No 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.
Last updated: April 4, 2026
A no stopping sign is the most restrictive parking-related sign in Ontario. It means your vehicle cannot come to a stop at that location during the hours shown, except to comply with another traffic control device such as a red light or stop sign. You cannot stop to drop off a passenger, load a box, or check a map. The vehicle must keep moving.
Quick Facts
Type
Regulatory Sign
Shape
Rectangular
Colours
White background with red circle and diagonal bar over the letter S
In this guide
What does the No Stopping Sign mean?
A no stopping sign is the most restrictive parking-related sign in Ontario. It means your vehicle cannot come to a stop at that location during the hours shown, except to comply with another traffic control device such as a red light or stop sign. You cannot stop to drop off a passenger, load a box, or check a map. The vehicle must keep moving.
What to do when you see it
Do not stop your vehicle at that location during the posted hours for any reason. If you must drop off a passenger, continue to the next available location. If your vehicle breaks down in a no stopping zone, turn on your hazard lights and move the vehicle out of the zone as quickly as possible. If you cannot move it, call for assistance.
Where you'll see it in Ontario
No stopping signs are most common in high-traffic corridors, expressway on-ramps and off-ramps, bus lanes, certain downtown Toronto streets during peak hours, and near major transit hubs. They are also common near school entrances during the posted hours to keep the road clear.
G1 test relevance
G1 test questions contrast no stopping with no parking. The critical point is that no stopping prohibits even momentary stops, while no parking allows an attended stop for passenger loading. Candidates who confuse these two will likely miss these questions.
Common mistakes drivers make
Treating a no stopping zone as a quick drop-off spot is the most common error. Even pausing for a few seconds to let a passenger out is an offence. Another mistake is stopping inside a no stopping zone when approaching a red light, which is permitted if the light itself requires you to stop.
Related Signs
No 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 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 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 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.
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