Traffic Signs

• Traffic signs offer crucial information regarding laws, hazard warnings, and navigation using symbols, colors, and shapes for easy recognition.

Stop Sign

• Eight-sided with a red background and white letters.
• Requires a complete stop at the stop line, crosswalk, edge of the sidewalk, or edge of the intersection, in that order.
• Drivers must wait until the intersection is clear before proceeding.

School Zone Sign

• Five-sided with a fluorescent yellow/green background and black symbols.
• Warns of an upcoming school zone.
• Drivers should reduce speed, exercise extra caution, and watch for children.

Yield Sign

• Triangular with a white background and a red border.
• Indicates drivers must allow traffic in or near the intersection to proceed first.
• Stop if necessary, and proceed when the way is clear.

Railway Crossing Sign

• X-shaped with a white background and red outline.
• Warns of railway tracks crossing the road; drivers should watch for the sign, slow down, look both ways for trains, and be prepared to stop.

Regulatory Signs

• Provide directions that must be obeyed, typically rectangular or square with a white or black background and black, white, or colored letters.
• A green circle indicates a permitted or mandatory activity.
• A red circle with a line through it indicates a prohibited activity.
• Bicycle Route: Indicates an official bicycle route, advising drivers to watch for cyclists and share the road.
• Parking Area: Indicates where parking is allowed during posted times (used in pairs or groups).
• Snowmobile Route: Indicates where snowmobiles are permitted on the road.
• Do Not Enter: Prohibits entry onto the road.
• No Stopping: Prohibits stopping vehicles in the area between the signs, even momentarily (used in pairs or groups).
• No Standing: Prohibits stopping vehicles except for loading or unloading passengers (used in pairs or groups).
• No Parking: Prohibits stopping vehicles except to load or unload passengers or merchandise (used in pairs or groups).
• No Left Turn: Prohibits left turns at the intersection.
• Do Not Cross: Prohibits driving straight through the intersection.
• No U-Turn: Prohibits turning to go in the opposite direction.
• No Right Turn on Red: Prohibits right turns when facing a red light at the intersection.
• No Left Turn (Specific Times): Prohibits left turns during the times shown.
• Accessible Parking Only: Designates a parking space exclusively for vehicles with a valid Accessible Parking Permit.
• No Bicycles: Prohibits bicycles on the road.
• No Pedestrians: Prohibits pedestrians on the road.
• Keep Right: Directs drivers to keep to the right of the traffic island.
• Speed Limit Change Ahead: Warns of an upcoming change in the speed limit.
• Do Not Pass: Prohibits passing on the road.
• Keep Right for Slow Traffic: On multi-lane roads, slow traffic must keep right.
• Community Safety Zone: Indicates areas with special pedestrian risks; traffic offences are subject to increased fines.
• School Zone Speed Limit: The speed limit is reduced during school hours when yellow lights are flashing.
• Directional Lane Signs: Indicate the direction drivers must travel in specific lanes (e.g., left turn only, left or straight, right turn only).
• One-Way Traffic: Indicates traffic may travel in one direction only.
• Pedestrian Crossover: Requires drivers to stop and yield the right-of-way to pedestrians.
• Two-Way Left Turn Lane: Designates a lane for two-way left turns.
• Accessible Passenger Drop-Off: Reserves curb area for vehicles displaying an Accessible Person Parking Permit for passenger drop-off/pickup.
• Dedicated Vehicle Lanes: Lanes are reserved for specific vehicles (buses, taxis, HOV, bicycles) during certain hours or at all times.

Regulatory Signs for Trucks and Buses

• Keep Right Except to Pass: On two-lane sections with climbing or passing lanes, drivers must keep to the right lane except when passing.
• Stop for School Bus: Requires drivers to stop when a school bus has flashing signals.
• Divided Highway School Bus Stop: On multi-lane highways without a median, drivers approaching from both directions must stop for a school bus with flashing lights.
• No Trucks in This Lane: Prohibits trucks from using the indicated lane.
• Truck Length Restrictions: Restricts trucks over 6.5 meters in length from using the indicated lane.
• Heavy Trucks Permitted: Indicates heavy trucks are allowed on the roadway.
• Road Forks to Right: Indicates the road will fork to the right.
• No Heavy Trucks: Prohibits heavy trucks from using the roadway.
• Time-Restricted Truck Prohibition: Heavy trucks are prohibited during specific hours (e.g., 7 p.m. – 7 a.m.).
• Weight Restrictions: Prohibits vehicles over a specified weight (e.g., 10 tonnes) on the roadway.
• Axle Weight Restrictions: Restricts vehicles with more than a specified weight per axle (e.g., five tonnes).
• Bridge Weight Restrictions: Indicates different weight restrictions for different types of heavy trucks on a bridge structure.
• Dangerous Goods Permitted/Prohibited: Indicates whether trucks carrying dangerous goods are allowed or disallowed on the roadway.
• Hazardous Materials Prohibition: Prohibits vehicles carrying hazardous materials on the roadway.
• School Bus Loading Zone: Designates a zone where school buses load/unload passengers without using red lights and stop arm.
• Truck Inspection Station: Requires trucks to enter the inspection station when signals are flashing.
• 407 ETR Transponder Requirement: Trucks over five tonnes must have a valid 407 transponder to use ETR.
• Bus Yield Reminder: A sign on transit buses reminds drivers to yield to the bus when it signals to re-enter the lane from a bus stop.

High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Signs

• Indicate lanes reserved for public vehicles (buses) or passenger vehicles with a minimum number of occupants.
• Restrict lane changes into or out of HOV lanes within designated areas.

Warning Signs

• Alert drivers to dangerous or unusual conditions ahead, such as curves, turns, dips, or sideroads.
• Usually diamond-shaped with a yellow background and black letters or symbols.
• Maximum Vertical Clearance: Indicates the maximum height a vehicle can be to safely pass under an upcoming structure (e.g., 3.9 meters).
• Truck Slow Down Advisory: Advises trucks to reduce speed around a curve due to its smaller radius.
• Truck Restriction: Advises trucks over a specified weight (e.g., 10 tonnes) not to use a roadway.
• Truck/Bus/Fire Truck Entrance: Indicates an upcoming entrance on the right (or left) side of the road, advising drivers to be aware of entering vehicles.
• Narrow Bridge Ahead: Warns of a bridge with limited width ahead.
• Road Branching Off: Indicates a road branching off ahead.
• Intersection Ahead: Shows which direction of traffic has the right-of-way.
• Roundabout Ahead: Advises reducing speed for an upcoming roundabout; counter-clockwise arrows show the direction of traffic within.
• Obstructed View at Intersection: Warns that drivers on the side road at the upcoming intersection have a limited view of traffic.
• Pavement Narrows Ahead: Indicates the road will become narrower.
• Slight Curve: Warns of a gentle bend or curve in the road ahead.
• Advisory Speed: Posted under a curve warning, indicating the maximum safe speed for the curve.
• Sharp Curve: Warns of a sharp bend or turn in the road ahead.
• Chevron Signs: Guide drivers around sharp curves with a series of arrowheads.
• Winding Road: Indicates a winding road ahead.
• Movable Bridge: Warns that the bridge ahead lifts or swings to allow boats to pass.
• End of Pavement: Indicates that the paved surface will end ahead.
• Bicycle Crossing: Warns of an upcoming bicycle crossing.

Hazard and Condition Warnings

• Stop Sign Ahead: Alerts drivers to an upcoming stop sign, advising them to slow down.
• Share the Road: Advises motorists to provide safe space for cyclists and other vehicles.
• Slippery When Wet: Indicates that the pavement is slippery when wet, advising drivers to slow down and drive cautiously.
• Hazard Marker: Indicates a hazard close to the edge of the road; downward lines show the safe side to pass.
• Divided Highway Begins: Indicates that traffic will travel in both directions on separated roads ahead; drivers should keep to the right-hand road.

Traffic Flow and Merging

• Right Lane Ends: Indicates that the right-hand lane will end ahead, requiring drivers to merge safely with traffic in the left lane.
• Traffic Lights Ahead: Warns of upcoming traffic lights, advising drivers to slow down.
• Steep Hill: Indicates a steep hill ahead, suggesting the use of a lower gear.
• Merging Traffic: Indicates that two roads going in the same direction will merge into one; drivers on both roads are equally responsible for safe merging.

Roadway Condition Warnings

• Snowmobile Crossing: Warns of snowmobiles crossing the road.
• Divided Highway Ends: Indicates that traffic will travel in both directions on the same road ahead; drivers should keep to the right-hand road.
• Bump or Uneven Pavement: Warns of a bump or uneven pavement, advising drivers to slow down and maintain control of their vehicle.
• Railway Crossing: Alerts drivers to an upcoming railway crossing, also indicating the angle at which the tracks cross the road.
• Sharp Turn/Bend with Checkerboard: Indicates a sharp turn or bend with a warning of danger, advising drivers to slow down and be careful.

Wildlife and Miscellaneous Warnings

• Deer Crossing: Warns that deer regularly cross the road, advising drivers to be alert for animals.
• Ramp Speed Advisory: Shows the maximum safe speed on a ramp.
• Pedestrian Watch: Advises drivers to watch for pedestrians and be prepared to share the road with them.
• Fallen Rock: Warns of potential fallen rock on the road, advising drivers to be prepared to avoid a collision.
• Water Over Road: Warns of potential water flowing over the road.

School Bus Stop and Crossing Warnings

• Hidden School Bus Stop: Warns of an upcoming hidden school bus stop, advising drivers to slow down, exercise extra caution, and watch for children and a school bus with flashing red lights.
• School Crossing: Warns of a school crossing, advising drivers to watch for children and follow the directions of the crossing guard or school safety patroller.

Temporary Condition Signs

• Warn of unusual temporary conditions such as road work zones, diversions, detours, lane closures, or traffic-control people on the road.
• Usually diamond-shaped with an orange background and black letters or symbols.
• Construction Work Ahead: Indicates road work is one kilometer ahead.
• Road Work Ahead: Indicates road work is upcoming.
• Survey Crew: Indicates a survey crew is working on the road ahead.
• Traffic Control Person: Indicates a traffic control person is ahead, advising drivers to drive slowly and watch for instructions.
• Construction Zone: Indicates entry into a construction zone, advising extra caution and preparedness for a lower speed limit.
• Temporary Detour: Indicates a temporary detour from the normal traffic route.
• Detour Direction: Flashing lights on the arrows show the direction to follow for the detour.
• Milled/Grooved Pavement: Indicates pavement has been milled or grooved, which may affect stopping ability and traction for motorcyclists; drivers should obey the speed limit and drive with extra caution.
• Lane Closure (Roadwork): Indicates a lane is closed for roadwork, advising drivers to obey the speed limit and merge with traffic in the open lane.
• Closed Lane Merge: Indicates a closed lane, requiring drivers to adjust speed to merge with traffic in the lane indicated by the arrow.
• Pilot Vehicle: Informs drivers not to pass the pilot or pace vehicle bearing this sign.
• Prepare to Stop: Advises drivers to reduce speed and be prepared to stop.
• Detour Marker: Advises to follow the detour marker until returning to the regular route.
• Construction Zone Double Fines: Enforces doubling of HTA fines for speeding in a construction zone when workers are present.

Information and Direction Signs

• Provide information about distances and destinations. They are usually rectangular with a green background and white letters. Other signs with different colors guide to facilities, services, and attractions.
• Direction to Towns/Cities: Shows directions to nearby towns and cities.
• Distances to Towns/Cities: Shows the distances in kilometers to towns and cities on the road.
• Freeway Exit Signs: Various exit signs on freeways. In urban areas, many exit ramps have more than one lane; overhead and ground-mounted signs help drivers choose the correct lane to exit or stay on the freeway.
• Advance Exit Signs: Use arrows to show which lanes lead off the freeway; signs are also posted at the exit.
• Multiple Exit Lanes: One or more lanes may lead off the freeway; the arrows matching the exit lanes are shown on the advance sign in a yellow box with the word 'exit' under them.
• Freeway Interchange Numbers: Freeway interchanges or exits have numbers that correspond to the distance from the beginning of the freeway. For example, interchange number 204 on Highway 401 is 204 kilometers from Windsor, where the freeway begins. Distances can be calculated by subtracting one interchange number from another.
• VIA Information: The term 'VIA' is used to describe the roads that must be followed to reach a destination.
• Roundabout Exits: Shows the upcoming roundabout exists and where they will take you.
• Variable Message Signs: Change according to traffic conditions to give drivers current information on delays and lane closures ahead.
• Off-Road Facilities: Shows off-road facilities such as hospitals, airports, universities, or carpool lots.
• Passenger Railway Station: Shows route to passenger railway station.
• Airport Route: Shows route to airport.
• Ferry Service: Shows route to ferry service.
• Wheelchair Accessible: Shows facilities that are accessible by wheelchair.

Oversize Load Sign

• Vehicles and/or loads exceeding dimensions prescribed under Section 109 of the Highway Traffic Act must be marked with bright red or orange warning flags, at least 40 cm square, mounted to the extremities of the vehicle or load. Flags must be kept in good condition.
• Vehicles and/or loads must display on the front of the vehicle and the rear of the load, in a visible position, either an "OVERSIZE LOAD" sign (black letters at least 200 millimeters high on a yellow background) or a "D" sign.
• When traveling at night, the sign must be made of high-intensity, retro-reflective material and must not obstruct lights or other safety devices; it must be removed or covered when not in use.

Slow-Moving Vehicle Sign

• An orange triangle with a red border that alerts other drivers that the vehicle travels at 40 km/h or less.
• Farm tractors, farm implements/machinery, and vehicles not capable of speeds over 40 km/h must display this sign.

Dangerous Goods

• Safety marks, placards, or labels displayed to identify dangerous-goods classification and the nature of the danger they pose.
• Provides quick identification on trucks, cargo, and pallets.

Long Commercial Vehicle (LCV)

• This placard indicates a long commercial vehicle, which is a double trailer and can be up to 40 meters in length.

Emergency Detour Route (EDR)

• EDR signs are used during unscheduled closures of provincial highways when the OPP detours all traffic off the highway.
• EDR markers are located along alternative routes to guide motorists around the closure and back onto the highway.

Emergency Response Signs

• Some information signs include a numbering system along the bottom to assist emergency vehicles and drivers in determining an appropriate route.

Bilingual Signs

• Watch for these signs in designated bilingual areas.
• Read the messages in the language you understand best; messages may be combined or separate, with an English sign followed by a French sign.