Signs, signals and markings in Manitoba
Signs, signals and pavement markings tell you the rules for each stretch of road, and Manitoba's knowledge test checks that you can recognise them. Shapes matter because you can identify a sign by its outline even in fog, snow or fading light.
This page covers the key sign shapes, the meaning of steady and flashing signals, and the lines and symbols painted on Manitoba roads, including reserved diamond lanes and bike markings.
By the end of this topic you can
- You can identify the main sign types by shape and colour.
- You can explain what each steady and flashing traffic signal requires.
- You can tell yellow lines from white lines and say when you may pass.
- You can recognise reserved lanes, bike lanes and sharrows.
- You can read times on signs written in the 24-hour clock.
What you need to know and understand
- An octagon is only ever a stop sign; a downward-pointing triangle means yield.
- A diamond warns of possible hazards ahead; a fluorescent yellow-green pentagon marks a school area.
- A triangle with its corners cut off marks a slow-moving vehicle; a crossbuck marks a railway crossing.
- Square and rectangular signs regulate traffic or give directions.
- Yellow lines separate traffic going in opposite directions; white lines separate traffic going the same way.
- A transit priority signal (a white vertical bar on black) lets only buses go, while other traffic stays stopped at the red light.
Reading signals, steady and flashing
- Flashing red: come to a complete stop and go only when safe, like a stop sign.
- Flashing amber: slow down, be ready to stop and yield to pedestrians.
- Steady amber arrow after a green arrow: oncoming traffic may soon get a green, so stop unless already in the intersection.
- Flashing green left arrow: you may turn left.
- Green U-turn arrow: you may make a U-turn after yielding.
- A prepare-to-stop sign with flashing amber lights: the signal ahead is red or about to turn red.
Lines on the road
A broken line on your side means you may pass or change lanes when it is safe. A solid line on your side means do not pass or change lanes. With a solid and a broken yellow line together, you may not pass if the solid line is on your side. A double solid yellow line bans passing in both directions. You may still cross a solid line to turn left into a private road or driveway.
Painted left-turn islands, common in rural areas, are not to be driven in. Stop lines show where to stop at signs and signals.
Lanes with diamonds and bicycles
In some cities, reserved lanes for buses, cyclists or other listed vehicles are marked with double broken white lines and white diamond symbols. You may enter a curb-side diamond lane to make a right turn at the next intersection, but you must turn there. Contra-flow lanes on one-way streets use double solid yellow lines with diamonds.
Bike lanes are marked with white lines and a bicycle with a diamond. You may cross them to park or turn, but check for cyclists first. Sharrows, a bicycle with chevrons, mean drivers and cyclists share the lane; they are not a bike lane.
Common mistakes
- Treating a flashing red light like a yield. It means a full stop.
- Following a bus through on a transit priority signal. Only transit buses may go.
- Driving along a diamond lane to get ahead. Enter it only to turn right at the next intersection.
- Misreading 17:00 on a parking sign as 7 o'clock. It means 5 p.m.
Test yourself: Signs, signals and markings in Manitoba
Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.
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Sources: Manitoba Public Insurance, Driver's Handbook (Driving Safely in Friendly Manitoba), February 2026 edition. Independent guide, not affiliated with any licensing agency. Always check the latest official rules with your province or territory.