Dual Carriageway Ends

This sign appears where dual carriageways transition to single carriageways, common on National Primary Routes throughout Ireland.

Locations include the N7 where dual carriageway sections end near Limerick, the N11 Wexford route transitions, sections of the N25 between Cork and Waterford, and where M50 slip roads merge onto single-carriageway distributor roads.

The sign also appears where dual carriageway bypasses around towns transition back to older single-carriageway routes.

The physical barrier or median separating opposing traffic lanes is about to end.

You will transition from a divided highway to a single carriageway with oncoming traffic sharing the same road surface.

Check your position—ensure you are in the correct lane for your direction.

Do not drift toward the center.

Reduce speed if you have been traveling at motorway speeds.

Be prepared for a significant change in road character—the single carriageway may have bends, junctions, and lower speed limits.

Failing to adjust to single-carriageway conditions can result in serious charges.

Continuing at dual carriageway speeds where inappropriate for the new road constitutes careless driving: 2 penalty points and fines to €2,000.

Drifting across the center line into oncoming traffic results in dangerous driving charges: 5 penalty points, fines to €5,000, imprisonment, and disqualification.

Head-on collisions caused by failure to observe this transition often result in dangerous driving causing death charges with up to 10 years imprisonment.

Theory test questions cover the meaning of dual carriageway transition signs and appropriate driver responses.

You must understand that dual carriageway ends means oncoming traffic will share your road surface.

During practical tests, if you encounter this transition, examiners assess whether you recognize the sign early, check your lane position, adjust speed appropriately for single-carriageway conditions, and demonstrate heightened awareness for oncoming traffic.

Maintaining dual carriageway speeds beyond the transition results in Grade 2 faults.

Incorrect positioning near the center line results in Grade 3 failure.