Signs, signals and markings in Alberta

By the end of this topic you can

• You can identify a sign's purpose from its shape and colour.
• You can respond correctly to every traffic light, including flashing lights.
• You can read yellow and white lane lines and know when passing is allowed.
• You can recognise school zone, construction and lane-use signs.

What you need to know and understand

• A red circle with a slash means an action is not allowed; a green circle means it is allowed.
• Diamond signs with a yellow background warn of hazards; orange signs give construction information.
• Fluorescent yellow-green pentagon signs mark school zones and areas.
• A flashing red light means stop, like a stop sign; a flashing yellow light means proceed with caution.
• A flashing green light lets you go straight or turn without stopping while opposing traffic faces red.
• Yellow lines separate traffic going in opposite directions; white lines separate traffic going the same way.
• Solid lines mean do not cross to pass or change lanes; broken lines mean you may when safe.

Reading shapes and colours

• Red octagon: stop.
• Triangle: yield.
• White rectangle or square with black text: regulatory, such as speed limits.
• Yellow diamond: warning.
• Orange: construction zone.
• Green: directions and distances.
• Blue: services such as fuel, food and lodging.
• Black square with white message: lane control.

Traffic lights

On a vertical signal, red is at the top and green at the bottom; on a horizontal signal, red is on the left. On a solid yellow, stop before the line unless you are too close to stop safely. A green arrow with a red light lets you go only in the arrow's direction. Lane reversal signals above some roads use a green arrow for an open lane and a red X for a closed lane.

Lines on the road

Keep the yellow line on your left. A solid line beside a broken line means only the driver with the broken line on their side may pass. Single or double solid yellow lines normally mean no passing, though Alberta allows passing across a single solid yellow line inside an urban area when it is safe. A white diamond marking reserves a lane for certain vehicles, such as buses or high-occupancy vehicles, often at posted times.

Common mistakes

• Treating a flashing yellow as a stop. You may proceed with caution after yielding.
• Treating a school area sign (no speed tab) as a 30 km/h zone, or ignoring a school zone sign that has one.
• Changing lanes across a solid white line.
• Stopping too late for a stale green that turns yellow. Watch the pedestrian signal for a hint.

Test yourself: Signs, signals and markings in Alberta

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Alberta Traffic Circle Rules, Intersections and Right of Way
• Class 5 GDL Alberta
• Alberta Road Test