Signs, signals and markings in Ontario

By the end of this topic you can

• You can identify the main sign types by shape and colour.
• You can respond correctly to steady, flashing and arrow traffic signals.
• You can read yellow and white lane lines and know when passing is allowed.
• You can recognize a pedestrian crossover from its signs and markings.

What you need to know and understand

• A stop sign is eight-sided with a red background and white letters.
• A school zone sign is five-sided with a fluorescent yellow-green background.
• A yield sign is a triangle with a white background and red border.
• Warning signs are usually yellow diamonds; temporary condition signs are usually orange diamonds.
• Information and direction signs are usually green with white letters.
• Yellow lines separate opposite directions of traffic; white lines separate traffic going the same way.
• The orange triangle with a red border marks a slow-moving vehicle travelling at 40 km/h or less.

Reading a sign by its shape and colour

• Regulatory signs (usually white or black rectangles) must be obeyed. A green circle means the action is allowed; a red circle with a slash means it is not.
• Warning signs warn of curves, hills, crossings and similar hazards.
• Temporary condition signs mark road work, detours and traffic control people. Speeding fines double in a designated construction zone when workers are present.
• Information signs give destinations and services. Freeway exit numbers show distance in kilometres from where the freeway begins.
• A railway crossing sign is a white X with a red outline.

Lights with special meanings

• Flashing red light or beacon: come to a complete stop, then go when safe.
• Flashing yellow: drive with caution.
• Yellow arrow after a left-turn green arrow: do not start your turn; stop if you safely can.
• Transit priority signal (white vertical bar): yield so transit vehicles can go first.
• Pedestrian signals: a walking figure means pedestrians may cross; a flashing or steady hand means do not start crossing.

Lines and markings on the road

A solid line on the left of your lane means passing is unsafe; a broken line means you may pass when the way is clear. Wider, closer broken lines called continuity lines on your left mean your lane is ending or exiting. A pedestrian crossover is marked by double white parallel lines with an X in each approach lane, plus signs and overhead yellow lights. A bike box at an intersection is where cyclists wait; stop behind it, not in it. A sharrow (two chevrons above a bicycle) marks a lane shared with cyclists.

Our Ontario Traffic Signs and Pavement Markings guide has a fuller sign-by-sign study list.

Common mistakes

• Treating a flashing red like a yield. It always requires a full stop.
• Ignoring continuity lines and being forced to exit. Change lanes early if you need to continue.
• Stopping inside a bike box. Stop behind it at the stop line.
• Confusing orange and yellow diamonds. Orange means temporary work zone conditions.

Test yourself: Signs, signals and markings in Ontario

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

Go deeper

• Ontario Traffic Signs and Pavement Markings
• DriveTest Road Test Booking in Ontario
• Ontario Roundabout Rules, Four-Way Stops and Crossovers