Warning Signs
Advisory Curve Speed
The yellow speed plaque gives a recommended speed for the curve shown on the warning sign above it.
Meaning & DetailsOntario Road Signs and Their Meanings
Recognize the sign. Understand the instruction. Browse pictures, plain-language explanations and driving tips for Ontario’s road signs.
Updated · 134 sign meanings
9 signs
Warning Signs
Truck Entrance Ahead
Trucks may enter the road from an access on the side shown by the symbol.
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Warning Signs
Snowmobile Crossing
A snowmobile trail crosses the roadway ahead.
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Warning Signs
Reverse Curve Ahead
The road bends right and then left, as shown by the winding arrow.
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Warning Signs
Hidden School Bus Stop Ahead
A school bus may stop ahead where approaching drivers have limited visibility.
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Warning Signs
Railway Crossing Ahead
Railway tracks cross the road ahead at the angle shown on the sign.
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Warning Signs
Loose Gravel
Loose stones on the road can reduce tire grip and may be thrown up by passing vehicles.
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Warning Signs
Roundabout Ahead
A roundabout is ahead. The circular arrows show the direction of travel around the island.
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Warning Signs
School Crossing
Children may cross the road at this school crossing.
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Warning Signs
Hidden Side Road
A side road ahead has restricted visibility for drivers entering the main road.
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Warning Signs
Water Over Road
Water may flow across a low section of the roadway.
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Warning Signs
Bump or Uneven Pavement
A bump or uneven road surface is ahead.
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Warning Signs
Low Clearance
An overhead structure has limited clearance. The measurement shows the available height.
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Warning Signs
Right Lane Ends
The right-hand lane ends and traffic must merge into the continuing lane.
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Warning Signs
Share the Road
Drivers and cyclists share the upcoming section of road.
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Regulatory Signs
Stop for School Bus Signals
Stop when a school bus displays its flashing red signals as required by the road layout.
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Regulatory Signs
School Zone Speed When Flashing
The displayed school-zone speed applies when the sign’s yellow lights are flashing.
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Warning Signs
Advisory Ramp Speed
The yellow plaque recommends a speed for the ramp ahead.
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Warning Signs
Side Road Branches Ahead
A side road branches off the main road at an angle.
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Warning Signs
Side Road Ahead
A road joins the main road from the side shown by the symbol.
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Warning Signs
Intersection Ahead
Another road crosses the main road ahead.
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Warning Signs
Two-Way Traffic Ahead
An upcoming road section carries traffic in opposing directions.
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Warning Signs
Opening Bridge Ahead
The bridge ahead can lift or swing open for boats.
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Warning Signs
Sharp Turn Hazard Marker
A sharp change in road direction is marked by an arrow and checkerboard border.
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Warning Signs
Fire Truck Entrance Ahead
Fire trucks may enter the road from a station access ahead.
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Warning Signs
Bus Entrance Ahead
Buses may enter the road from the access shown on the sign.
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Warning Signs
Traffic Signals Ahead
Traffic lights control a junction ahead.
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Warning Signs
Bicycle Crossing Ahead
A bicycle route or path crosses the roadway ahead.
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Warning Signs
Curve Chevron
A large arrowhead marks the direction of a sharp curve.
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Warning Signs
Sharp Right Turn Ahead
The road makes a sharp turn to the right.
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Warning Signs
Sharp Left Turn Ahead
The road makes a sharp turn to the left.
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Warning Signs
Slippery When Wet
The road surface can become slippery when wet.
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Warning Signs
Roadside Hazard Marker
A hazard or obstruction is close to the edge of the road.
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Warning Signs
Divided Highway Ends
The central divider ends and opposing traffic will share one roadway.
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Warning Signs
Steep Hill Ahead
A steep downhill section is ahead.
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Warning Signs
Pavement Ends
The paved surface changes to an unpaved surface ahead.
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Warning Signs
Divided Highway Begins
A central divider separates opposing traffic ahead.
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Warning Signs
Pedestrians Ahead
Pedestrians may be on or near the roadway ahead.
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Warning Signs
Merging Traffic
Two streams travelling in the same direction join ahead.
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Warning Signs
Deer Crossing
Deer may cross this section of road.
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Warning Signs
Playground Ahead
A playground or play area is near the road.
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Warning Signs
Stop Sign Ahead
A stop-controlled junction is ahead.
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Warning Signs
Winding Road
A series of bends continues ahead.
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Warning Signs
Falling Rocks
Rockfall or rocks on the road may be a hazard ahead.
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Warning Signs
School Zone
A school area is ahead, with children likely to be nearby.
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Warning Signs
Narrow Bridge
The bridge ahead has less usable width than the approaching road.
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Warning Signs
Road Narrows
The road becomes narrower ahead.
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Information & Direction Signs
Red Light Camera
The intersection is marked for red-light camera enforcement.
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Information & Direction Signs
Hospital
The H symbol identifies a hospital or direction to hospital services.
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Information & Direction Signs
Passenger Railway Station
The sign directs travellers towards a passenger railway station.
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Information & Direction Signs
Airport
The aircraft symbol identifies a route towards an airport.
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Information & Direction Signs
Bicycle Route
This road is designated as a bicycle route.
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Information & Direction Signs
TTY Telephone
The telephone symbol with TTY identifies a text-telephone facility.
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Information & Direction Signs
Accessible Facility
The wheelchair symbol identifies an accessible facility or service.
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Construction & Temporary Signs
Traffic Control Paddle
A traffic control person uses STOP or SLOW to direct vehicles through a work area.
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Construction & Temporary Signs
Construction Zone Speed Fines
The sign warns that speeding fines are doubled in the designated construction zone when workers are present.
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Construction & Temporary Signs
Construction Zone Begins
A designated road construction zone starts here.
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Construction & Temporary Signs
Temporary Lane Shift
An orange arrow directs traffic around a temporary obstruction or lane closure.
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Construction & Temporary Signs
Do Not Pass When Flashing
Do not pass the work or pace vehicle displaying this sign while its lights are flashing.
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Construction & Temporary Signs
Flashing Arrow Board
An illuminated arrow directs vehicles around roadwork or a closed lane.
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Construction & Temporary Signs
Detour Route Marker
A marked detour takes traffic along an alternative route.
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Construction & Temporary Signs
Right Lane Closed Ahead
Roadwork closes the right lane ahead.
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Construction & Temporary Signs
Grooved Pavement
The road surface has been milled or grooved during roadwork.
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Construction & Temporary Signs
Construction Ahead
Road construction begins at the distance shown on the sign.
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Construction & Temporary Signs
Temporary Road Diversion
The normal road alignment changes temporarily ahead.
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Construction & Temporary Signs
Traffic Control Person Ahead
A traffic control person is directing vehicles ahead.
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Construction & Temporary Signs
Survey Crew Ahead
A survey crew is working on or beside the road ahead.
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Construction & Temporary Signs
Road Work Ahead
Road workers and equipment may be ahead.
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Permitted Movements & Routes
Timed Parking Permitted
Parking is permitted in the signed area subject to the displayed time limit, hours and days.
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Permitted Movements & Routes
Dangerous Goods Route Permitted
Vehicles carrying dangerous goods may use the designated route shown by this sign.
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Permitted Movements & Routes
Snowmobiles Permitted
Motorized snow vehicles are permitted on the signed route.
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Permitted Movements & Routes
Bicycles Permitted
Bicycles may use the signed route.
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Permitted Movements & Routes
Left Turn Only
Traffic in the indicated lane must turn left.
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Permitted Movements & Routes
Straight Ahead Only
Traffic in the indicated lane must continue straight.
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Permitted Movements & Routes
Right Turn Only
Traffic in the indicated lane must turn right.
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Permitted Movements & Routes
Passing Permitted
The sign permits passing where it can be completed safely.
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Permitted Movements & Routes
Truck Route Permitted
Trucks may use the signed route.
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Prohibitory & Parking Signs
Do Not Enter
Vehicles must not enter the road or access facing this sign.
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Prohibitory & Parking Signs
No Straight Through
You must not drive straight through the intersection from this approach.
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Prohibitory & Parking Signs
No Standing
You may stop only while passengers are actively getting in or out of the vehicle.
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Prohibitory & Parking Signs
No Right Turn on Red
A right turn is prohibited while the traffic signal is red.
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Prohibitory & Parking Signs
Accessible Permit Parking Only
The parking space is reserved for vehicles displaying a valid Accessible Parking Permit.
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Prohibitory & Parking Signs
No Passing at Pedestrian Crossover
Do not pass another vehicle within 30 metres of a pedestrian crossover.
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Prohibitory & Parking Signs
Timed No Left Turn
Left turns are prohibited during the hours and days printed on the sign.
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Prohibitory & Parking Signs
No Left Turn
A left turn is not permitted at this location.
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Prohibitory & Parking Signs
No Bicycles
Bicycles are not permitted on the signed road or access.
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Prohibitory & Parking Signs
No Parking
You may not park in the area indicated by the sign’s arrows.
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Prohibitory & Parking Signs
Do Not Pass Bicycles
Motorists must not overtake bicycles in the signed section.
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Prohibitory & Parking Signs
No Dangerous Goods
Vehicles carrying dangerous goods are prohibited on the signed route.
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Prohibitory & Parking Signs
No Right Turn
A right turn is prohibited at this location.
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Prohibitory & Parking Signs
No Snowmobiles
Motorized snow vehicles are not allowed on the signed road or access.
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Prohibitory & Parking Signs
No U-Turn
You must not turn around to travel in the opposite direction here.
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Prohibitory & Parking Signs
No Pedestrians
Pedestrians are prohibited from using the signed roadway or access.
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Prohibitory & Parking Signs
No Passing
Overtaking other vehicles is prohibited in the signed section.
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Prohibitory & Parking Signs
Timed No Stopping
Stopping is prohibited during the displayed weekday morning and afternoon periods.
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Prohibitory & Parking Signs
No Stopping
You must not voluntarily stop in the signed area, even briefly to pick up or drop off a passenger.
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Prohibitory & Parking Signs
Timed No Parking
Parking is prohibited during the hours and days printed on the sign.
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Prohibitory & Parking Signs
No Trucks
Trucks are prohibited on the signed road, subject to any posted qualifications.
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Information & Direction Signs
Long Commercial Vehicle
The placard identifies an unusually long commercial vehicle combination.
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Information & Direction Signs
Emergency Detour Route
An emergency detour route directs drivers around an unscheduled highway closure.
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Construction & Temporary Signs
End of Construction Zone
The designated construction zone ends at this sign.
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Regulatory Signs
School Bus Stop Arm
A school bus stop arm accompanies its flashing red signals while children load or unload.
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Regulatory Signs
Slow-Moving Vehicle
The orange triangle with a red border identifies a vehicle travelling at 40 km/h or less.
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Regulatory Signs
Wrong Way
You are facing against the permitted direction of traffic.
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Regulatory Signs
Railway Crossbuck
The red-and-white X marks a railway crossing.
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Regulatory Signs
Stop
Come to a complete stop and proceed only when the way is clear.
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Regulatory Signs
Yield
Give priority to traffic in or near the intersection and proceed only when the way is clear.
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Information & Direction Signs
Roundabout Destination Sign
The diagram shows roundabout exits and the destinations they serve.
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Lane Use Signs
HOV Lane — Two or More People
The lane is reserved for eligible vehicles meeting the posted occupancy or vehicle requirements.
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Lane Use Signs
Reserved Vehicle Lane
The lane is reserved for the vehicle types shown during the displayed times.
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Information & Direction Signs
Destination Direction Sign
Place names and arrows show which direction to take towards each destination.
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Lane Use Signs
Do Not Block Intersection
Keep the intersection clear when traffic ahead is backed up.
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Lane Use Signs
Bicycle Lane
The indicated lane is reserved for bicycles.
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Regulatory Signs
Speed Limit Changes Ahead
A different speed limit begins ahead, with the new number shown on the sign.
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Lane Use Signs
Lane Direction Board
The board shows the permitted movement for each approach lane.
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Regulatory Signs
Maximum Speed Limit
The posted number is the maximum permitted speed for this road section under suitable conditions.
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Lane Use Signs
Right Lane Must Exit
The right-hand lane leaves the highway at the upcoming exit.
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Lane Use Signs
Do Not Cross HOV Buffer
Vehicles must not cross into or out of the HOV lane through the marked buffer area.
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Regulatory Signs
School Bus Loading Zone
This zone is designated for school buses to load and unload passengers.
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Regulatory Signs
Yield to Transit Bus
The sign reminds drivers to yield to a transit bus signalling to re-enter traffic from a bus stop.
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Regulatory Signs
One Way
Traffic on the signed road travels only in the arrow’s direction.
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Lane Use Signs
Keep Right Except to Pass
Use the right lane unless passing where the signed lane arrangement applies.
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Lane Use Signs
Slower Traffic Keep Right
Slower traffic on the multi-lane roadway should use the right lane.
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Regulatory Signs
Community Safety Zone
A designated community safety zone has increased penalties for certain traffic offences.
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Lane Use Signs
Left Lane Turns Left, Right Lane Goes Straight
At this approach, the left lane turns left and the right lane continues straight.
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Lane Use Signs
Dual Left-Turn Lanes
Both indicated lanes are assigned to left turns.
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Lane Use Signs
Left Turn or Straight Lane Arrangement
The left lane turns left; the right lane may turn left or continue straight.
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Lane Use Signs
Straight or Right Turn
The indicated lane may continue straight or turn right.
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Lane Use Signs
Dual Right-Turn Lanes
Both indicated lanes are assigned to right turns.
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Lane Use Signs
Keep Right of Divider
A traffic island or divider must be passed on its right-hand side.
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Lane Use Signs
Three-Lane Direction Board
The left lane turns left, the centre continues straight, and the right lane goes straight or turns right.
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Lane Use Signs
Straight or Left Turn
The indicated lane may continue straight or turn left.
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Lane Use Signs
Two-Way Left-Turn Lane
The centre lane is reserved for left turns by traffic approaching from either direction.
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Regulatory Signs
Two-Way Traffic
Traffic travels in opposite directions on this roadway.
Meaning & DetailsRead the Whole Sign
Shape and colour help you identify the type of message. Arrows, times, distances and vehicle symbols explain exactly where and when it applies. Select a sign above for its meaning, the action to take and details that distinguish it from similar signs.
Some signs have multiple illustrations or number variations. These appear together on the same detail page so you can compare them.
Practise Road SignsMeanings checked against the MTO Driver’s Handbook and the additional sources on each detail page. Artwork from G1 Prep by Roadity.