Road Traffic Signs

Page updated: Wednesday May 05 2010

Road traffic signs

In Ontario, different colours on signs represent different aspects of using the road:

Red signs mean stop or be careful.
Yellow signs with black lettering warn you that you’re coming to a hazardous area or an area with special rules.
Orange signs with black lettering are used in areas where there is road construction.

Sign	Meaning
	Bicycles are allowed on this road.
	Bikes are not allowed on this road.
	Vehicle drivers, cyclists and in-line skaters must come to a complete stop at STOP signs. When there are no vehicles or pedestrians in the intersection and it is safe, you may go through the intersection.
	This is a one way street; car drivers, cyclists and in-line skaters must drive in the direction of the arrow.
	“Diamond lanes” — lanes for only specific types of vehicles, either all the time or during certain hours.
	A yield sign means to slow down and be ready to stop. If any pedestrians or vehicles are in or nearing the intersection, you must stop. If there aren’t any pedestrians or vehicles, you may merge into traffic.

Sign	Meaning
	Roadwork ahead. Speed limit and lanes may be reduced.

Sign	Meaning
	Both motor vehicles and bicycles use this road. Be respectful and share the road.
	Paved surface ends ahead.
	Pavement is bumpy and uneven ahead.
	Steep hill ahead; you might need to adjust your bike gears.
	Pedestrians share this road with bicycles and motor vehicles. Be alert.
	Designated bicycle crossing: a portion of a road where cyclists can cross.
	Railway crossing ahead. The sign also shows the angle at which the railway tracks cross the road.

! During a power failure, intersection traffic lights won’t work.

Sign	Meaning
	Flashing yellow Slow down and proceed with caution through intersections.
	Flashing red Treat this type of light like a 4-way stop sign and come to a complete stop. If you’re at an intersection, all cars must stop and move through the intersection when it is safe.
	Flashing green/left pointing green arrow A flashing green light or left-pointing green arrow with a green light lets you to turn left, go straight ahead or turn right from the proper lane. This is also called an “advanced green” because oncoming traffic still faces a red light. Pedestrians must not cross on a flashing green light unless a pedestrian signal tells them to.

Sources:
Ontario Ministry of Transportation’s Ontario's Guide to Safe Cycling and Driver’s Handbook