Signs, signals and markings in Yukon
Signs, signals and road markings are the language of the road, and they make up a large part of the Yukon knowledge test. You can read a sign three ways: by its shape, its colour and its message.
Learning the system, not just individual signs, helps you understand a sign you have never seen before, which happens often when you drive long distances in the North.
By the end of this topic you can
- You can identify regulatory, warning, construction, school and information signs by shape and colour.
- You can explain each traffic light signal, including flashing and arrow signals.
- You can tell when passing is allowed from yellow line markings.
- You can use white lane markings and reserved lanes correctly.
- You can respond to railway crossing signs and signals.
What you need to know and understand
- Disregarding a regulatory sign is an offence under the Yukon Motor Vehicles Act.
- School zone signs are fluorescent yellow-green.
- Yellow lines separate traffic going in opposite directions; white lines separate lanes going the same way.
- You may pass across a broken yellow line when safe, but never across a double solid line or a solid line on your side.
- A flashing yellow light means slow down and proceed with caution; a flashing red light means stop, then go when safe.
- You must not drive over freshly painted pavement markings.
- Some Yukon highways have signs requiring winter tires or chains when displayed.
Decoding signs by type
- Regulatory signs tell you the law, such as speed limits, no right turn on red or keep right. Many are white with black or red; a red circle with a slash means not permitted.
- Warning signs alert you to hazards ahead, such as curves, slippery roads, steep hills or wildlife.
- Construction signs warn of work zones; obey their speed limits and any traffic control person or pilot car.
- School and playground signs show crossings, zones and reduced limits, with time tabs where they apply.
- Information and destination signs show distance, direction and services like fuel or accommodation, which can be far apart on Yukon highways.
- Railway signs mark crossings; stop when lights flash or a gate is down.
Traffic signals beyond red, yellow and green
A steady yellow means stop unless you cannot do so safely. A flashing green light is pedestrian-controlled: go only if the intersection is clear in your lane. A green arrow lets you turn in that direction; a flashing green arrow with a steady red lets you turn left while through traffic waits. A yellow arrow means the protected turn is ending. A steady white rectangular light is for buses only. Overhead lane control signals show which lanes you may use.
Reading the pavement
With a broken line and a solid line together, you may pass only if the broken line is on your side. A double broken yellow line marks a reversible lane controlled by signals. A two-way left-turn lane is shared by both directions for left turns only and is not a merge lane. A solid white line means do not change lanes. Diamond symbols mark reserved lanes, and a bicycle symbol marks a bike lane. Painted islands must not be driven over. When parking, do not cross a yellow line to get into or out of a space. Our handbook study guide on this site has more sign practice.
Common mistakes
- Treating a steady yellow as a signal to speed up.
- Passing on a solid yellow line on your side because the road looks clear.
- Using a two-way left-turn lane to merge or to pass.
- Missing the time tab under a school zone sign.
Test yourself: Signs, signals and markings in Yukon
Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.
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Sources: Yukon Driver's Basic Handbook: Cars and Light Trucks, Government of Yukon, Motor Vehicles (2022 edition), Chapter 3 Signs, signals and road markings and Chapter 6 (trains). Independent guide, not affiliated with any licensing agency. Always check the latest official rules with your province or territory.