Wrong Way Sign
The wrong way sign is a red rectangular sign that tells drivers they are travelling in the wrong direction on a road. It is typically posted past the do not enter sign to give a second warning to drivers who have entered against the flow of traffic.
Last updated: April 4, 2026
If you see a wrong way sign, you are already driving against the legal flow of traffic and oncoming vehicles are approaching from ahead. This sign is a final warning after a driver has passed a do not enter sign. It means your vehicle is now a head-on collision hazard. Seeing a wrong way sign requires immediate action.
Quick Facts
Type
Regulatory Sign
Shape
Rectangular
Colours
Red background with white text
In this guide
What does the Wrong Way Sign mean?
If you see a wrong way sign, you are already driving against the legal flow of traffic and oncoming vehicles are approaching from ahead. This sign is a final warning after a driver has passed a do not enter sign. It means your vehicle is now a head-on collision hazard. Seeing a wrong way sign requires immediate action.
What to do when you see it
Do not panic. Activate your four-way hazard lights immediately. Pull to the right shoulder as quickly and safely as possible. Wait for a safe gap in oncoming traffic, then turn around. Do not reverse at high speed. If you are on a highway and cannot turn around safely, stay on the shoulder with hazards on and call 9-1-1 for assistance.
Where you'll see it in Ontario
Wrong way signs are placed further down exit ramps and one-way roads, after the initial do not enter sign. They act as a secondary warning system. Some Ontario highway exits have both a do not enter sign at the ramp entrance and a wrong way sign visible to drivers already on the ramp.
G1 test relevance
G1 test questions on the wrong way sign focus on understanding that this sign means you are already in a dangerous situation, not just a warning about a possible future hazard. Candidates must know that the correct response is to pull over with hazard lights on, not to simply slow down.
Common mistakes drivers make
Freezing or panicking when you see this sign is the most dangerous mistake. The natural reaction is to stop in the travel lane, but this makes a collision more likely. Another mistake is attempting to reverse quickly, which can cause a rear collision or loss of vehicle control.
Related Signs
Do Not Enter Sign
The do not enter sign is a red circular sign with a white horizontal bar that prohibits all vehicles from entering a road or lane in that direction. It is typically posted at exit ramps and one-way street entrances.
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.
Learn moreKeep Right Sign
The keep right sign instructs drivers to stay to the right side of a traffic island, obstruction, or divided road median. It directs traffic flow at road splits and median openings.
Learn moreDivided Highway Begins Sign
The divided highway begins sign warns that the road ahead becomes a divided highway with a median or barrier separating the two directions of traffic. Drivers must move to the right side and stay within their lanes.
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