Canadian road signs guide

The red octagonal stop sign is the most universally recognised regulatory sign. Stop behind any marked stop line, crosswalk, or, if neither, at the closest edge of the intersection where you can see cross traffic. In Quebec the wording is 'ARRÊT'; in officially bilingual New Brunswick it appears as 'STOP / ARRÊT'.

Quebec is the only Canadian province where stop signs read 'ARRÊT' rather than 'STOP'. Behaviour is identical: come to a complete stop, yield to cross traffic and pedestrians, then proceed only when safe.

The red and white inverted triangle directs you to slow down, look both ways, and stop only if necessary to give right-of-way. Common at merges, traffic circles, and minor intersections.

Used at merges, roundabouts, and minor intersections in Quebec. Same yield-to-traffic regulation as elsewhere in Canada.

Speed limits in Canada are posted in km/h. The number shown is the maximum lawful speed under ideal conditions; reduce your speed in rain, snow, fog, or heavy traffic.

Drive only in the direction the arrow points. Entering against a one-way is a serious violation and a leading cause of head-on collisions.

U-turns are banned where this sign appears, often at intersections, divided highways, and locations with insufficient sight distance. Find a safer location to turn around.

The red circle with a slash over a right-turn arrow forbids right turns. Some signs include time restrictions (e.g., 7–9 AM, 4–6 PM Mon–Fri). Always check for time tabs.

Common on residential streets, low-clearance routes, and weight-restricted bridges. Local delivery trucks may be exempt: check sub-tab text.

Posted at the end of a one-way segment or where a divided road becomes undivided. Stay right and watch for oncoming vehicles.

The 'ONLY' tab combined with an up arrow restricts the lane to straight-through traffic.

Stricter than 'No parking': you cannot stop even to load passengers. Common in transit-priority lanes, near intersections, and along emergency-access streets.

A red 'P' with a slash means no parking. You may stop momentarily to load or drop off, but you cannot leave the vehicle. Time tabs may limit the prohibition to certain hours.

Strictest stopping prohibition. Common in transit-priority lanes and emergency-access zones. Tow risk is real.

Bus stop zones must remain clear so transit vehicles can safely pull alongside the curb. Tow risk is high.

Advance notice of an HOV lane. Move into the appropriate lane based on your vehicle's occupancy. Restrictions vary by province: typically 2+ occupants, plus motorcycles, taxis, and some emergency vehicles.

On steep mountain passes (notably BC), trucks above 27,000 kg GVW must install chains when the sign flashes during winter conditions.

Common on multi-lane highways. Trucks may use the left lane only to pass, then return right.

Posted on weight-restricted bridges and rural roads during spring thaw (load restrictions). Exceeding the limit is a serious offence.

Trucks must comply with axle-weight limits. During spring thaw, many provinces apply temporary axle restrictions on rural roads.

On some BC and Quebec mountain passes, chains are mandatory in winter conditions. Pull off at the chain-up area before the sign.

Only vehicles with a valid accessible parking permit displayed may park here. Strict enforcement and high fines.

Posted where high pedestrian activity warrants extra caution: schools, hospitals, parks. Fines can be doubled.

At marked pedestrian crossovers, drivers and cyclists must stop and yield the entire roadway to pedestrians. Do not pass another vehicle stopped for a pedestrian.

The X-shaped crossbuck marks the exact location of a railway crossing. You must always yield to trains, regardless of signals. Do not stop on the tracks: leave room ahead before crossing.

Some cities offer motorcycle-only parking, sometimes with reduced or coupon-based fees.

Posted near residential areas, hospitals, and quiet zones. Engine brakes produce loud exhaust noise; truckers must use service brakes instead.

Common on multi-use trails and bike-pedestrian paths. Helps reduce conflicts between cyclists and walkers.

Reverse-orientation variant of the bike/walk split. Watch for the icons to confirm which side is which on a given path.

Lists the modes allowed in the lane and the times of operation. Outside posted hours, the lane may be open to all vehicles.

Shoulder-mounted version of the reserved-lane sign. Same regulation: only listed modes (taxi + bus, etc.) may use the lane during posted hours.

Sign listing four allowed modes (typically: bus, taxi, HOV, motorcycle). Other vehicles must use other lanes during the posted hours.

Stricter than No-Parking in a bus stop: you cannot even stop momentarily. Reserved exclusively for transit vehicles.

You may stop briefly to load or drop off passengers, but not park. Bus stops must remain accessible for transit vehicles.

Stopping zone reserved for permit-displaying vehicles only. Used near hospitals, accessible-access points, and reserved drop-off zones.

Posted on roads where the marked crosswalk is on the left side of the intersection. Directs pedestrians to the safer crossing.

Mirror-image variant of the cross-to-left sign. Indicates the marked crosswalk is on the right side.

Posted near hospitals, malls, schools, and high-rise buildings. Fines for violations are typically very high. Tow risk is real.

Posted on residential streets, scenic routes, and roads with weight or noise restrictions. Light commercial vehicles may still be allowed.

Restricts long combinations and oversize loads on roads where they cannot turn safely. Tractor-trailers should plan an alternate route.

Some restricted roads, protected areas, and certain bridges prohibit motorcycles. Mopeds and motor-assisted bicycles may also be excluded.

Rest areas and truck stops along major highways. Federal hours-of-service regulations require commercial drivers to take rest breaks.

New Brunswick is Canada's only officially bilingual province, so its stop signs read 'STOP / ARRÊT'. Some federal areas (Parliament Hill, military bases) use the bilingual variant too.

Lists weight limits per truck configuration (single, double, triple-axle). Heavy commercial vehicles must verify they comply before crossing.

Posted at intersections where right-on-red is prohibited. Note: in Quebec, right-on-red is prohibited on the Island of Montreal regardless of signage.

BC posts seasonal mandatory winter-tire signs (Oct 1–Apr 30). Quebec requires winter tires province-wide Dec 1–Mar 15. Most other provinces only post on specific mountain routes.

Posted on residential streets and protected scenic routes. Through-trucks must use a designated truck route. Local delivery trucks are typically exempt.

Blue rectangular sign with a white arrow pointing left. Posted at medians, traffic islands, and obstacles in the road that drivers must pass on the left.

MUTCDC RA-003. The 'ALL WAY' tab beneath a stop sign tells you every direction at the intersection is also stopping. First to arrive proceeds first; ties yield to the right.

Drivers must slow down and yield the right-of-way to traffic and pedestrians before proceeding.

Marks a pedestrian crossover where drivers must yield the right-of-way to people crossing.

Marks a pedestrian crossover, in reversed black-background form, where drivers must yield to people crossing.

A red X indicates the lane is closed and must not be used by drivers.

Trucks must not exceed the posted maximum speed of 70 km/h.

The maximum speed at night is 60 km/h.

Drivers must travel at no less than the posted minimum speed of 50 km/h.

Driving straight ahead is prohibited; you must turn.

Traffic in this lane must turn left.

Traffic in this lane must turn right.

Traffic must continue straight ahead only.

Making a U-turn is prohibited.

Traffic may travel only in the direction of the arrow, to the right.

You are travelling against traffic and must not continue.

Entry into this roadway is prohibited for all vehicles.

Entry into this roadway is prohibited for all vehicles.

Traffic moves in both directions with opposing lanes separated by a broken line.

Pass to the right of the median, island, or obstacle ahead.

Passing or overtaking other vehicles is prohibited.

Passing other vehicles is permitted from this point.

Drivers using the shared centre lane must yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic.

Shows a lane arrangement where a through lane merges yielding to a reserved bicycle lane marked by a diamond.

Parking is prohibited in the area where this sign is posted.

Stopping a vehicle is prohibited where this sign applies.

Snowmobiles are permitted to use this route or area.

Pedestrians are prohibited from using this road or area.

Bicycles are prohibited from using this road or area.

Riding a bicycle on the sidewalk is prohibited.

Both pedestrians and motorcycles are prohibited from using this road.

Motor vehicles such as cars and motorcycles are prohibited from using this road.

Marks the start of a lane reserved for bicycles, identified by the diamond symbol.

Indicates the end of the lane reserved for bicycles.

Trucks are prohibited from using engine (compression) brakes, usually to reduce noise.

Tells drivers which lanes to use in a roundabout to turn left or right.

Tells drivers which lanes to use in a roundabout to go left, straight through, or right.

Designates the lane to be used for turning left at a roundabout.

Shows lane assignments where the roadway realigns: the left lane may turn left or continue through while the adjacent lane shifts around an island.

Tells drivers the left lane may turn left or go straight while the through lane shifts to the right along an S-shaped realignment.

Indicates the through lane shifts along an S-shaped path ahead, so drivers must follow the realigned lane.

Indicates this lane curves and turns to the right ahead.

Assigns movements at a realigning intersection: one lane serves left turn or through while another leads to a right turn.

A two-panel sign showing lane assignments on each side of a divider, indicating permitted through and turning movements where the roadway realigns.

The diagonal arrow points to the pavement stop line where drivers must stop.

Warns that a reserved (HOV) lane, marked with the diamond symbol, is ahead.

Warns that traffic must merge across or into a reserved (HOV) lane ahead.

Warns that a reserved lane for bicycles, marked with the diamond symbol, is ahead.

Requires cyclists to yield the right of way to motor vehicles.

Prohibits drivers from making a right turn at this location.

Prohibits drivers from making a left turn at this location.

Requires slower-moving vehicles to keep to the right lane so faster traffic can pass.

Prohibits trucks from using the lane indicated by the downward arrow.

Indicates traffic in this lane may proceed straight through or turn left.

Indicates traffic in this lane may proceed straight through or turn right.

Traffic in this lane must turn either left or right; going straight through is not permitted.

Traffic in this lane may proceed straight ahead, turn left, or turn right.

Traffic in this lane must continue straight ahead and may not turn.

Traffic may pass on either the left or the right side of the median or obstruction ahead.

Trucks are permitted to use this road or route.

Trucks are prohibited from using this road.

Snowmobiles are prohibited from this road or area.

Cyclists must get off and walk their bicycle through this section.

Trucks must use the lanes indicated by the downward arrows below the truck symbol.

Left turns are prohibited while the traffic signal is showing red.

Right turns are prohibited while the traffic signal is showing red.

Left turns at this intersection are controlled by a separate left-turn traffic signal.

Vehicles carrying dangerous goods are permitted to use this route.

Vehicles carrying dangerous goods are prohibited from using this road.

Dumping or depositing of material is prohibited in this area.

Inline skating, roller skating and similar wheeled foot devices are prohibited here.

Pedestrians are prohibited from walking on this roadway or in this area.

Indicates that two adjacent lanes must both turn right at the intersection.

Indicates that two adjacent lanes must both turn left at the intersection.

Directs traffic so the left lane may go straight or turn right while the right lane must turn right.

Directs traffic so the left lane must turn left while the right lane may go straight or turn left.

Shows that the left lane turns left, the centre lane goes straight and the right lane turns right.

Passenger cars are prohibited from entering or using this road.

Off-road motorcycles or dirt bikes are prohibited on this road or trail.

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs/quads) are prohibited on this road or trail.

Vehicles exceeding the posted maximum weight in tonnes are not permitted.

Occupants must wear their seat belt in this zone or checkpoint.

Designates a path to be shared by both pedestrians and cyclists.

Requires trucks to travel in the right-hand lane.

Requires drivers to slow down and give the right of way to other traffic before proceeding.

Directs pedestrians to cross the road on the other side.

Prohibits drivers from continuing straight through the intersection.

Drivers may not make a left turn at this intersection.

Drivers may not proceed straight ahead or turn right at this intersection.

Drivers may not proceed straight ahead or turn left at this intersection.

Drivers may not turn either left or right and must continue straight ahead.

Drivers may not make a U-turn to reverse direction here.

Entry is prohibited; drivers must not proceed past this sign.

Passing other vehicles is prohibited along this stretch of road.

Passing other vehicles is now permitted along this stretch of road.

Trucks longer than 6.5 metres are not permitted in the lane indicated by the downward arrow.

Drivers must stay in the right lane except when overtaking another vehicle.

Parking is prohibited during the posted hours on weekdays in the direction of the arrows.

Parking is allowed for up to two hours during the posted hours on weekdays in the direction of the arrows.

Drivers may not stop on this section of road during the posted hours (7-9 AM and 4-6 PM, Monday to Friday) in the direction of the arrows.

The lane indicated by the diagonal arrow is reserved for bicycles only.

This lane is reserved during the posted hours for buses, taxis, carpool vehicles and bicycles.

Requires cyclists to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians.

Parking is permitted in this area.

Reserves this lane for buses and taxis during the posted hours on weekdays.

Indicates the location of the stop line where drivers must stop.

Drivers must come to a complete stop before proceeding.

Drivers must come to a complete stop before proceeding.

Drivers are prohibited from entering the roadway in this direction.

Drivers must keep to the right of the traffic island or median obstacle ahead.

Drivers may not overtake or pass other vehicles on this section of road.

Parking is prohibited in this area.

Drivers are prohibited from turning left at this intersection.

Parking is prohibited except for vehicles displaying a valid accessible (disability) permit, applying in the direction of the arrows.

Parking is allowed for a maximum of 30 minutes between 9 AM and 6 PM Monday to Friday in both directions from the sign.

Trucks are not permitted to travel on this road.

Commercial trucks must report to the weigh scale station ahead.

Pass to the right of the traffic island, median, or obstacle ahead.

The lane or road turns to the right ahead; follow it to the right.

Commercial drivers must learn TDG (Transportation of Dangerous Goods) placards. Class 3 = flammable liquids. Restricted on certain bridges, tunnels, and routes.

Slow down before the curve, especially in wet conditions. The advisory speed tab (if posted) shows the recommended cornering speed.

Hairpins are the sharpest curves on Canadian roads. Reduce speed dramatically: often 30 km/h or less. Common in mountain passes.

Reduce speed and prepare to negotiate a sharp turn. The chevron in the diamond indicates the direction of the curve.

Slow to roundabout speed (typically 30–40 km/h). Yield to vehicles already circulating. Travel counter-clockwise and signal before exiting.

On long downgrades, trucks should test brakes and shift into a lower gear before descent, not during. A runaway lane may be available further down.

Metal grates have less friction than asphalt, especially in rain or freezing conditions. Reduce speed and avoid sudden steering or braking.

Quebec uses an inverted triangle yield sign at roundabout entries. Same regulation: yield to circulating traffic.

Posted near logging roads, mines, ports, and industrial areas where heavy trucks share the road.

Posted before signals where sight distance is limited or speeds are high. Reduce speed and watch for the actual signal indication ahead.

Slow down to avoid losing control or damaging your vehicle. Especially important for low-clearance vehicles.

Reduce speed to maintain control. Increase following distance: gravel can throw up off other vehicles' tires and crack windshields.

Some intersections have signal-detection issues for motorcycles. Posted where riders may need to manually trigger the signal.

Common on bridges, exposed plains, and mountain passes. High-profile vehicles (RVs, trucks, trailers) are most affected. Grip the wheel firmly.

Tab below a warning sign showing how long the hazard extends (e.g., 'NEXT 2 km'). Stay alert through the entire posted distance.

Drivers in the ending lane should signal early, check blind spots, and merge into the continuing lane. Adjacent traffic should make space.

Moose are large, dark, and unpredictable. Found especially in NL, NB, NS, ON, QC, and northern provinces: particularly at dusk and dawn. Reduce speed dramatically.

Common on mountain roads in BC, AB, and Quebec. Reduce speed and watch for debris on the pavement, especially after rain or freeze-thaw cycles.

Posted at the top of long mountain descents (notably BC's Coquihalla and Rogers Pass). Pull off at a brake-check area to verify braking and shift to a lower gear.

Common across northern provinces and territories. Wildlife is most active at dawn, dusk, and during fall mating season. Reduce speed and scan the shoulders.

Common on rural roads at dawn, dusk, and during fall mating season. Reduce speed, scan the shoulders, and remember: where there's one deer, there are usually more.

Text-based variant of the loose gravel warning. Used where the surface gravel is freshly laid or has spread onto the asphalt. Reduce speed and increase following distance.

Common in winter or when the road has just been treated. Avoid hard braking and sharp steering: slow down progressively.

Common on rural roads, especially during planting and harvest seasons. Slow-moving vehicles may travel under 40 km/h: pass only when safe.

The grade percentage tells you how steep the road descends. Trucks, RVs, and trailers should engage engine braking before the descent, not during.

MUTCDC W-051. Posted as a sub-tab beneath narrow-bridge or tunnel warnings. Wide loads must verify clearance before proceeding.

Warns that traffic merges into the road from a lane joining from the right ahead.

Warns that a railway line runs along the intersecting road crossing the road ahead at an intersection.

Warns that a railway crosses the side road joining from the right at the intersection ahead.

Warns of a railway crossing on the intersecting road to the right at a crossroad ahead.

A supplemental tab indicating a single lane condition ahead, used with a warning sign.

Warns that the paved surface ends ahead and the road becomes a loose gravel or unpaved surface.

Warns that the median divider ends ahead and the road becomes two-way traffic.

Warns drivers that a stop sign is ahead and they must prepare to come to a complete stop.

Warns drivers that a yield sign is ahead and they must be ready to give the right of way.

Warns motorists that cyclists may share the roadway and to watch for them.

Warns that the road may become icy and slippery when temperatures approach 0°C.

Warns drivers of a bicycle route or crossing where cyclists may travel in both directions.

Warns drivers of a playground or area where children may be playing near the road.

Drivers must not stop on the railway tracks at this level crossing.

Warns of strong side or gusty winds ahead that may affect vehicle control.

The road carries traffic moving in both directions, separated by a broken lane line.

A four-way crossroad intersection is ahead.

The right lane ends 1500 metres ahead and traffic must merge.

A side road joins from the right ahead.

The road ends ahead at a T intersection where you must turn left or right.

The road divides ahead at a Y intersection.

A median or traffic island lies ahead and traffic may pass on either side.

The road makes a sharp right-angle turn to the right ahead.

A steep 18 percent downgrade is ahead; trucks should use caution.

Supplementary tab advising drivers to shift to a lower gear for the steep grade ahead.

The road surface ahead is bumpy or uneven.

The right lane ends ahead and traffic must merge left.

The road or bridge narrows ahead.

Overhead clearance ahead is limited to 3.9 metres.

Warns that the overhead structure ahead has a limited vertical clearance of 3.9 metres.

Warns that the roadway ahead narrows on both sides.

Warns of a sharp right-angle turn in the road ahead to the right.

Marks a hazard or sharp change in road alignment with black-and-yellow chevrons pointing to safe passage.

Warns that the road ahead becomes a divided highway with a median separating opposing traffic.

Warns that the divided highway ends ahead and traffic becomes two-way on a single roadway.

Warns of a gentle curve in the road ahead to the right.

Warns of two sharp turns in opposite directions ahead, the first to the right.

Warns of two curves in opposite directions ahead, the first curving to the right.

Warns of a series of curves or a winding stretch of road ahead.

Warns of side roads joining from the left and right at staggered offset points ahead.

Recommends a safe speed of 60 km/h for the road condition indicated by the accompanying warning sign.

Warns that a roundabout or traffic circle is ahead where traffic flows counterclockwise.

Marks the end of a roadway or a T-intersection where the road does not continue straight ahead.

Warns that there is an obstruction ahead on the right and drivers should keep to the left of it.

Warns drivers that children may be playing nearby and to proceed with caution.

Warns that a railway crossing lies ahead where the road meets the tracks.

Warns that the road surface may become slippery and skidding is possible, especially when wet.

Identifies a vehicle that travels at 40 km/h or less so other drivers approach with caution.

Indicates the vehicle is transporting explosive dangerous goods under TDG Class 1.

This dangerous-goods placard warns that the vehicle is carrying flammable gas (TDG Class 2.1).

This dangerous-goods placard warns that the vehicle is carrying non-flammable, non-toxic compressed gas (TDG Class 2.2).

This dangerous-goods placard warns that the vehicle is carrying flammable liquids such as fuel (TDG Class 3).

This dangerous-goods placard warns that the vehicle is carrying flammable solids or reactive materials (TDG Class 4).

This dangerous-goods placard warns that the vehicle is carrying oxidizing substances that intensify fire (TDG Class 5.1).

This dangerous-goods placard warns that the vehicle is carrying poisonous or toxic substances (TDG Class 6.1).

Warns that trucks may enter the roadway from a side road or driveway on the right ahead.

Warns that the road ahead carries traffic in both directions.

Warns that the road ahead has a series of curves in alternating directions.

Warns of a level railway crossing ahead with more than one set of tracks.

Warns that the road ahead becomes a divided highway with a median, so keep to the right.

Warns that the road ahead becomes a divided highway with a median, so keep to the right.

Warns that another traffic lane merges into the main road from the right ahead.

Warns that a roundabout (circular intersection) is ahead where traffic circulates counterclockwise.

A banner marking a vehicle carrying an oversize load that exceeds normal size limits.

Warns that ATVs and off-road motorcycles may cross the roadway ahead.

The paved road ends ahead and becomes a gravel or unpaved surface.

Warns of an area where motorcycles are common; watch carefully for riders.

Recommends a safe advisory speed (for example 50 km/h) for the curve ahead.

Reduce speed and watch for workers. Fines for traffic offences are typically doubled in active construction zones: stay extra alert.

Obey hand signals from flag persons: they override regular signs and signals. Slow to a crawl and follow direction.

Construction zones may have lane shifts, narrow lanes, uneven pavement, and slow-moving equipment. Posted speed limits are reduced and aggressively enforced.

Advance warning of road work. Be prepared for lane shifts, slow-moving equipment, and reduced speed limits.

Combine the warning of a steep descent with construction-zone caution. Reduce speed dramatically.

Wide loads (over 2.6 m) require permits, escort vehicles, and special routing. When you see this banner, expect slow movement and exercise extreme caution when passing.

Posted near construction-site entrances. Trucks may turn slowly across multiple lanes. Reduce speed and yield as needed.

MUTCDC TC-021. A traffic-control person ahead: usually at a road-work site. Their hand signals override regular signs and signals. Slow down and follow their direction.

MUTCDC TC-045. The road ahead is closed: follow the orange detour signs to bypass the closure. Stay alert; detour routes often have temporary lower speed limits.

Yellow diamond with two children figures. Active near schools and bus stops. Reduce speed and be ready to stop.

At this school crossing drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians before proceeding.

Sets a maximum speed of 40 km/h in a school zone where children may be present.

Cities post truck routes to keep heavy traffic off residential streets. Trucks above the local weight limit must follow these routes.

Found on long downgrades, especially in BC. The arrester bed (deep gravel) safely stops out-of-control trucks. Never park or drive into it without emergency.

Green guide signs point to towns, cities, parks, or attractions ahead. The arrow shows direction; distances are in kilometres.

The Trans-Canada Highway is Canada's longest route, spanning all 10 provinces. The maple-leaf shield marks segments designated as Trans-Canada in each province.

Each province uses its own shield design for highway route markers: Alberta's white shield, Ontario's crown, Quebec's fleur-de-lis, etc.

Quebec's blue guide signs feature the provincial fleur-de-lis emblem and direct drivers to towns, services, and tourist attractions.

Trucks above the posted weight must enter when the station is open (lights flashing). Advance signs allow time to change lanes safely.

Posted at the exit of weigh-station facilities to direct trucks back onto the main highway. Yield to mainline traffic when re-entering.

Route marker identifying Trans-Canada (Yellowhead) Highway 16 through Alberta.

Identifies a designated bicycle route for cyclists to follow.

The truck weigh scale is reached by taking the exit indicated by the diagonal arrow.

This location is a truck weigh scale where applicable trucks must stop to be weighed.

Indicates a designated route that trucks should follow through the area.

An added passing lane on the right begins in 2 km, allowing drivers to pass slower vehicles.

An added passing lane on the right begins ahead, allowing drivers to pass slower vehicles.

Identifies the name of the roadway at this location.

Guides drivers toward a named destination in the direction of the arrow.

Identifies Alberta provincial Highway 2 with the provincial route shield.

Marks Northwest Territories Highway 1, shown with the territorial polar bear symbol.

Blue service signs guide drivers to essential services. The 'H' indicates hospital with emergency services.

Directs drivers toward an airport facility.