No 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.
Last updated: April 4, 2026
The no U-turn sign means you cannot reverse direction at that intersection or section of road. In Ontario, U-turns are generally permitted where safe and legal, but they are prohibited in several situations: when posted with a no U-turn sign, in a business district at a location other than an intersection, at an intersection controlled by a traffic signal unless signage permits it, and where you cannot see far enough to do so safely.
Quick Facts
Type
Regulatory Sign
Shape
Rectangular with circular symbol
Colours
White background, black U-turn arrow with red circle and diagonal bar
In this guide
What does the No U-Turn Sign mean?
The no U-turn sign means you cannot reverse direction at that intersection or section of road. In Ontario, U-turns are generally permitted where safe and legal, but they are prohibited in several situations: when posted with a no U-turn sign, in a business district at a location other than an intersection, at an intersection controlled by a traffic signal unless signage permits it, and where you cannot see far enough to do so safely.
What to do when you see it
Do not attempt a U-turn at this location. If you need to turn around, proceed to the next intersection or a side street where a U-turn is permitted. Never attempt a U-turn across a solid double yellow centre line, on a hill, on a curve, or near a railway crossing.
Where you'll see it in Ontario
No U-turn signs are posted at busy intersections where U-turns would create dangerous cross-traffic, at traffic signals on multi-lane roads, at highway interchanges, near school zones, and at any location where sight lines or road geometry make a U-turn hazardous.
G1 test relevance
The G1 test includes questions on where U-turns are prohibited by law without a sign, such as on a hill or curve, and where they require a no U-turn sign to be prohibited. Understanding both categories is important for the written test and for the road test.
Common mistakes drivers make
Attempting a U-turn at a signalized intersection without checking for a no U-turn sign is a common error. Road test candidates sometimes lose marks for making illegal U-turns or for checking mirrors but failing to notice the no U-turn sign posted nearby.
Related Signs
No 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 moreStop 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 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.
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