Temporary detour

Official Ontario sign code: Tc-5 / Tc-7

What this sign means

Temporary detour is an official Ontario temporary condition sign. Temporary condition signs warn drivers about construction, detours, crews, lane closures, and changing road conditions. It is listed with Ontario code Tc-5 / Tc-7.

What to do

Slow down, leave extra space, watch for workers and equipment, and follow the temporary path or lane direction. Slow down, leave extra following distance, watch for workers or equipment, and follow the temporary lane or route shown.

G1 study tip

For the G1 test, remember that orange temporary signs mean road work or changing conditions ahead. On the G1 test, expect the correct answer to connect orange temporary signs with caution, lower speed, and changing road conditions.

Read the official source

Sign images are sourced from the Official MTO Driver's Handbook under the Open Government Licence, Ontario, or from Wikimedia Commons public domain files with Ontario sign-code source matching.

How to Recognize and Use This Sign

Use these study notes to connect the sign image with the action expected on Ontario roads and on the G1 test.

Where you will see it

You usually see it in construction zones, detours, lane closures, survey areas, or places where the road layout has temporarily changed. For Temporary detour, look at the sign shape, symbol, text, and any posted times or lane arrows before deciding what to do.

Common mistake

A common mistake is driving as if the normal road layout still applies. For Temporary detour, the safe answer is usually the one that obeys the posted sign early and leaves room for other road users.

Example on the road

If you enter a work zone and see this sign, look for cones, flaggers, merge arrows, or temporary detour markers before choosing your path. Use the Temporary detour sign as the main clue for what the examiner expects you to recognize.

Memory cue

Temporary signs mean the road may not behave normally. First ask what changed. For Temporary detour, connect the visual symbol to the driver action before reading the answer choices.

Temporary detour FAQs

What does the Temporary detour sign mean in Ontario?

Temporary detour is an official Ontario road sign. The key idea is: Temporary detour is an official Ontario temporary condition sign. Temporary condition signs warn drivers about construction, detours, crews, lane closures, and changing road conditions.

What should I remember about Temporary detour for the G1 test?

For the G1 test, remember that orange temporary signs mean road work or changing conditions ahead. Also remember the practical driver response: Slow down, leave extra space, watch for workers and equipment, and follow the temporary path or lane direction.