Keep Right

Keep Right signs appear less frequently than Keep Left signs in Ireland (left-side driving naturally directs traffic left of obstructions), but occur at specific locations where right-side passage is required: temporary traffic management at roadworks where work zones occupy left lanes forcing traffic right, central reservations or islands where design directs traffic right, contraflow systems where opposing traffic uses left side requiring your traffic to keep right, and unusual junction geometries where right-side passage maintains proper lane discipline.

Roadworks commonly feature Keep Right when excavations, equipment, or materials occupy left lanes and hard shoulders.

Some roundabout designs use Keep Right signs directing traffic right of central islands in specific contexts.

Lane drop situations occasionally use Keep Right directing traffic into maintained lanes on the right side.

The circular blue mandatory sign with white right-pointing arrow indicates compulsory right-side passage.

This mandatory directional sign requires traffic to pass on the right side of the sign/obstruction, prohibiting left-side passage.

In Ireland's left-side driving system, Keep Right instructions typically indicate unusual situations requiring right-side routing contrary to natural left-side tendencies.

The mandatory nature means compliance is required regardless of apparent convenience—drivers cannot choose alternative routing.

Common scenarios requiring Keep Right include: roadworks where left lanes are closed and traffic must move right, contraflow arrangements where opposing traffic occupies left lanes, and junction approaches where right-side passage maintains correct lane positioning for intended movements.

At roadworks, Keep Right signs often work with temporary barriers and cones physically blocking left-side passage.

The sign indicates that left-side passage would be dangerous (conflicting traffic, work zone intrusion) or prohibited (physical barriers).

Drivers should expect unusual traffic patterns when Keep Right signs appear—they typically indicate departure from normal left-side traffic flow.

Violating Keep Right mandatory directions results in fixed penalties (€80, 2 penalty points) for failing to comply with mandatory traffic signs.

Violations at roadworks entering work zones or contraflow areas may constitute dangerous driving (€5,000, 5 penalty points, disqualification) given hazards created.

Collisions resulting from wrong-side passage (attempting left-side passage where Keep Right mandated) typically establish primary liability (80-100%) against violating drivers.

At roadworks, vehicles passing on prohibited sides endangering workers face additional charges beyond traffic violations.

Insurance assessments examine mandatory sign compliance—violations at clearly signed locations establish contributory negligence.

Keep Right violations in contraflow systems risk head-on collisions with opposing traffic, potentially resulting in vehicular manslaughter charges if fatalities occur.

The relative rarity of Keep Right signs (compared to Keep Left) means violations often indicate significant observation failures—drivers miss conspicuous mandatory directions.

Enforcement focuses on roadworks and contraflow zones where Keep Right compliance is critical for worker and road user safety.

Theory test questions about Keep Right signs emphasize understanding mandatory nature of circular blue directional signs, recognition that Keep Right requires right-side passage prohibiting left-side alternatives, and awareness that Keep Right typically indicates unusual situations in Ireland's left-side driving system.

Questions assess understanding of common Keep Right scenarios (roadworks lane closures, contraflow systems), why right-side passage might be mandated contrary to normal left-side driving, and consequences of violations.

Scenario questions test whether candidates recognize Keep Right signs indicate unusual traffic patterns requiring attention.

Practical driving tests occasionally include Keep Right situations at roadworks or unusual junction geometries; examiners assess: recognition of mandatory directional signs, compliance with right-side passage requirements (particularly when contrary to natural left-side driving instinct), smooth execution without confusion, and understanding that mandatory signs require specific routing.

Common faults include attempting left-side passage despite clear Keep Right signs, or excessive hesitation indicating uncertainty about mandatory requirements when Keep Right directions seem contrary to normal traffic flow.