Road Narrows on Left

Road Narrows on Left signs appear where the left edge of the carriageway constricts asymmetrically.

Common at bridges where the left side has reduced width, road sections alongside cliffs or waterways where the left shoulder disappears, approaches to road works or construction zones encroaching from the left, sections where buildings or walls reduce left-side clearance, and areas where landslides or erosion have narrowed the left edge.

Found throughout mountainous and coastal regions.

The left side of the road is about to narrow while the right side maintains normal width.

If you are traveling in the left portion of your lane, move slightly right to maintain safe clearance from the left edge.

This is particularly important where the left edge may have no shoulder, drainage channels, or barriers.

Be especially aware of cyclists and pedestrians who will have reduced space on the left. Oncoming traffic is not directly affected but may appear closer due to your adjusted position.

Failing to adjust position for left-side narrowing can result in leaving the carriageway or striking roadside obstacles.

Such incidents constitute careless driving: 2 penalty points and fines to €2,000.

If poor positioning causes collision with cyclists or pedestrians forced into traffic by the narrowing, dangerous driving charges apply: 5 penalty points, fines to €5,000, imprisonment, and disqualification.

Drivers must demonstrate awareness of how road narrowing affects vulnerable users.

Asymmetrical road narrowing tests your observation skills and positioning accuracy.

Theory questions cover appropriate responses when road width changes affect specific sides.

Practical tests assess whether you recognize the warning, adjust position smoothly to the right while maintaining lane discipline, demonstrate awareness of vulnerable road users affected by the narrowing, and maintain appropriate speed for the reduced clearance.

Poor positioning resulting in nearside wheel leaving the carriageway results in Grade 2 or Grade 3 faults depending on severity.