Ontario Road Signs Guide
Every road sign you will encounter in Ontario, explained clearly. What each sign means, what to do, and why it matters for your G1 and G2 tests.
Regulatory Sign
Regulatory signs describe a legal requirement. Drivers must obey them.
Stop Sign
The stop sign is a red octagonal sign with white lettering that requires all drivers to come to a complete stop at the marked stop line, crosswalk, or before entering the intersection. Rolling stops are illegal in Ontario.
Learn moreYield Sign
The yield sign is a downward-pointing triangle that requires drivers to slow down and give the right-of-way to traffic already in the intersection or roadway. You must stop if necessary, but you do not have to stop if the way is clear.
Learn moreSpeed Limit Sign
The speed limit sign is a white rectangular sign showing the maximum legal speed in kilometres per hour for that section of road. Drivers must not exceed the posted number under normal conditions.
Learn moreMinimum Speed Sign
The minimum speed sign shows the slowest speed drivers are legally permitted to travel on that section of road. Driving slower than the posted minimum without a valid reason is an offence under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act.
Learn moreDo Not Enter Sign
The do not enter sign is a red circular sign with a white horizontal bar that prohibits all vehicles from entering a road or lane in that direction. It is typically posted at exit ramps and one-way street entrances.
Learn moreWrong Way Sign
The wrong way sign is a red rectangular sign that tells drivers they are travelling in the wrong direction on a road. It is typically posted past the do not enter sign to give a second warning to drivers who have entered against the flow of traffic.
Learn moreNo Parking Sign
The no parking sign prohibits leaving a vehicle unattended in that location during the times shown. Unlike a no stopping sign, drivers may briefly stop to pick up or drop off passengers, but the vehicle must not be left unoccupied.
Learn moreNo Stopping Sign
The no stopping sign means vehicles cannot stop at that location for any reason during the posted hours, including brief passenger drop-offs. It is a stronger restriction than no parking.
Learn moreNo U-Turn Sign
The no U-turn sign prohibits drivers from making a U-turn at that specific location. U-turns must only be made when safe and not prohibited by a sign or by the Highway Traffic Act.
Learn moreNo Left Turn Sign
The no left turn sign prohibits drivers from making a left turn at that intersection or road section. The sign may apply at all times or only during the hours posted below the symbol.
Learn moreNo Right Turn Sign
The no right turn sign prohibits drivers from making a right turn at that intersection. When posted, it also overrides the default Ontario rule that allows right turns on a red light after stopping.
Learn moreKeep Right Sign
The keep right sign instructs drivers to stay to the right side of a traffic island, obstruction, or divided road median. It directs traffic flow at road splits and median openings.
Learn moreOne Way Sign
The one way sign indicates that traffic on that road travels in only one direction. All vehicles must travel in the direction shown by the arrow, and driving against the arrow is illegal.
Learn moreNo Passing Zone Sign
The no passing zone sign is a yellow pennant-shaped sign that marks the beginning of a section where overtaking other vehicles is prohibited. It always appears on the left side of the road facing the driver.
Learn moreHOV Lane Sign
The HOV lane sign marks a High Occupancy Vehicle lane reserved for vehicles carrying two or more people, or eligible zero-emission vehicles, during the posted hours. Single-occupant vehicles are not permitted except electric vehicles with a green plate.
Learn moreSchool Zone Sign
The school zone sign marks the beginning of a reduced speed area near a school. In Ontario, the default school zone speed is 40 km/h or as posted, and applies during school hours and when children are present.
Learn moreCommunity Safety Zone Sign
A community safety zone is a designated area around schools, playgrounds, or other places where children gather. All traffic fines for speeding, disobeying signs, and other offences are doubled inside these zones.
Learn morePedestrian Crossover Sign
A pedestrian crossover is a designated crossing where vehicles must stop and remain stopped until pedestrians have completely crossed to the other side. It is a stronger legal requirement than a crosswalk.
Learn moreTwo-Way Traffic Sign
The two-way traffic sign warns drivers that they are leaving a one-way road and entering a section where traffic travels in both directions. Drivers must adjust their position to the right lane.
Learn moreBicycle Route Sign
The bicycle route sign marks a road or lane designated as an official cycling route. Cyclists have priority, and drivers must share the road with caution.
Learn moreAccessible Parking Sign
The accessible parking sign marks a space reserved for vehicles displaying a valid Ontario Accessible Parking Permit. Only vehicles with a permit displayed on the dashboard may use these spaces.
Learn moreFire Route Sign
The fire route sign marks an access lane that must remain clear for emergency fire vehicles at all times. Parking or stopping in a fire route is prohibited and carries significant fines.
Learn moreLane Use Control Sign
Lane use control signs use arrows to show which manoeuvres are permitted from each lane at an intersection. Drivers must follow the arrow in the lane they occupy.
Learn moreWarning Sign
Warning signs alert drivers to hazards or changes in road conditions ahead.
Curve Ahead Sign
The curve ahead sign warns drivers of a gradual curve in the road ahead. Drivers should reduce speed before entering the curve, not during it, to maintain control and stay in their lane.
Learn moreSharp Curve Sign
The sharp curve sign warns of a severe change in road direction that requires a significant reduction in speed. It is more urgent than the standard curve ahead sign and often accompanied by a speed advisory panel.
Learn moreWinding Road Sign
The winding road sign warns of a series of three or more curves or bends in the road ahead. Drivers should reduce speed and maintain a steady pace through the entire winding section, not just the first curve.
Learn moreSteep Hill Downward Sign
The steep hill downward sign warns of a significant downgrade ahead. Drivers must select an appropriate gear before descending to avoid brake fade, especially in heavy vehicles.
Learn moreSteep Hill Upward Sign
The steep hill upward sign warns of a significant uphill grade ahead. Slow vehicles may lose speed significantly on the grade, and drivers should choose an appropriate gear and be prepared for changing traffic conditions.
Learn moreSlippery When Wet Sign
The slippery when wet sign warns that the road surface loses traction significantly in wet conditions. Drivers must reduce speed below the normal limit when the road is wet, icy, or covered in leaves.
Learn moreT-Intersection Sign
The T-intersection sign warns that the road you are on ends at a T-junction ahead. You will be required to turn left or right and must yield to cross traffic.
Learn moreY-Intersection Sign
The Y-intersection sign warns that the road ahead splits into two branches or that two roads merge at a Y angle. Drivers must slow down and be prepared for an unusual road configuration.
Learn moreIntersection Ahead Sign
The intersection ahead sign warns that a cross street or side road is coming up. It is placed where the intersection is not clearly visible in advance, such as on a hill or after a curve.
Learn moreSide Road Ahead (Right) Sign
The side road ahead sign warns that a side road enters the main road from the right. Drivers must watch for vehicles entering or crossing from the side road and be prepared to yield.
Learn moreRailway Crossing Sign
The railway crossing sign warns of an upcoming level crossing where road vehicles cross over railway tracks. Drivers must slow down and be prepared to stop if a train is approaching.
Learn moreSchool Warning Sign
The school warning sign is a fluorescent yellow-green diamond sign that warns drivers they are approaching a school zone where children may be crossing the road. It is placed in advance of the school zone boundary.
Learn moreSchool Bus Stop Ahead Sign
The school bus stop ahead sign warns that a school bus regularly stops to load or unload students at a stop near this location. Drivers must be prepared to stop when the bus activates its red alternating lights.
Learn morePedestrian Crossing Warning Sign
The pedestrian crossing warning sign is a diamond-shaped yellow sign that warns of a crosswalk or pedestrian crossing ahead. It does not create a legal obligation to stop unless pedestrians are present.
Learn moreBicycle Crossing Sign
The bicycle crossing sign warns that cyclists frequently cross the road at this location. Drivers must watch for cyclists and yield to them when they are crossing.
Learn moreDeer Crossing Sign
The deer crossing sign warns that deer and other wildlife frequently cross the road in this area. Drivers must reduce speed and be prepared for animals entering the road suddenly.
Learn moreDead End Sign
The dead end sign warns that the road ahead does not connect to any other road and ends without an exit. Drivers who continue will need to turn around to leave.
Learn moreDivided Highway Begins Sign
The divided highway begins sign warns that the road ahead becomes a divided highway with a median or barrier separating the two directions of traffic. Drivers must move to the right side and stay within their lanes.
Learn moreDivided Highway Ends Sign
The divided highway ends sign warns that the median or barrier separating opposing traffic is about to end. Drivers must prepare for oncoming traffic in the opposite lanes and reduce speed if transitioning from a higher-speed divided road.
Learn moreTraffic Signal Ahead Sign
The traffic signal ahead sign warns that a traffic light is located just ahead, typically where it is not easily visible from a distance due to terrain, curves, or sight line restrictions.
Learn moreMerge Sign
The merge sign warns that two lanes of traffic will combine into one ahead. Drivers must adjust their speed and position to merge smoothly and safely.
Learn moreLane Ends Sign
The lane ends sign warns that the current lane will soon end and drivers must merge into the adjacent lane. Drivers in the ending lane must yield to traffic in the continuing lane.
Learn morePavement Ends Sign
The pavement ends sign warns that the paved road surface ends ahead and the road transitions to gravel, dirt, or a lower-quality surface. Drivers must reduce speed to maintain control on the changed surface.
Learn moreSoft Shoulder Sign
The soft shoulder sign warns that the unpaved shoulder alongside the road is soft or unstable. If a vehicle's wheels drop off the pavement edge onto the shoulder, regaining control requires careful technique.
Learn moreFalling Rocks Sign
The falling rocks sign warns that loose rocks may fall onto the road from adjacent cliff faces or rock cuts. Drivers must watch for rocks on the pavement and be prepared to swerve or stop.
Learn moreLow Clearance Sign
The low clearance sign shows the maximum vehicle height that can safely pass under a bridge, overpass, or tunnel. Vehicles taller than the posted measurement must not proceed.
Learn moreRoundabout Ahead Sign
The roundabout ahead sign warns that a traffic roundabout is located ahead. Drivers entering a roundabout must yield to vehicles already circulating inside the circle.
Learn moreNarrow Bridge Sign
The narrow bridge sign warns that the bridge ahead is narrower than the road leading to it. Drivers may need to yield to oncoming traffic or position their vehicle carefully.
Learn moreDip Sign
The dip sign warns of a sharp low spot in the road ahead where the road surface drops and then rises quickly. At speed, vehicles may bounce, lose traction, or scrape their undercarriage.
Learn moreBump Sign
The bump sign warns of a raised section of road or a surface irregularity ahead that will cause a sudden jolt if crossed at speed. Drivers should slow down to reduce the impact on the vehicle and passengers.
Learn moreConcealed Driveway Sign
The concealed driveway sign warns that a private driveway or entrance ahead is hidden by vegetation, a hill, or other obstruction. Vehicles may enter the road from this driveway without the driver on the main road seeing them in advance.
Learn moreInformation Sign
Information signs provide direction, distance, and service information.
Highway Route Sign
Highway route signs identify numbered provincial and county highways in Ontario. Blue shields mark the 400-series expressways, blue rectangles mark provincial roads, and blue markers indicate county roads.
Learn moreRest Area Sign
The rest area sign indicates that a roadside rest area or travel centre is ahead on the highway. These facilities typically offer parking, picnic areas, and sometimes restrooms or information services.
Learn moreHospital Sign
The hospital sign is a blue rectangular sign with a white H that directs drivers toward the nearest hospital or emergency medical facility. It is posted on major roads approaching hospitals.
Learn moreGas Station Sign
The gas station sign is a blue sign with a white fuel pump symbol that indicates the nearest fuel station is accessible from the upcoming exit or road. It is posted on highways and major roads to help drivers plan fuel stops.
Learn moreFood Service Sign
The food service sign is a blue sign with a white fork and spoon symbol indicating that restaurants or food services are available near the upcoming exit or road junction.
Learn moreDistance Marker Sign
Distance marker signs show the distance in kilometres to upcoming cities or destinations along the route. They help drivers estimate travel time and plan fuel and rest stops.
Learn moreExit Sign
Exit signs on Ontario highways show the exit number, the name of the road or town at that exit, and the distance or immediate turn required. Ontario numbers exits based on the kilometre post where the exit is located.
Learn moreTemporary Sign
Temporary signs indicate construction zones, detours, and short-term road changes.
Construction Zone Sign
The construction zone sign marks an area where road construction or maintenance work is underway. Reduced speed limits apply, fines are doubled for all offences, and drivers must obey all temporary traffic controls.
Learn moreRoad Work Ahead Sign
The road work ahead sign is an orange diamond sign that gives advance warning of a construction zone ahead. It signals drivers to slow down and prepare for changing road conditions, lane closures, or worker presence.
Learn moreDetour Sign
The detour sign redirects drivers away from the main road to an alternate route because the main road is closed or impassable due to construction, an emergency, or road conditions.
Learn moreFlagger Ahead Sign
The flagger ahead sign warns that a traffic control person (flagger) is directing traffic ahead in or near a construction zone. Drivers must obey all flagger directions, which have the same legal authority as traffic signals.
Learn moreLane Closed Sign
The lane closed sign warns that one or more lanes ahead are closed due to construction or maintenance work. Drivers must merge into the open lane before the closure begins.
Learn moreConstruction Speed Limit Sign
The construction speed limit sign is an orange sign showing a reduced speed limit that applies within a construction zone. Fines for exceeding this limit are doubled when workers are present.
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