Crossroads at Sharp Corner - Left

This sign appears on winding rural roads where junctions occur within or immediately after sharp left-hand bends.

Common locations include scenic mountain passes in Cork and Kerry, coastal routes in West Cork and Donegal where narrow roads curve around headlands, and throughout the Wicklow mountains where older roads follow natural terrain.

You will encounter these signs on routes through the Burren in Clare and on secondary roads in Sligo and Leitway that navigate hilly landscapes.

A junction is located within or immediately after a sharp left bend where your visibility is severely compromised.

Reduce speed to 30 km/h or slower before entering the bend.

Use engine braking rather than harsh braking mid-corner.

Position your vehicle carefully on your side of the road—do not cut the corner.

Scan intensely for vehicles emerging from the junction who may not see you until the last moment.

Be prepared for oncoming traffic cutting toward your side.

Sound your horn if visibility is particularly poor.

Taking corners at excessive speed constitutes careless driving, carrying 2 penalty points and fines up to €2,000.

If high speed through such corners causes a collision with vehicles at the junction, dangerous driving charges apply: 5 penalty points, fines up to €5,000, imprisonment up to 6 months, and disqualification.

Cutting corners across the center line with oncoming traffic present can result in dangerous overtaking charges.

Courts view collisions at blind junctions particularly seriously as they often involve serious injuries.

Theory test questions on corner junctions assess your understanding of reduced visibility and appropriate cornering speeds.

You must demonstrate knowledge that corners require lower speeds than straight roads, and corners with junctions require even greater reduction.

During practical tests, examiners evaluate cornering technique: approach speed must be reduced before the corner, appropriate gear selected before entry, smooth steering throughout, and correct positioning staying on your side.

At corner junctions, insufficient speed reduction or cutting corners results in Grade 2 faults.

Entering corners too fast or failing to observe the junction results in Grade 3 failure.