Lane 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.
Last updated: April 4, 2026
The lane ends sign shows that the lane the driver is currently in will close ahead. Drivers in the ending lane must merge left (or occasionally right) into the continuing lane before the road narrows. Traffic in the continuing lane has priority, but both lanes should cooperate to allow a smooth merge.
Quick Facts
Type
Warning Sign
Shape
Diamond
Colours
Yellow background with black lane ending arrow
In this guide
What does the Lane Ends Sign mean?
The lane ends sign shows that the lane the driver is currently in will close ahead. Drivers in the ending lane must merge left (or occasionally right) into the continuing lane before the road narrows. Traffic in the continuing lane has priority, but both lanes should cooperate to allow a smooth merge.
What to do when you see it
Signal early and check for a safe gap in the adjacent lane. Increase or decrease speed to match the adjacent lane. Merge smoothly and promptly as the lane narrows. Do not wait until the very end of the lane to merge, as this forces abrupt manoeuvres at higher risk to all vehicles involved.
Where you'll see it in Ontario
Lane ends signs appear at road construction zones where lanes are reduced, at the ends of acceleration and deceleration lanes, on multi-lane roads that narrow as they enter smaller towns, and where traffic lanes converge at bridge or tunnel approaches.
G1 test relevance
G1 questions on lane ends focus on who yields: the driver in the ending lane yields to the driver in the continuing lane. This is the opposite of an on-ramp merge where the entering driver yields to highway traffic.
Common mistakes drivers make
Waiting too long to merge and then cutting abruptly into the continuing lane is dangerous and contributes to traffic congestion. The zipper merge method, using the full length of the ending lane before merging, is actually more efficient and safer.
Related Signs
Merge 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 moreConstruction 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 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 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.
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