School 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.
Last updated: April 4, 2026
The school warning sign uses a bright fluorescent yellow-green colour for maximum visibility and alerts drivers to the upcoming school zone before they enter the reduced speed area. It typically appears 100 to 300 metres before the school zone begins. The sign indicates that children cross the road in this area and that heightened caution is required.
Quick Facts
Type
Warning Sign
Shape
Diamond (pentagonal variant in some provinces)
Colours
Fluorescent yellow-green background with black children walking symbol
In this guide
What does the School Warning Sign mean?
The school warning sign uses a bright fluorescent yellow-green colour for maximum visibility and alerts drivers to the upcoming school zone before they enter the reduced speed area. It typically appears 100 to 300 metres before the school zone begins. The sign indicates that children cross the road in this area and that heightened caution is required.
What to do when you see it
Begin reducing speed when you see this sign and check for children near the road. Be prepared to stop for school patrols or crosswalk guards. Watch for children between parked vehicles and at mid-block locations, not just at crosswalks.
Where you'll see it in Ontario
School warning signs are placed on all approaches to school zones, typically on the road leading toward the school before the zone boundary. They appear on both sides of the road and may include a flag or fluorescent panel to increase visibility.
G1 test relevance
G1 questions sometimes ask about the colour and shape of the school warning sign versus the school zone speed sign. The fluorescent yellow-green colour is a key identifier. The warning sign does not specify a speed: the speed limit sign inside the zone does that.
Common mistakes drivers make
Assuming the school warning sign marks the beginning of the speed restriction is a common error. The speed restriction begins at the school zone sign, which is a separate regulatory sign. The warning sign only tells you that the school zone is approaching.
Related Signs
School 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 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 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 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.
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