Ontario Traffic Signs – EXPERLI- Expert local insights

Ontario traffic signs and their meaning

Stop at all times

You must come to a complete stop. Stop at the stop line if it is marked on the pavement. If there is no stop line, stop at the crosswalk. If there is no crosswalk, stop at the edge of the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, stop at the edge of the intersection. Wait until the way is clear before entering the intersection.

Stop sign ahead

Stop sign ahead. Slow down.

School zone

A school zone sign is five-sided and has a fluorescent yellow/green background with black symbols. It warns that you are coming to a school zone. Slow down, drive with extra caution and watch for children.

Yield sign and you must give the right-of-way

A yield sign is a triangle with a white background and a red border. It means you must let traffic in the intersection or close to it go first. Stop if necessary and go only when the way is clear.

Railway crossing

A railway crossing sign is X-shaped with a white background and red outline. It warns that railway tracks cross the road. Watch for this sign. Slow down and look both ways for trains. Be prepared to stop.

Bicycle route

This road is an official bicycle route. Watch for cyclists and be prepared to share the road with them.

Parking sign

You may park in the area between the signs during the times posted.

Snowmobile route

Snowmobiles may use this road.

Do not Enter

Do not enter this road.

No stopping

Do not stop in the area between the signs. This means you may not stop your vehicle in this area, even for a moment.

No standing

Do not stand in the area between the signs. This means you may not stop your vehicle in this area except while loading or unloading passengers. (Used in pairs or groups.)

No parking

Do not park in the area between the signs. This means you may not stop your vehicle except to load or unload passengers or merchandise. (Used in pairs or groups.)

No left turn

Do not turn left at the intersection.

Do not drive straight through the intersection

Do not drive through the intersection.

No U-Turn

Do not turn to go in the opposite direction. (U-turn)

Do not turn right when facing a red light at the intersection.

Do not turn left during the times shown.

Parking only for vehicles displaying Accessible parking permit

This parking space is only for vehicles displaying a valid Accessible Parking Permit.

No bicycles allowed on this road.

No pedestrians allowed on this road.

Keep to the right of the traffic island.

Speed limit changes ahead

Speed limit changes ahead.

Do not pass on this road.

Slow traffic on multi-lane roads must keep right.

Higher fine zone

Indicates areas where the community has identified that there is a special risk to pedestrians. Traffic related offences committed within the zone are subject to increased fines

Observe the speed limit shown when the yellow lights are flashing.

The speed limit in this zone is lower during school hours. Observe the speed limit shown when the yellow lights are flashing.

Stop for school bus when signals are flashing.

Tells drivers the direction they must travel as per their lane

These signs, above the road or on the pavement before an intersection, tell drivers the direction they must travel. For example: the driver in lane one must turn left; the driver in lane two must turn left or go straight ahead; and the driver in lane three must turn right.

Traffic may travel in one direction only.

Stop and yield right-of-way to pedestrians

This is a pedestrian crossover. Be prepared to stop and yield right-of-way to pedestrians.

Lane is only for two-way left turns.

This sign, above the road or on the ground, means the lane is only for two-way left turns.

Only vehicles displaying a valid Accessible Person Parking Permit can pick up and drop off passengers with disabilities.

This sign reserves curb area for vehicles displaying a valid Accessible Person Parking Permit picking up and dropping off passengers with disabilities.

Lanes are only for specific types of vehicles, either all the time or during certain hours.

These signs mean lanes are only for specific types of vehicles, either all the time or during certain hours. Different symbols are used for the different types of vehicles. They include: buses, taxis, vehicles with three or more people and bicycles.

Keep to the right lane except when passing on two-lane sections where climbing or passing lanes are provided.

Vehicles approaching a bus stopped at a dedicated Bus Stop must yield to the bus, once the bus has signalled its intent to return to the lane.

This sign on the back of transit buses serves as a reminder to motorists of the law requiring vehicles approaching a bus stopped at a dedicated Bus Stop to yield to the bus, once the bus has signalled its intent to return to the lane.

Road forks to the right.

School bus loading zone

Marks a zone within which school buses load or unload passengers without using the red alternating lights and stop arm.

2 or more persons must be in the vehicle to use this lane

Only public vehicles such as buses, or passenger vehicles carrying a specified minimum number of passengers, may use this lane.

Vehicles cannot change lanes into or out of a high-occupancy vehicle lane in this area.

Narrow bridge ahead.

Road branching off ahead.

Intersection ahead. The arrow shows which direction of traffic has the right-of-way.

Roundabout Ahead. Reduce Speed. The counter-clockwise arrows show the direction of vehicle traffic within the roundabout.

Drivers on the sideroad at the intersection ahead don't have a clear view of traffic.

Pavement narrows ahead.

Slight bend or curve in the road ahead.

Posted under a curve warning, this sign shows the maximum safe speed for the curve.

Sharp bend or turn in the road ahead.

Chevron (arrowhead) signs are posted in groups to guide drivers around sharp curves in the road.

Winding road ahead.

The bridge ahead lifts or swings to let boats pass.

Paved surface ends ahead.

Bicycle crossing ahead.

Share the road with oncoming traffic.

Pavement is slippery when wet. Slow down and drive with caution.

Share the road with cyclists

The share the road sign is used to warn motorists that they are to provide safe space on the road for cyclists and other vehicles. This sign also warns motorists and cyclists to exercise additional caution on the upcoming section of road.

Hazard close to the edge of the road.

Hazard close to the edge of the road. The downward lines show the side on which you may safely pass.

Divided highway begins

Divided highway begins: traffic travels in both directions on separated roads ahead. Keep to the right-hand road. Each road carries one-way traffic.

Right lane ends ahead

Right lane ends ahead. If you are in the right-hand lane, you must merge safely with traffic in the lane to the left.

Traffic lights ahead. Slow down.

Steep hill ahead. You may need to use a lower gear.

Two roads going in the same direction are about to join into one

Two roads going in the same direction are about to join into one. Drivers on both roads are equally responsible for seeing that traffic merges smoothly and safely.

Snowmobiles cross this road.

Divided highway ends

Divided highway ends: traffic travels in both directions on the same road ahead. Keep to the right-hand road

Underpass ahead. Sign shows how much room you have.

Underpass ahead. Take care if you are driving a tall vehicle. Sign shows how much room you have.

Bump or uneven pavement on the road ahead.

Bump or uneven pavement on the road ahead. Slow down and keep control of your vehicle.

Railway crossing ahead. This sign also shows the angle at which the railway tracks cross the road.

Railway crossing ahead. Be alert for trains. This sign also shows the angle at which the railway tracks cross the road.

Sharp turn or bend in the road in the direction of the arrow. The checkerboard border warns of danger. Slow down; be careful.

Deer regularly cross this road; be alert for animals.

Truck entrance on the right side of the road ahead

Truck entrance on the right side of the road ahead. If the sign shows the truck on the left, the entrance is on the left side of the road.

Shows maximum safe speed on ramp.

Watch for pedestrians and be prepared to share the road with them.

Watch for fallen rock and be prepared to avoid a collision.

There may be water flowing over the road.

You that you are coming to a hidden school bus stop. Slow down, drive with extra caution, watch for children and for a school bus with flashing red lights.

This sign warns you that you are coming to a hidden school bus stop. Slow down, drive with extra caution, watch for children and for a school bus with flashing red lights.

Indicates an upcoming bus entrance on the right and vehicles should be prepared to yield to buses entering the roadway.

Indicates an upcoming fire truck entrance on the right and vehicles should be prepared to yield to fire trucks entering the roadway.

School crossing. Watch for children and follow the directions of the crossing guard or school safety patroller.

These signs warn of a school crossing. Watch for children and follow the directions of the crossing guard or school safety patroller.

You are entering a construction zone. Drive with extra caution and be prepared for a lower speed limit.

Construction work one kilometre ahead.

Survey crew working on the road ahead

Traffic control person ahead. Drive slowly and watch for instructions.

Road work ahead

Road work ahead.

Temporary detour from normal traffic route.

Flashing lights on the arrows show the direction to follow.

Pavement has been milled or grooved

Pavement has been milled or grooved. Your vehicle's stopping ability may be affected so obey the speed limit and drive with extra caution. Motorcyclists may experience reduced traction on these surfaces.

Lane ahead is closed for roadwork

Lane ahead is closed for roadwork. Obey the speed limit and merge with traffic in the open lane.

Closed lane. Adjust speed to merge with traffic in lane indicated by arrow.

Do not pass the pilot vehicle or pace vehicle bearing this sign.

Reduce speed and be prepared to stop.

Follow detour marker until you return to regular route.

Enforces doubling the HTA fines for speeding in a designated construction zone when there are workers present.

Shows directions to nearby towns and cities.

Shows the distances in kilometres to towns and cities on the road.

Various exit signs are used on freeways.

Various exit signs are used on freeways. In urban areas, many exit ramps have more than one lane. Overhead and ground-mounted signs help drivers choose the correct lane to exit or stay on the freeway.

Advance signs use arrows to show which lanes lead off the freeway.

Advance signs use arrows to show which lanes lead off the freeway. Signs are also posted at the exit.

The term 'VIA' is used to describe the roads that must be followed to reach a destination.

Shows the upcoming roundabout exits and where they will take you.

Shows route to passenger railway station.

Shows route to airport.

Shows facilities that are accessible by wheelchair.

D sign – Oversize load

Slow moving sign

It alerts other drivers that the vehicle ahead will be travelling at 40 km/h or less. Vehicles not capable of sustaining speeds over 40 km/h must display the slow moving vehicle sign. Watch for these slow moving vehicles and reduce your speed as necessary.

Emergency Detour Route

EDR signs are used during the unscheduled closure of a provincial highway when Ontario Provincial Police detour all traffic off the highway. The EDR markers are located along alternative routes and provide direction to motorists around the closure and back onto the highway.

Long Commercial Vehicle

This placard indicates a long commercial vehicle, which is a double trailer and can be up to 40 metres in length. It is important to be able to recognize an LCV on the highway, based on rear signage, and anticipate both the extended length and limited speed when preparing to pass one on the highway.

Road ahead turns right then left

Road ahead turns right then left.

Hospital sign

Keep out and do not enter

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