Lanes, one-way streets and bus lanes

By the end of this topic you can

• You can pick the correct lane early using lane arrows and direction signs.
• You can change lanes using mirrors, signal and blind spot checks, giving way to traffic already in the lane.
• You can drive correctly in a one-way street.
• You can read a bus lane plate and know when a car may use the lane.
• You can tell a mandatory cycle track from a non-mandatory one.

What you need to know and understand

• Lane arrows on the road tell you which direction traffic in that lane must take.
• When changing lanes you must give way to traffic already in the lane you are moving into.
• A with-flow bus lane may be used by cars only outside the hours shown on its information plate.
• A contra-flow bus lane runs against the traffic beside it. It is reserved at all times, day and night, for buses and for cyclists or e-scooter users where signs allow. Cars may never drive in it.
• A car may cross a bus lane to get into or out of premises beside it.
• A cycle track with a continuous white line is mandatory: you must not drive along it or park in it, and may cross it only for access.
• Driving in a bus lane during its hours is a fixed charge offence.

Choosing your lane

Read the direction signs well before the junction, then look for arrows painted on the road. Once you are close to the junction, it is often too late to move safely. If you end up in the wrong lane, follow that lane and find another route rather than cutting across.

1. Check your mirrors and the blind spot on the side you are moving to.
2. Signal clearly in good time.
3. Give way to anyone already in the lane.
4. Move over gradually, then cancel your signal.

One-way streets

Look for the blue one-way sign and No Entry signs at the far end. In a one-way street, all traffic moves in the same direction, so check both mirrors before any lane change. To turn left, keep to the left; to turn right, move to the right-hand side if it is safe. Watch for contra-flow bus or cycle lanes, where some users travel against you.

Bus lanes and cycle tracks

A bus lane is marked with a continuous white line, the words Lána Bus and a blue upright sign. The plate shows the hours, which vary from street to street, so read every plate. During those hours, a with-flow bus lane is for buses, cyclists, taxis at work, e-scooters and low-powered L1e-A e-mopeds.

Cycle tracks come in two types:

• Mandatory: continuous white line. Do not drive in it or park in it. Cross only to get in or out of a property or side road.
• Non-mandatory: broken white line. You may cross it. Parking is allowed only while loading or unloading, for up to 30 minutes, and the Rules of the Road says only when there is no other parking available.

Common mistakes

• Changing lanes without a blind spot check. Mirrors do not show everything beside you.
• Assuming every bus lane runs 7am to 7pm. Read the plate each time.
• Driving in a contra-flow bus lane. It is never open to cars.
• Drifting across lane lines on a bend. Stay centred in your lane.
• Darting into a lane at the last moment to turn. Plan early or take the next route.

Test yourself: Lanes, one-way streets and bus lanes

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Bus Lanes, Luas Trams and Light Rail
• Junctions in Ireland