No Straight Ahead

No Straight Ahead signs appear at junctions where continuing straight would enter prohibited areas including private property, pedestrianized zones, or one-way streets facing the wrong direction.

Common at Dublin junctions leading into Temple Bar pedestrian areas, at Cork junctions where straight ahead enters Patrick Street pedestrian zone outside permitted hours, in Galway at Shop Street pedestrian area boundaries, and at junctions where roads ahead become bus-only or access-only.

The signs prevent through-traffic entering areas designed for local access, deliveries, or pedestrians only.

Proceeding straight ahead is absolutely prohibited—you must turn left or right.

The prohibition typically indicates that: the road ahead is pedestrianized, becomes one-way in the opposing direction, enters private property not for public through-traffic, or is restricted to buses/taxis/authorized vehicles only.

Some restrictions are time-based (e.g., 'No Straight Ahead 11am-6pm' for shopping areas).

The sign doesn't indicate which turn is preferable—you must choose based on your destination and other signs.

Local access exemptions rarely apply—even residents must turn unless specifically indicated.

Violating No Straight Ahead signs results in €80 Fixed Charge Notice and 3 penalty points for failure to comply with mandatory traffic signs.

Proceeding straight into pedestrianized areas results in additional charges: dangerous driving in pedestrian zones carries fines to €5,000, 5 penalty points, and potential imprisonment.

Entering one-way streets the wrong direction due to ignoring No Straight Ahead signs results in No Entry violation penalties.

Camera enforcement operates at many pedestrian zone boundaries in Dublin, Cork, and Galway issuing automated postal penalties.

Violations causing pedestrian collisions result in serious injury charges with severe sentences.

Theory test questions cover junction prohibition signs including No Straight Ahead signs, testing understanding that red circular signs with prohibition symbols are mandatory, that violations constitute serious offenses, and that alternative routes must be planned.

Questions test knowledge that No Straight Ahead doesn't indicate which turn direction—drivers must assess from other signs and road markings.

Practical tests include junctions with No Straight Ahead signs to assess observation, sign recognition, and lane selection skills.

Examiners expect early sign recognition and appropriate lane selection for your required turn.

Proceeding straight ahead at prohibited junctions results in immediate Grade 3 failure.