The Minister for the Environment, in exercise of the powers conferred on him by sections 3 and 35 of the Road Traffic Act, 1994 (No. 7 of 1994) hereby makes the following Regulations:—

1 Short Title

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

2 Commencement

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

3 Revocations

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 Interpretation

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;

"appointed stand" has the meaning assigned to it by section 84 (as amended by section 6 of the Act of 1968) 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;

"bus-only street" means a street or portion of a street at each entrance to which is provided traffic sign number RUS 021 accompanied by an information plate to indicate that vehicles, other than omnibuses and vehicles entering for access only, are prohibited from entering that street;

"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;

"cycle track" means part of a road, including part of a footway or part of a roadway, which is reserved for the use of pedal cycles and from which all mechanically propelled vehicles, other than mechanically propelled wheelchairs, are prohibited from entering except for the purpose of access;

"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;

"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;

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

"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;

"holiday" means Good Friday or any day that is a public holiday for the purposes of the Holidays (Employees) Act, 1973 (No. 25 of 1973);

"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;

"local authority" means the council of a county, the council of a county borough, the council of a borough, the council of an urban district or the commissioners of a town;

"median strip" means a boundary between the two carriageways of a road other than a traffic sign to which article 10 of the Regulations of 1997 refers;

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

"parking bay" means the area contained between lines of the type referred to in article 17 of the Regulations of 1997.

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

"the Regulations of 1997" means the Road Traffic (Signs) Regulations, 1997;

"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;

"roadworks" has the meaning assigned to it in section 101 (d) 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.

(3) (i) Notwithstanding paragraph (ii), a reference in these Regulations to a traffic sign means a reference to a traffic sign prescribed in the Regulations of 1997 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 1997 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.

(5) A reference to a vehicle in these Regulations shall, unless otherwise specified, mean a mechanically propelled vehicle (other than a mechanically propelled wheelchair) and a pedal cycle.

(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.

5 Non-application of certain Prohibitions and Restrictions

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

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

( b ) a vehicle being used in connection with the carrying out of roadworks;

( c ) a fire brigade, an ambulance, or a vehicle being used by a member of the Garda Síochána in performance of the duties of that member;

( d ) 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;

( e ) 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.

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

( a ) a vehicle to which paragraphs (a),(b),(c) or (d) of sub-article (2) 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 Directions of Garda Síochána

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 General Obligation Regarding Speed

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 Yielding Right of Way

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.

(5) A driver of a vehicle approaching a road junction by a road which is not a major road shall, notwithstanding that there is no traffic sign indicating that the last mentioned road is a major road, yield the right of way to traffic and pedestrians on the major road.

(6) A driver approaching a road junction to which sub-article (5) does not apply shall yield the right of way to traffic and pedestrians approaching the junction from the right by another road.

(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 Drive on Left

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.

10 Overtaking

10. (1) A driver shall not overtake, or attempt to overtake, if to do so would endanger, or cause inconvenience to, any other 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.

(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.

(5) A driver may only overtake on the left—

( a ) 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 to turn to the left,

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

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

11 Turning at Junctions

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 Reversing

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 Driving on Footway

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 Cycle Tracks

14. (1) Where traffic sign numbers RUS 009 or RUS 009A and either RRM 022 or RRM 023 [cycle track] are provided, the part of road to which they relate shall be a cycle track.

(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 or RUS 009A.

(3) All pedal cycles must be driven on a cycle track where one is provided.

(4) Where a cycle track is one-way, pedal cycles shall be driven in the same direction as traffic on the side of the roadway adjacent to the cycle track is required to travel.

(5) When a cycle track is two-way, pedal cycles shall be driven as near as possible to the left hand side of each lane.

(6) ( a ) A mechanically propelled vehicle, other than a mechanically propelled wheelchair, shall not be driven along or across a cycle track.

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

( c ) This sub-article shall not apply to a vehicle being driven for the purpose of access to or egress from a place adjacent to the cycle track or from a roadway to such a place.

15 Roundabouts

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

16 Median Strip

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 Weight Restriction on Vehicles Entering a Road

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

(2) Sub-article (1) shall 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 Signals by Drivers

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.

19 Signals by Garda Síochána

19. Whenever a member of the Garda Síochána gives a signal described in column I 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.

20 Stop Sign and Line

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 Yield Sign and 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 Mandatory Signs at Junctions

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

23 Prohibitory Traffic Signs

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.

(3) The traffic signs referred to in sub-article (1) may be accompanied by information plates which shall indicate the periods in which restrictions apply or shall indicate that the restrictions are not to apply to certain classes of vehicles in accordance with a provision of an article in these Regulations.

24 Other Mandatory Signs

24. (1) Where traffic sign number RUS 001 or RUS 001A 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 Centre of Roadway Lines

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.

26 Merging and Diverging Markings

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 Traffic Lane Markings

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.

28 No Entry

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 Box Junctions

29. (1) Subject to sub-article (2), where traffic sign number RRM 020 [yellow box] is provided at a junction (whether controlled by traffic sign number RTS 00I, RTS 002 or RTS 004 [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 crosshatched area unless the vehicle can clear the area without stopping.

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

30 Traffic Lights

30. (1) Where traffic sign number RTS 00I, RTS 002, RTS 003 or RTS 004 (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 00I, RTS 002 or RTS 003 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 sign] 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.

31 Level Crossings

31. (1) A driver or pedestrian approaching a railway level crossing 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 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 RTS 005 or RRM 017.

(3) A driver approaching a railway level crossing 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.

32 Bus Lanes

32. (1) 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, and 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.

(2) A person shall not enter a bus lane with a vehicle other than an omnibus or a pedal cycle during the period of operation of the bus lane which shall be indicated on an information plate.

(3) A person shall not enter a contra flow bus lane with a vehicle other than an omnibus.

(4) A person shall not enter a bus only street with a vehicle other than an omnibus except for the purpose of access.

(5) ( a ) Sub-articles (1) and (2) shall 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) shall not apply to a taxi or a wheelchair accessible taxi which is being used in the course of business.

33 Rules for Traffic on Motorways

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

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

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

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

( d ) drive a vehicle of a class for which an ordinary speed limit of not more than 50 mph is prescribed by regulations under section 44 (1) of the Road Traffic Act, 1961 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.

(2) A prohibition imposed by paragraphs (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 vehicles or for the provision of services or amenities.

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

( a ) in the case of a 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 vehicle which has been involved in an accident or is broken down.

(4) ( a ) on a motorway, the driver or other person in charge of a vehicle 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 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;

(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 vehicle on the motorway.

( b ) The driver or other person in charge of a vehicle to which this 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 Height Restrictions

34. A vehicle shall not proceed past traffic sign number RUS 016 [height restriction] where the height of the vehicle, including its load if any, measured from the ground to its highest point is equal to or exceeds the height indicated in such traffic sign.

35 Ban on U-Turns

35. A vehicle being driven on a dual carriageway may not change direction of travel at a location where traffic sign number RUS 017 [No U-Turn] has been provided.

36 Prohibitions on Parking

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 this article.

(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, 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 where any of the following traffic signs have been provided—

(i) traffic sign number RPC 001 [Pedestrian Crossing];

(ii) traffic sign number RPC 002 [Pedestrian Crossing Complex]; or

(iii) traffic sign numbers RTS 00I, RTS 002, RTS 003 or RTS 004 [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 RUS 031 [bus stop] or RRM 030 [stopping place or stand] has been provided unless the vehicle is an omnibus.

37 Restrictions on Parking

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.

( b ) Subject to article 43(3), 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 one 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.

(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.

( 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 Restrictions on Parking Heavy Goods Vehicles

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 unladen 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 Parking in Bus Lanes

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 an omnibus 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 Clearways

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 Prohibition on Parking at School Entrances

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 Parking in Loading Bays

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.

(2) A goods vehicle being used for loading or unloading shall not be parked in a loading bay for a period exceeding 30 minutes.

43 Disabled Persons Permits

43. (1) For the purposes of these Regulations, a disabled person means a person who is suffering from a disability that prevents that person from walking or causes undue hardship to the person in walking.

(2) ( a ) A disabled person's parking permit may be granted by a local authority or by any of the bodies listed in the Third Schedule.

( b ) A permit granted under bye-laws made under section 90 of the Act of 1961 shall be deemed to be a permit granted under these Regulations.

(3) Article 37(2)(b) shall not apply to a vehicle in which a disabled person's parking permit is displayed and which is parked for the convenience of the person to whom that permit was granted.

(4) A permit granted in accordance with article 2 shall be valid for two years from the date of its issue.

44 Disabled Persons' Parking Bays

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.

45 Pedestrianised Streets

45. (1) A person shall not drive a vehicle into a road, a portion of a road or an area, at the entrance to which traffic sign number RUS 021 [Pedestrianised street or area] has been provided, during the period indicated on the information plate accompanying the said traffic sign.

(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 Rules for Pedestrians

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.

(2) A pedestrian facing a traffic light lamp which shows a red light shall not proceed beyond that light.

(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.

(6) Within a pedestrian crossing complex [traffic sign number RPC 002] a pedestrian shall only cross the roadway at the location of traffic sign number RPC 001 [pedestrian crossing].

(7) On a roadway on which a traffic sign number RPC 001 [pedestrian crossing] 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 Pedal Cyclists

47. (1) A pedal cyclist shall not drive a pedal cycle on a roadway in such a manner as to result in more than two 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.

48 Overtaking of Animals

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 Drovers

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 Horses on Roadway

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

51 Hours of Darkness

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.

FIRST SCHEDULE

REVOCATIONS

Part I

Road Traffic General Bye-Laws, 1964 ( S.I. No. 294 of 1964 )

Road Traffic General Bye-Laws (Amendment) Regulations 1975 ( S.I. No. 281 of 1975 )

Road Traffic General Bye-Laws (Amendment) Regulations, 1983 ( S.I. No. 275 of 1983 )

Road Traffic General Bye Laws (Amendment) Regulations, 1991 ( S.I. No. 204 of 1991 )

Road Traffic (General Bye-Laws) (Amendment) Regulations, 1993 ( S.I. No. 63 of 1993 )

Road Traffic General Bye-Laws, 1964 (Amendment) Regulations, 1993 ( S.I. No. 393 of 1993 )

Part II

County of Carlow Traffic and Parking Bye-Laws, 1986 ( S.I. No. 177 of 1986 ).

County of Cavan Traffic and Parking Bye-Laws, 1986 ( S.I. No. 178 of 1986 ). County of Clare Traffic and Parking Bye-Laws, 1986 (S.I, No. 179 of 1986).

Cork (County Borough and County) Traffic and Parking Bye-Laws, 1986 ( S.I. No. 180 of 1986 ).

County of Donegal Traffic and Parking Bye-Laws, 1986 ( S.I. No. 181 of 1986 ).

Dublin Area Traffic and Parking Bye-Laws, 1987 ( S.I. No. 292 of 1987 ).

Galway (County Borough and County) Traffic and Parking Bye-Laws, 1986 ( S.I. No. 183 of 1986 ).

County of Kerry Traffic and Parking Bye-Laws, 1986 ( S.I. No. 184 of 1986 ).

County of Kildare Traffic and Parking Bye-Laws, 1986 ( S.I. No. 185 of 1986 ).

County of Kilkenny Traffic and Parking Bye-Laws, 1986 ( S.I. No. 186 of 1986 ).

County of Laois Traffic and Parking Bye-Laws, 1986 ( S.I. No. 187 of 1986 ).

County of Leitrim Traffic and Parking Bye-Laws, 1986 ( S.I. No. 188 of 1986 ).

Limerick (County Borough and County) Traffic and Parking Bye-Laws, 1986 ( S.I. No. 189 of 1986 ).).

County of Louth Traffic and Parking Bye-Laws, 1986 ( S.I. No. 190 of 1986 ).

County of Mayo Traffic and Parking Bye-Laws, 1986 ( S.I. No. 192 of 1986 ). County of Meath Traffic and Parking Bye-Laws, 1986 ( S.I. No. 193 of 1986 ).

County of Monaghan Traffic and Parking Bye-Laws, 1986 ( S.I. No. 194 of 1986 ).

County of Offaly Traffic and Parking Bye-Laws, 1986 ( S.I. No. 195 of 1986 ).

County of Roscommon Traffic and Parking Bye-Laws, 1986 ( S.I. No. 196 of 1986 ).

County of Sligo Traffic and Parking Bye-Laws, 1986 ( S.I. No. 197 of 1986 ).

County of Tipperary (NR and SR) Traffic and Parking Bye-Laws, 1986 ( S.I. No. 198 of 1986 ).

Waterford (County Borough and County) Traffic and Parking Bye-Laws. 1986 ( S.I. No. 199 of 1986 ).

County of Westmeath Traffic and Parking Bye-Laws, 1990 ( S.I. No. 322 of 1990 ).

County of Wexford Traffic and Parking Bye-Laws, 1986 ( S.I. No. 201 of 1986 ).

County of Wicklow Traffic and Parking Bye-Laws, 1986 ( S.I. No. 202 of 1986 ).

SECOND SCHEDULE

Signals

Table A

SIGNALS TO OTHER ROAD USERS
Intended course of action	Signal to be given
I am going to slow down or stop.	Extend the right arm and hand fully with the palm turned downwards, and move the arm slowly upwards and downwards.
I am going to turn to the left.	In the case of a vehicle other than a cycle or animal-drawn vehicle, extend the right arm and hand to the right, and rotate them in an anti-clockwise direction.
	In the case of a cycle or animal-drawn vehicle, extend the left arm and hand fully to the left with the palm to the front, and hold them rigid in a horizontal position straight out from the left side.
I am going to turn to the right.	Extend the right arm and hand fully to the right with the palm to the front, and hold them rigid in a horizontal position straight out from the right side.

Table B

SIGNALS TO GARDAÍ ON POINTS DUTY
Intended course of action	Signal to be given
I want to go straight ahead.	Extend the forearm and hand upwards with the palm to the front.
I want to turn to the left.	In the case of a vehicle other than a cycle, point the right forearm and hand (with the fingers extended) to the left.
	In the case of a cycle or an animal-drawn vehicle, extend the left arm and hand fully to the left with the palm to the front, and hold them rigid in a horizontal position straight out from the left side.
I want to turn to the right.	Extend the right arm and hand fully to the right with the palm to the front, and hold them rigid in a horizontal position straight out from the right side.

Table C

SIGNALS BY GARDAÍ ON POINTS DUTY
Description of Signal	Duties of Drivers and Pedestrians
The Garda extends the right arm and hand at full length above the shoulder.	Drivers and pedestrians approaching the Garda from the front shall halt.
The Garda extends the left arm and hand horizontally from the shoulder.	Drivers and pedestrians approaching the Garda from behind shall halt.
The Garda extends the right arm and hand at full length above the shoulder, and at the same time extends the left arm and hand horizontally from the shoulder.	Drivers and pedestrians approaching the Garda, whether from the front or from behind, shall halt.
The Garda beckons with the hand and forearm.	Drivers and pedestrians approaching the Garda from the front or from the right or left, or stopped or halted by the Garda, shall proceed as beckoned.
The Garda points towards a particular traffic lane.	Drivers shall move into that traffic lane.

THIRD SCHEDULE

BODIES WHICH MAY GRANT A DISABLED PERSON'S PARKING PERMIT

The Disabled Drivers Association

The Irish Wheelchair Association

An authority of any other State - provided that the pictorial symbol of a person sitting in a wheelchair is shown on the permit

GIVEN under the Official Seal of the Minister for the Environment this 1st day of May, 1997.

BRENDAN HOWLIN,

Minister for the Environment.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

These Regulations provide for the general regulation and control of traffic (including the parking of vehicles) and pedestrians in public places. They replace general traffic regulations made by the Minister (under section 60 of the Road Traffic Act, 1968 ) and local traffic and parking bye-laws made on a county basis by the Garda Commissioner (under sections 89 and 90 of the Road Traffic Act, 1961 ).