No Left Turn

No Left Turn signs appear at junctions throughout Irish cities where left turns would conflict with bus lanes, create dangerous crossing movements, or cause traffic congestion.

Common locations include Dublin's O'Connell Street junctions during peak hours, Cork's Patrick Street intersections, Galway's Shop Street area, and junctions near Luas crossings.

Many restrictions are time-based (7am-7pm weekdays), shown on supplementary plates.

Signs also appear where left turns would enter one-way streets the wrong way or create sight-line hazards at complex intersections.

Left turns are absolutely prohibited at this junction.

You must continue straight ahead or turn right if permitted.

The prohibition usually exists because left turns would: conflict with bus lane traffic, require crossing multiple lanes dangerously, enter areas with access restrictions, or create unacceptable delay to through-traffic.

Time-based restrictions allow left turns outside peak hours.

Motorcycles and cycles are not exempt unless specifically stated.

The prohibition applies to all vehicles including emergency vehicles not on active call.

Violating No Left Turn signs constitutes failure to comply with mandatory traffic signs: €80 Fixed Charge Notice and 3 penalty points under Road Traffic Act 1961.

Violations causing collisions with bus lane traffic result in careless driving charges: additional penalties, fines to €2,000, and full civil liability.

Many No Left Turn junctions have automated camera enforcement, particularly in Dublin and Cork—violations result in postal Fixed Charge Notices with photographic evidence.

Accumulating multiple turn prohibition violations within short periods results in license suspension reviews.

Turn prohibition signs feature extensively in theory and practical tests.

Theory questions test recognition of prohibition signs versus advisory signs, understanding that red circles are mandatory prohibitions, and knowledge that turn restrictions often protect bus lanes.

Practical tests in urban areas include junctions with turn restrictions.

Examiners assess whether you recognize No Left Turn signs early, select appropriate lanes for your permitted direction, and demonstrate route planning awareness.

Violating turn prohibitions results in immediate Grade 3 failure.

Incorrect lane selection due to failing to observe signs results in Grade 2 faults.