Pass Either Side

Pass Either Side signs appear at the approach to traffic islands, bollards, and temporary obstructions throughout Ireland.

Common locations include Dublin's O'Connell Street at monument bases, at traffic islands on major routes like the N1, N4, N7 approaches to Dublin, at roundabout approaches where central islands begin, and at temporary roadworks where lane restrictions create central obstructions.

The signs also appear in Cork on Patrick Street traffic calming measures, in Galway at Eyre Square traffic islands, and at construction sites where equipment or barriers create road center obstructions requiring traffic to divide.

You have the option to pass the upcoming obstruction on either the left or right side—neither side has priority or preference.

The obstruction is typically a traffic island, bollard system, roadwork barrier, or temporary installation positioned in the road center.

Choose your path based on traffic conditions, queue lengths, and your intended destination.

Both routes should be equally safe and legal.

The sign prevents confusion at obstructions and confirms that drivers may select either route.

It doesn't indicate which side leads to specific destinations—separate directional signs provide that guidance.

Pass Either Side signs themselves don't carry specific penalties, but improper behavior while navigating past obstructions can result in various charges.

Dangerous lane changes while selecting a route result in careless driving penalties: €80 and 2 penalty points.

Cutting across traffic to reach a preferred side without adequate clearance results in dangerous driving charges: fines to €5,000 and 5 penalty points.

Stopping or reversing to change route choice after committing to one side results in obstruction charges and potential dangerous driving penalties.

Following appropriate road markings and signage while passing obstructions is required regardless of route choice.

Pass Either Side signs test decision-making and lane discipline skills in practical tests.

Examiners assess whether you recognize the sign early, make decisive route choices based on traffic conditions and intended destination, signal lane changes appropriately if required, maintain lane discipline while passing the obstruction, and avoid indecisive behavior or last-minute route changes.

Good observation includes checking both route options before committing, selecting based on traffic density and safety considerations.

Hesitant or dangerous behavior when navigating past obstructions results in Grade 2 or Grade 3 faults depending on risk created.