Regulatory signs

By the end of this topic you can

• You can respond correctly to stop and yield signs.
• You can read speed limit, turn and lane control signs and follow them.
• You can understand parking and stopping restriction signs.
• You can apply right-of-way rules at an all-way stop.

What you need to know and understand

• At a stop sign you must come to a complete stop, at the stop line if there is one.
• At a yield sign you slow down or stop if needed and let traffic on the other road go first.
• A speed limit sign shows the maximum in km/h in good conditions, not a target.
• A green circle means you may or must do the action shown; a red circle with a slash means you must not.
• Do not enter and one-way signs control the direction you may travel.
• Lane control signs can reserve lanes for buses, taxis, carpools or bicycles, all the time or at set hours.
• In Ontario, a community safety zone sign marks an area where traffic fines are increased.

Stop and yield, done properly

1. At a stop sign, stop at the stop line. With no line, stop at the crosswalk; with no crosswalk, at the edge of the sidewalk; with no sidewalk, at the edge of the intersection.
2. Look left, ahead and right, and check for pedestrians and cyclists.
3. If you cannot see well, creep forward slowly after your full stop, then stop again if needed.
4. At a yield sign, slow down as you approach and be ready to stop.
5. Move on only when you will not make anyone else brake or swerve.

All-way stops

When every corner has a stop sign, the first vehicle to come to a complete stop goes first. If two vehicles stop at the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. Make eye contact and use clear signals so everyone knows your plan.

Other rules on rectangles

Speed limits and reserved lane rules are set provincially and locally, so always read the sign rather than assuming a default.

• Speed limit signs: the maximum allowed in good conditions. Drive slower in poor weather.
• No left turn, no right turn, no U-turn and no right turn on red signs.
• Do not enter and one-way signs.
• Keep right signs, usually on medians and islands.
• Reserved lane signs with symbols for buses, taxis, carpools or bicycles.
• Parking signs that allow parking at set times, or ban stopping, standing or parking.

Common mistakes

• Rolling stops. The wheels must stop moving completely.
• Stopping past the stop line and blocking the crosswalk.
• Treating a yield sign as a stop sign every time, or never stopping at all. Stop only when traffic requires it.
• Missing time limits on parking and reserved lane signs. Read the whole sign.

Test yourself: Regulatory signs

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