Single Chevron - Left

Single chevron signs appear on regional and national roads throughout Ireland wherever moderate left-hand bends require advance warning, particularly common in counties Mayo, Donegal, Kerry, and Wicklow where hilly terrain creates frequent curves.

Unlike double or triple chevrons that indicate sharper bends, single chevrons mark curves that are noticeable but not severe—typically bends with radii between 200-400 metres.

You'll see them positioned 50-100 metres before the curve begins, often on roads with 80km/h or 100km/h speed limits where the bend's sharpness is unexpected given the road standard.

They're especially prevalent on recently upgraded roads where alignment couldn't be fully straightened, on approaches to villages where historical routes curve through settlements, and on scenic tourist routes where natural features dictate road alignment.

The single chevron often appears alone but may be supplemented by advisory speed plates in wet weather risk areas.

This red-bordered white triangular sign with a single left-pointing chevron alerts drivers to a moderate left-hand bend ahead that requires attention but not dramatic speed reduction.

The single chevron indicates the curve is less severe than those marked with double or triple chevrons, but still significant enough to warrant warning—particularly at higher speeds.

Drivers approaching this sign should begin gentle deceleration, position their vehicle appropriately in the lane (avoiding the temptation to cut the corner), and prepare to steer smoothly through the curve.

The chevron's angle roughly indicates the severity of the bend.

This sign is particularly important for drivers unfamiliar with the road who might not anticipate the curve's sharpness based on prior road geometry.

At night or in poor visibility, the reflective properties of the sign become crucial for safe navigation, serving as the primary visual cue for the upcoming direction change.

There's no specific penalty for disregarding this advisory warning sign in Ireland, as it's informational rather than regulatory.

However, failure to adjust your driving appropriately can lead to consequences.

If you negotiate the bend at excessive speed and lose control, causing an accident or veering into oncoming traffic, you'll face careless driving charges at minimum (€80 fixed charge, 2 penalty points) or dangerous driving charges if speed was grossly inappropriate (5 penalty points, fines up to €5,000).

Single-vehicle accidents at signed bends often result in prosecution because the visible warning demonstrates the driver should have anticipated the hazard.

Insurance companies examine whether drivers adjusted for posted warnings when assessing claims—maintaining speed inappropriate for a signed curve can constitute contributory negligence, reducing compensation.

The Gardaí frequently monitor known bend locations marked with chevrons, particularly after accidents, and may conduct speed enforcement if patterns of excessive speed emerge.

The single chevron features regularly in theory test questions about road signs and hazard recognition.

Questions typically show this sign among several options and ask you to identify it, explain what it means, or describe appropriate driver response.

More challenging questions present driving scenarios where you must prioritize multiple hazards, one of which is a signed moderate bend.

The test wants to confirm you understand chevron gradation—single indicates moderate severity.

In practical driving tests, examiners assess your response to chevron signs when encountered: appropriate speed reduction matching the bend's severity (not over-braking for a moderate curve), smooth steering inputs without harsh corrections, proper lane positioning throughout, and observation patterns that demonstrate awareness of the bend's exit point.

Common mistakes include either ignoring the sign and maintaining excessive speed, or overreacting with unnecessary heavy braking.

Examiners particularly watch for good anticipation—adjusting speed early rather than braking mid-curve.