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Ontario Road Signs Explained
Stop SignA red octagonal stop sign means you must come to a complete stop at the marked stop line or before the crosswalk, and yield to traffic and pedestrians.Yield SignA yield sign means slow down and give the right-of-way to traffic in the intersection or close enough to be a hazard.Do Not EnterA do-not-enter sign marks the start of a one-way road that you may not enter from this direction.Speed Limit SignSpeed limit signs show the maximum legal speed on a road unless posted otherwise.No Parking SignA no-parking sign means you may stop briefly to pick up or drop off passengers but may not park.No Left TurnA no-left-turn sign prohibits turning left at this intersection.No U-TurnA no-U-turn sign prohibits making a U-turn at this location.Right Turn on RedRight turns on a red light are permitted after a full stop unless a sign says otherwise.Keep RightA keep-right sign tells drivers to stay to the right of a median, island or divider.Minimum SpeedA minimum speed sign marks the slowest speed you must drive in that lane.HOV LaneHigh-Occupancy Vehicle lanes are reserved for vehicles carrying the posted number of people.Lane Use SignLane-use signs show which lanes are for turning, straight-through or merging traffic.Two-Way Left Turn LaneThe centre lane is reserved for left turns in either direction.School Zone WarningA school-zone warning sign marks areas near schools where children may be crossing — slow down and be alert.Construction WarningOrange construction signs warn of road work, detours and workers ahead.Railway Crossing WarningA railway-crossing sign warns that train tracks are ahead — slow down and be ready to stop.Pedestrian Crossing WarningA pedestrian-crossing sign warns that people may be crossing the road ahead.Slippery When WetA slippery-when-wet sign warns that the road can be slippery, especially in wet conditions.Animal CrossingAn animal-crossing sign warns that wildlife (deer, moose) may cross the road ahead.School Bus AheadWarns that a school bus stop or bus route is ahead — be prepared to stop.Traffic Signal AheadWarns that a traffic light is ahead, often where it may be hard to see in time.Playground ZoneWarns of a playground area where children may be present — slow down.Two-Way TrafficWarns that you are approaching a stretch of two-way traffic from a one-way road.Road NarrowsWarns that the road narrows ahead — be prepared to adjust your position.Divided Highway EndsWarns that a divided highway is ending and oncoming traffic will be on the same road.Right Lane EndsWarns that the right lane ends ahead — merge left in time.Steep HillWarns of a steep hill ahead — adjust speed and gear.Merging TrafficWarns that traffic is merging into your lane from a ramp or lane ahead.Roundabout AheadWarns that a roundabout is ahead — slow down and yield to traffic already in the circle.Hidden School Bus StopWarns of a school bus stop hidden from view by a curve or hill.Bump AheadWarns of a bump or uneven road surface ahead.Truck EntranceWarns that trucks may be entering the road from an industrial area ahead.Water Over RoadWarns that water may be flowing over the road — do not drive through flooded areas.One-Way StreetA one-way sign marks a street where traffic travels in a single direction.Destination Guide SignGuide signs show direction, distance and the names of destinations and routes ahead.Accessible ParkingMarks reserved parking for people with disabilities — a permit is required.Temporary ConstructionTemporary signs mark short-term road work zones.Lane Closed AheadWarns that a lane is closed ahead due to road work.