Drivers at risk of up to €120 fines for not knowing these road signs

Thousands of drivers across Ireland could be putting themselves at risk on the road simply by misunderstanding, or not knowing the meaning behind, common road signs. From missed speed limit changes to confusion around warning and regulatory signs, a lack of awareness can lead to fines, penalty points and dangerous driving situations.

In a bid to help drivers stay safe on Irish roads, Conor Mulcahy, Head of Product & Renewals at Quote Devil, has set out some of the more confusing areas of road signs to help drivers stay safe on the roads.

1. The Meaning behind the Colour of Road Signs
Whilst it can be difficult to understand the meaning behind every road sign in use, knowing the context of their colours can go some way to boost knowledge, with different colours used to communicate different types of guidance. It’s important to note that regardless of the colour, these are all mandatory instructions that must be followed. 
Blue signs are typically used for directional guidance, such as whether the road turns left or right ahead, while yellow signs warn motorists about permanent hazards, including road humps or uneven surfaces where extra caution may be needed. Temporary traffic measures, including roadworks and construction activity, are usually marked with orange signage to alert drivers to changing conditions ahead.
Alongside these, brown signs are used to highlight places of local or tourist interest, including museums, landmarks, heritage sites, and other visitor attractions.

2. Understanding Variable Message Signs
Many Irish drivers will have become accustomed to seeing flashing road signs on motorways since they were first introduced on the M50 in October 2021. The flashing signs are Variable Message Signs (VMS) that can be turned on and off to help with traffic flow and changing signals. It’s important that when you see a VMS, you immediately reduce speed, read and follow what the sign says, whilst proceeding with caution.
The VMS’s can show several different types of information, including a new speed limit, closed lanes (shown by a red X) as well as arrow signs that signal you to move into another lane.

3. Road Signs that Incur Fines
Some road signs are linked to specific driving offences, meaning that misunderstanding or failing to follow them may result in drivers being fined up to €120 and receiving three penalty points on their licence.
The RSA highlight several road signs that must be adhered to in order to avoid Penalty points, or fines. If caught misunderstanding or failing to follow them, drivers may be fined up to €120 and receiving three penalty points on their licence.

The signs that warrant this deterrent include no entry to vehicles, which indicate roads where vehicles aren’t permitted to enter. 
 
These sometimes come with additional instructions, such as time-based restrictions in areas like schools or busy pedestrian zones.
One-way signs are in place to help improve traffic flow, reduce congestion and improve safety for both drivers and pedestrians. By directing all vehicles in the same direction, they help remove the risk of head-on collisions.
 
Failing to notice these signs and driving against the flow of a one-way street can be dangerous for all road users, as well as costly for the driver involved. 

When your normal driving path is interrupted, such as at roundabouts, traffic islands, or roadworks, ‘Keep Left’ or ‘Keep Right’ signs are used to guide traffic safely around the obstruction. 
 
These signs provide clear directional instructions, helping to maintain smooth traffic flow and reduce the risk of collisions.

Conor Mulcahy, Head of Product & Renewals at Quote Devil explains how to not get caught out by confusing signage: “Road signs are designed to give drivers quick visual cues, so paying attention to shapes and colours can make them easier to recognise and remember. 
“Knowing simple things about each road sign, such as what the colour means, can help with understanding the vast array of signs we have. It’s important to note that ignoring any road signs could be seen as dangerous driving, so it’s important to make sure you’re aware of what the road is telling you. 
“For both new and long-time drivers, one of the best ways to build confidence is by actively spotting and identifying signs during everyday journeys. Road layouts and signage can change over time, so keeping familiar with them helps drivers stay safer and avoid unnecessary fines or penalty points.”