Yield Sign
The yield sign is a downward-pointing triangle that requires drivers to slow down and give the right-of-way to traffic already in the intersection or roadway. You must stop if necessary, but you do not have to stop if the way is clear.
Last updated: April 4, 2026
A yield sign means that you do not have the right-of-way. You must slow your vehicle and be prepared to stop. Drivers on the road you are entering have priority. If they are present and approaching, you must wait. If the roadway is clear, you may proceed without stopping. The key difference from a stop sign is that a complete stop is only required when traffic or pedestrians are present.
Quick Facts
Type
Regulatory Sign
Shape
Inverted triangle (pointing downward)
Colours
Red and white
In this guide
What does the Yield Sign mean?
A yield sign means that you do not have the right-of-way. You must slow your vehicle and be prepared to stop. Drivers on the road you are entering have priority. If they are present and approaching, you must wait. If the roadway is clear, you may proceed without stopping. The key difference from a stop sign is that a complete stop is only required when traffic or pedestrians are present.
What to do when you see it
Reduce your speed as you approach the yield sign. Check for traffic in the lane you are entering. If vehicles or pedestrians are present, stop and wait for a safe gap. Only proceed when the way is clear. Do not force through: yielding is a legal obligation, not a suggestion.
Where you'll see it in Ontario
Yield signs appear at highway on-ramps, roundabout entries, secondary road junctions where one road feeds into another, and at some pedestrian crossings. They are also used on bicycle lanes where cyclists must yield to crossing pedestrians.
G1 test relevance
G1 test questions often ask about the difference between a stop sign and a yield sign. The key point is that a yield sign does not always require a complete stop, only when traffic is present. Another common question involves roundabouts, where drivers entering must always yield to traffic already circulating inside.
Common mistakes drivers make
Many drivers treat a yield sign the same as a stop sign and come to a full stop even when traffic is clear, which disrupts traffic flow. The opposite mistake is also common: drivers fail to slow down at all and merge without checking, which is dangerous and can result in a collision charge.
Related Signs
Stop 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 moreMerge 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 moreRoundabout Ahead Sign
The roundabout ahead sign warns that a traffic roundabout is located ahead. Drivers entering a roundabout must yield to vehicles already circulating inside the circle.
Learn moreIntersection Ahead Sign
The intersection ahead sign warns that a cross street or side road is coming up. It is placed where the intersection is not clearly visible in advance, such as on a hill or after a curve.
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