Diverted Traffic (Left)

Diverted Traffic (Left) signs appear at key junction points throughout Ireland where official detour routes require left turns to bypass roadworks or closures.

They're commonly positioned at roundabouts and T-junctions in Dublin suburbs when M50 sections are closed, directing traffic through areas like Lucan or Clondalkin.

You'll see these signs at major intersections in Cork city when the N40 ring road requires diversions, or in Galway when the N6 motorway needs temporary closure.

They're particularly frequent on approach roads to Shannon Airport when runway maintenance necessitates alternative access routes, ensuring diverted traffic follows the safest and most efficient path to rejoin the main route.

This sign specifically directs all detoured traffic to turn left at the upcoming junction as part of an official diversion route.

It's not guidance for normal traffic flow but a mandatory instruction for vehicles following the detour due to road closure or major roadworks.

The sign ensures that diverted traffic follows the predetermined safe route that has been assessed for capacity and safety.

Drivers must turn left regardless of their normal route preferences or local knowledge of alternative paths.

The sign maintains traffic flow efficiency and prevents vehicles from becoming lost or creating unauthorized diversions that could overwhelm unsuitable minor roads.

Failing to follow diverted traffic direction signs constitutes non-compliance with temporary traffic management under Irish Road Traffic legislation.

Ignoring the mandatory left turn direction can result in fixed penalty notices of €80 for careless driving.

If your failure to comply leads to accessing restricted areas or causes traffic disruption, fines can increase to €2,000 with 2 penalty points.

More serious violations, such as forcing your way through blocked roads instead of following the left turn, may result in dangerous driving charges with penalties up to €5,000, potential imprisonment, and driving disqualification.

Police often monitor detour compliance at key junctions, especially during major infrastructure projects or emergency closures.

Temporary traffic direction signs including diverted traffic indicators are covered in the Irish driving theory test as part of roadwork and traffic management sections.

You need to understand that these signs show mandatory directions for detoured traffic, not suggestions.

Test scenarios may present junction situations where you must identify the correct action when following a detour route.

During practical driving tests, compliance with temporary direction signs demonstrates your ability to follow instructions, adapt to changing traffic conditions, and maintain road safety discipline.

Examiners specifically look for decisive action when following detour directions, proper positioning for the required maneuver, and awareness that detour routes take priority over normal navigation.