Road signs
Know every sign before the test
What each Ontario road sign means and what to do when you see it. Learn the colour and shape system once and you can read any sign on the day.
Regulatory signs
Stop signThe STOP sign is the only eight-sided (octagonal) sign on Ontario roads. It requires every driver to come to a complete stop -- not just slow down -- at the stop line, crosswalk, or edge of the intersection.Yield signThe YIELD sign is an inverted (point-down) red-and-white triangle. It means you must let traffic in the intersection or on the road you are entering go first, slowing or stopping if needed to do so safely.Do Not Enter signA red circle with a single white horizontal bar means DO NOT ENTER. Vehicles are prohibited from driving past it -- it typically marks a one-way street, an exit ramp, or a road where you would be travelling the wrong way.Maximum speed 50 signA white rectangular sign reading "MAXIMUM" above a number sets the maximum speed in kilometres per hour. 50 km/h is the default limit in cities, towns and villages unless another limit is posted.No left turn signA red circle with a diagonal slash over a left-turn arrow means no left turn is allowed at this intersection. The red circle and slash always mean the action shown inside is prohibited.No U-turn signA red circle with a slash over a U-shaped arrow means you may not make a U-turn here. U-turns are also illegal on curves, near the crest of a hill, and wherever you cannot see clearly in both directions.No parking signA No Parking sign means you may not leave your vehicle parked, but you may stop briefly to load or unload passengers or goods. The arrows and times on the sign show where and when the rule applies.One way signA rectangular One Way sign with an arrow tells you that traffic on that road moves only in the direction the arrow points. You must travel in that direction and may not drive against it.No right turn signA red circle with a diagonal slash over a right-turn arrow means no right turn is permitted at this intersection. As with every red circle and slash, the action pictured inside is forbidden.No trucks signA red circle and slash over a truck symbol means trucks are not allowed to use this road. It is common on residential streets and roads not built to carry heavy commercial vehicles.Keep right signA black-and-white Keep Right sign tells you to pass to the right of a traffic island, median, or other obstruction in the road. It keeps traffic flowing on the correct side of the divider.No passing signA "Do Not Pass" sign means you may not overtake another vehicle on this section of road. It is posted where limited sight distance -- such as a curve or hill -- makes passing dangerous.
Warning signs
Curve ahead signWarning signs in Ontario are yellow diamonds. A curved arrow warns that the road ahead bends the way the arrow points. Sharper curves may be lined with black-and-yellow chevrons.Stop ahead signThis yellow diamond shows a small stop-sign symbol and warns that a stop sign is coming up. It gives you time to slow down and be ready to make a complete stop.Traffic signal ahead signA yellow diamond showing a traffic light warns that signals are ahead. It is used where the lights might be hidden by a hill, a curve, or trees, so you have time to prepare to stop.Slippery when wet signThis warning sign shows a vehicle leaving wavy skid marks and means the road ahead can be slippery, particularly in rain, snow, or ice. Bridges and overpasses freeze before the open road does.Deer crossing signA yellow diamond showing a deer warns that large animals may cross the road in this area. Collisions with deer and moose are most likely at dawn, dusk, and after dark.Merging traffic signThis yellow diamond warns that traffic from a ramp or another road will merge into your lane ahead. Both drivers share the duty to adjust speed and position so the merge is smooth and safe.Bump ahead signA yellow diamond marked with a raised hump warns of a bump or uneven surface ahead. Hitting it at speed can throw the vehicle off balance or damage the suspension.Two-way traffic signA yellow diamond with two opposing arrows warns that the road ahead carries traffic in both directions. It often marks the end of a one-way section or a divided highway.Railway crossing signA yellow diamond warns that a railway crosses the road ahead. At the tracks themselves you will also see the white X-shaped crossbuck; flashing lights or a gate may control the crossing.Narrow bridge signThis yellow diamond warns that the bridge ahead is narrower than the approaching road. There may be little or no shoulder, and oncoming traffic shares a tight space.Divided highway begins signA yellow diamond showing the road splitting around a median warns that a divided highway begins ahead. Traffic in each direction is separated by a median or barrier.Hidden intersection signA yellow diamond marked with a cross warns of an intersection ahead where another road meets yours. It is used where the crossroad may be hard to see in time.
School/Pedestrian signs
School zone signSchool and pedestrian signs use a bright fluorescent yellow-green diamond so they stand out. This one shows two children and warns that you are entering a school zone where children may be crossing or playing nearby.Pedestrian crossing signA fluorescent yellow-green diamond showing a person walking warns that a pedestrian crossing is ahead. Be ready to slow or stop for anyone crossing or about to cross.Playground signA fluorescent yellow-green diamond showing a child at play warns that a playground or park is beside the road. Children may run onto the road suddenly to chase a ball or each other.School crossing ahead signA fluorescent yellow-green diamond warns that a school crossing is ahead, often staffed by a crossing guard. Children may be crossing the road on their way to or from school.Bicycle crossing signA fluorescent yellow-green diamond showing a bicycle warns that cyclists may be crossing or sharing the road ahead. Watch for riders entering from a bike lane or path.
Information signs
Hospital signInformation and service signs in Ontario are usually blue or green. A blue square with a white "H" directs drivers to a nearby hospital, often with arrows pointing the way.Parking signA blue square showing a white "P" indicates where parking is permitted. Any arrows, times, or conditions printed on the sign tell you exactly where and when you may park.Rest area signA blue service sign directs you to a rest area where you can leave the highway, park, and take a break. Stopping to rest is one of the best ways to fight driver fatigue.Gas station signA blue service sign showing a fuel pump tells you that a gas station is available at or near the next exit. Service signs like this guide drivers to fuel, food, and lodging along the route.
Highway signs
Highway 401 markerA green crown-shaped shield with a route number marks a King’s Highway, including the 400-series freeways such as the 401 and 400. These controlled-access highways have higher speed limits and rules that exclude some road users.Highway exit signGreen guide signs on freeways name upcoming exits, routes, and destinations. An EXIT sign tells you where to leave the highway and is usually posted well in advance so you can change lanes in time.Trans-Canada Highway markerA green shield bearing a white maple leaf marks the Trans-Canada Highway, the national route that crosses Ontario. Route-marker shields identify which numbered highway you are travelling on.