], accompanied by an information plate containing the words "End/Críoch", is provided.

(2) A vehicle may not be stopped or parked in a clearway during the period indicated on the information plate.

(3) Sub-article (2) shall apply notwithstanding any indication to the contrary given by means of another traffic sign.

41. (1) A vehicle may not be stopped or parked on a section of a roadway where traffic sign number RRM 010 [Stopping prohibition at school entrances] is provided.

(2) Sub-article (1) shall apply notwithstanding any indication to the contrary given by means of another traffic sign.

42. (1) Where traffic sign number RRM 009 [Loading Bay] is provided, a vehicle other than a goods vehicle being used for loading or unloading shall not be parked during a period which shall be indicated on an information plate.

F44[(2) A goods vehicle being used for loading or unloading shall not be parked in a loading bay—

(a) where a period of time is indicated on an information plate provided on traffic sign number RRM 009, for any further period in excess of that period, or

(b) where no such information plate is provided, for a period exceeding 30 minutes.]

43. (1) Each body specified in the Third Schedule may grant to a disabled person a disabled person’s parking permit.

(2) In this article, "disabled person" means a person with a permanent condition or disability that severely restricts his or her ability to walk.

(3) A permit granted under this article shall be valid for 2 years from the date of its issue.]

44. (1) Subject to sub-article (2), where traffic sign number RRM 015 [Disabled Persons Parking Bay] is provided, a vehicle shall not be stopped or parked.

(2) Sub-article (1) shall not apply to a vehicle in which is displayed a disabled person's parking permit and which is parked for the convenience of the person to whom the permit was granted.

44A. (1) Subject to sub-article (2), where traffic sign number RRM 034 [Car Club Vehicle Parking Bay] is provided, a vehicle shall not be stopped or parked.

(2) Sub-article (1) shall not apply to a vehicle—

(a) in which is displayed a car club vehicle permit, and

(b) which is clearly marked to show that it is a vehicle that belongs to a car club.]

44B. (1) Subject to sub-article (2), where traffic sign number RRM 035 [Electrically Powered Vehicle Recharging Bay] is provided, a vehicle shall not be stopped or parked.

(2) Sub-article (1) shall not apply to a vehicle that is an electrically powered vehicle the battery of which is being recharged.]

45. F48[(1) (a) Subject to paragraph (b), a person shall not drive a vehicle into a road, a portion of a road or in an area, at the entrance to which traffic sign number RUS 021 [Pedestrianised Street or Area] is provided, during the period indicated on the information plate accompanying the said traffic sign.

F49[(b) Paragraph (a) does not apply to a person who is driving a pedal cycle or an electric scooter on a cycle track.]]

(2) A vehicle shall not be parked in a road, a portion of a road or an area, at the entrance to which the traffic sign referred to in sub-article (1) is provided, during the period indicated on the information plate accompanying the said sign.

(3) Where a vehicle is parked in a road, a portion of a road or an area, at the entrance to which the sign referred to in sub-article (1) is provided, at a time in advance of the commencement of the period indicated on the information plate accompanying the said sign, the parking of the said vehicle must cease and the vehicle must be removed from the road, portion of the road or the area prior to the commencement of that period.

46. (1) A pedestrian shall exercise care and take all reasonable precautions in order to avoid causing danger or inconvenience to traffic and other pedestrians.

F50[(2) A pedestrian facing a traffic light lamp which shows a red light shall not proceed to cross the roadway.]

(3) A pedestrian about to cross a roadway at a place where traffic sign number RPC 003 or RPC 004 [pedestrian lights] has been provided shall do so only when a lamp of the facing pedestrian lights is lit and emits a constant green light.

(4) Subject to sub-article (5), save when crossing the roadway, a pedestrian shall use a footway if one is provided, and if one is not provided, shall keep as near as possible to the right edge of the roadway.

(5) At a road junction where traffic is controlled either by traffic lights or by a member of the Garda Síochána, a pedestrian shall cross the roadway only when traffic going in the direction in which the pedestrian intends to cross is permitted (by the lights or the member) to proceed.

F50[(6) On a roadway where traffic sign number RPC 001 (zebra pedestrian crossing) F51[or RPC 001A (zebra pedestrian crossing without belisha beacons)] is provided or where that sign is provided in association with traffic sign number RPC 002 (zig-zag pedestrian crossing lines) a pedestrian shall only cross the roadway at the location of traffic sign number RPC 001 F51[or RPC 001A].

(7) On a roadway on which traffic sign number RPC 001 (zebra pedestrian crossing) F51[or RPC 001A (zebra pedestrian crossing without belisha beacons)] has been provided, a pedestrian shall not cross the roadway within 15 metres of the crossing except by the crossing.]

(8) For the purposes of this article, each carriageway of a dual carriageway shall be deemed to be a separate roadway, and where there is a traffic refuge on a roadway the portion of the roadway on each side of the refuge shall be deemed to be a separate roadway.

47. (1) A pedal cyclist shall not drive a pedal cycle on a roadway in such a manner as to result in more than 2 pedal cyclists driving abreast, save when overtaking other pedal cyclists, and then only if to do so will not endanger, inconvenience or obstruct other traffic or pedestrians.

(2) Pedal cyclists on a roadway shall cycle in single file when overtaking other traffic.]

47A. (1) An electric scooter user shall not drive an electric scooter on a roadway in such a manner as to result in more than 2 electric scooter users driving abreast, save when overtaking other electric scooter users, and then only if to do so will not endanger, inconvenience or obstruct other traffic or pedestrians.

(2) Electric scooter users on a roadway shall drive in single file when overtaking other traffic.]

47B. (1) A pedal cyclist, an L1e-A e-moped driver or an electric scooter user facing traffic sign number RTS 006 or RTS 007 (cycle traffic lights) in which one lamp is lit and which shows a symbol of a pedal cycle in green, may proceed beyond that traffic sign provided no other road user is endangered.

(2) Where traffic sign number RTS 006 or RTS 007 (cycle traffic lights) is provided, and a lamp in that traffic sign is lit and shows a symbol of a pedal cycle in red, a person shall not drive a pedal cycle, an L1e-A e-moped or an electric scooter past the traffic sign.

(3) Where traffic sign number—

(i) RTS 006 is provided and a lamp in the traffic sign is lit on an intermittent basis showing a symbol of a pedal cycle in green, or

(ii) RTS 007 is provided and a lamp in the traffic sign is lit showing a symbol of a pedal cyclist in amber,

a pedal cyclist, L1e-A driver or an electric scooter user may not cross the road unless he or she has begun to do so while a lamp showing a symbol of a pedal cycle in green is lit on a constant basis.

(4) Where an amber lamp in traffic sign number RTS 007 is lit on an intermittent basis, a person driving a pedal cycle, L1e-A e-moped or electric scooter may only proceed past the cycle traffic light where right of way is yielded to any pedestrian who has begun to cross the roadway or the cycle track at the traffic lights.

(5) Where traffic sign number RTS 014 is provided, and the display in that traffic sign shows a symbol of a pedal cycle in red, a person shall not drive a pedal cycle, L1e-A e-moped or electric scooter past the traffic sign.

(6) Where traffic sign number RTS 014 –

(i) is provided and the display in the traffic sign shows a symbol of a pedal cycle in amber, a person driving a pedal cycle, L1e-A e-moped or electric scooter shall not drive the vehicle past the sign, or past traffic sign number RPC 001B, save when the vehicle is so close to the sign that it cannot safely be stopped before passing the sign, or

(ii) is provided and the display in the traffic sign shows a symbol of a flashing pedal cycle in amber, pedal cyclists, L1e-A e-moped drivers and electric scooter users may proceed beyond that traffic sign where right of way is yielded to any pedestrian who is waiting to cross or has commenced crossing the cycle track at the zebra crossing road marking RPC 001B.]

48. A driver meeting or overtaking an animal on a road shall take all reasonable precautions, including where appropriate, stopping the vehicle, before meeting the animal.

49. (1) A person in charge of an animal which is being driven along or on to a road shall take all reasonable steps to ensure—

(a) that the animal does not obstruct traffic or pedestrians;

(b) that, save when being driven to or from land or premises, the animal is not on a cycle track or footway; and

(c) that traffic overtaking the animal has room to do so in safety.

(2) In this article, "driven" means conducted without a rein or lead.

50. A person riding or leading a horse on a road shall do so on the left hand side of the road.

51. During lighting-up hours, a person in charge of animals on a road shall ensure that an adequate warning, which is visible for a reasonable distance, is given to other road users approaching the animals.