Traffic signsCanada

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Traffic signs

Traffic rules

Traffic signs

A traffic sign is a standardised visual symbol placed along roads to guide, warn, or regulate drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. These signs provide essential information about road conditions, rules, directions, and potential hazards, helping to ensure safety and smooth traffic flow. They come in various shapes and colours—such as triangular warning signs, circular prohibitory or mandatory signs, and rectangular information signs—each designed for quick recognition and clear understanding.

1. Stop and give way

This traffic sign means stop and give way. You must come to a complete stop before entering the intersection and give way to traffic that has priority. Proceed only when it is safe.

2. Give way

This traffic sign means give way. Slow down and give way to traffic that has priority. Stop if necessary and proceed only when it is safe.

3. Give way ahead

This traffic sign indicates give way ahead. A give-way requirement applies at the location ahead. Reduce speed in good time and be prepared to stop if necessary.

4. Stop and give way ahead

This traffic sign indicates stop and give way ahead. A stop sign applies at the location ahead. Reduce speed in good time and be prepared to come to a complete stop.

5. Warning for an uncontrolled crossroad

This traffic sign indicates a warning for an uncontrolled crossroad. An intersection without traffic signals or signs assigning priority lies ahead. Reduce speed, watch for traffic approaching from other directions and follow the applicable local priority rules.

6. Crossroad ahead, give way

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a crossroad, give way. It alerts drivers that they are approaching an intersection where they must give way to traffic on the main road. Drivers should slow down and prepare to stop if needed.

7. Warning for a side road from the left

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a side road from the left. A side road joins the road ahead from the left at an uncontrolled junction. Reduce speed, watch for traffic entering from the side road and follow the applicable default priority rules.

8. Warning for a side road from the right

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a side road from the right. A side road joins the road ahead from the right at an uncontrolled junction. Reduce speed, watch for traffic entering from the side road and follow the applicable default priority rules.

9. Warning for a roundabout

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a roundabout. A roundabout lies ahead. Reduce speed and follow the applicable priority signs, traffic signals and local roundabout rules when approaching and entering it.

10. Warning for an uncontrolled T-junction

This traffic sign indicates a warning for an uncontrolled T-junction. The road ends at an intersection where no traffic signs or signals assign priority. Reduce speed and follow the applicable default priority rules.

11. Warning for an uncontrolled Y-junction

This traffic sign indicates a warning for an uncontrolled Y-junction. The road divides or meets another road at a Y-shaped intersection where no signs or signals assign priority. Reduce speed and follow the applicable default priority rules.

12. Warning for a hairpin bend to the left

This traffic sign warns of a hairpin bend to the left. The road ahead makes a very sharp turn, so reduce speed and be prepared to steer sharply to the left.

13. Warning for a hairpin bend to the right

This traffic sign warns of a hairpin bend to the right. The road ahead makes a very sharp turn, so reduce speed and be prepared to steer sharply to the right.

14. Warning for a curve to the left

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a curve to the left. A left-hand bend lies ahead. Reduce speed before entering the curve, maintain your lane position and use smooth steering.

15. Warning for a curve to the right

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a curve to the right. A right-hand bend lies ahead. Reduce speed before entering the curve, maintain your lane position and use smooth steering.

16. Warning for a sharp curve to the left

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a sharp curve to the left. A tight left-hand bend lies ahead. Reduce speed before entering the curve, remain within your lane and use smooth steering.

17. Warning for a sharp curve to the right

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a sharp curve to the right. A tight right-hand bend lies ahead. Reduce speed before entering the curve, remain within your lane and use smooth steering, particularly when visibility or road grip is reduced.

18. Warning for a double curve, first left then right

This traffic sign indicates a warning for successive curves, with the first curve to the left. Reduce speed before entering the winding section, maintain your lane position and be prepared for further changes in direction.

19. Warning for a double curve, first right then left

This traffic sign indicates a warning for successive curves, with the first curve to the right. Reduce speed before entering the winding section, maintain your lane position and be prepared for further changes in direction.

20. Warning for sharp curves, first left then right

This traffic sign indicates a warning for successive sharp curves, with the first curve to the left. Reduce speed before entering the winding section and be prepared for rapid changes in direction.

21. Warning for sharp curves, first right then left

This traffic sign indicates a warning for successive sharp curves, with the first curve to the right. Reduce speed before entering the winding section and be prepared for rapid changes in direction.

22. Warning for curves

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a series of curves. One or more changes in direction lie ahead and may occur in quick succession. Reduce speed before entering the winding section, maintain your lane position and use smooth steering.

23. Warning for a road narrowing

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a road narrowing. The available width of the road or carriageway decreases ahead. Reduce speed, maintain sufficient lateral clearance and watch carefully for approaching or adjacent traffic.

24. Warning for a road narrowing on the left

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a road narrowing on the left. The available road width decreases from the left side ahead. Reduce speed, follow the lane markings and maintain sufficient clearance from other traffic and the road edge.

25. Warning for a road narrowing on the right

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a road narrowing on the right. The available road width decreases from the right side ahead. Reduce speed, follow the lane markings and maintain sufficient clearance from other traffic and the road edge.

26. Warning for a road with two-way traffic

This traffic sign indicates a warning for two-way traffic. Oncoming traffic will use the same road or carriageway ahead. Keep to the correct side of the road and overtake only where it is permitted and clearly safe.

27. Warning for a steep descent

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a steep descent. A steep downhill gradient lies ahead and the vehicle may gain speed quickly. Reduce speed before the descent, select a suitable gear and use engine braking where appropriate. Allow extra distance for heavy or towing vehicles.

28. Warning for traffic lights ahead

This traffic sign indicates a warning for traffic lights ahead. Traffic signals are located ahead and may not be visible early enough without advance warning. Reduce speed and be prepared to stop if the signal requires it.

29. Warning for strong crosswinds

This traffic sign indicates a warning for strong crosswinds. Side winds may suddenly affect vehicle stability and steering. Reduce speed, keep a firm but controlled grip on the steering wheel and take extra care with high-sided vehicles, motorcycles and trailers.

30. Warning for a speed limit ahead

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a speed limit ahead. It warns drivers that a speed limit will apply shortly. Reduce speed in good time so that you comply with the indicated limit when you reach the speed limit sign.

31. Warning for a height restriction

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a height restriction. The available clearance ahead is limited, for example at a bridge, tunnel or other overhead structure. Drivers of tall vehicles should check their vehicle height and use another route if the vehicle cannot pass safely.

32. Warning for a narrowing

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a narrowing ahead. The available road width decreases ahead. Reduce speed when necessary and be prepared for less lateral space between vehicles, obstacles or the road edge.

33. Warning for an obstacle, pass left or right

This traffic sign indicates a warning for an obstacle where you have to pass left or right. It alerts drivers to a fixed obstacle in the roadway—such as a traffic island, bollard, or construction zone—where vehicles are permitted to pass on either side.

34. Warning for an obstacle, pass either side

This traffic sign indicates a warning for an obstacle that may be passed on either side. A fixed obstacle or traffic island lies ahead. Pass on either permitted side while following the lane markings and any additional signs.

35. Warning for a divided road

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a divided road. The road ahead separates into carriageways for opposing directions of traffic, usually divided by a central reservation or traffic island. Follow the lane markings and adjust your position to the new road layout.

36. Warning for the end of a divided road

This traffic sign indicates a warning for the end of a divided road. The separation between opposing directions of traffic ends ahead, and oncoming traffic will no longer be divided by a central reservation. Reduce speed and adjust to the new road layout.

37. Warning for two roads that merge

This traffic sign indicates a warning for two roads that merge. Two traffic streams join ahead. Adjust your speed and position, maintain a safe gap and be prepared for vehicles merging into the traffic flow.

38. Warning for a side road merging with the main road

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a side road merging with the main road. Traffic from a side road joins the traffic flow ahead. Stay alert, maintain a safe gap and adjust your speed when necessary to allow traffic to merge safely.

39. Warning for cattle on the road

This traffic sign indicates a warning for cattle. Cattle or other livestock may be crossing, walking along or standing near the road. Reduce speed, be prepared to stop and avoid sudden movements or unnecessary use of the horn that could startle the animals.

40. Warning for crossing deer

This traffic sign indicates a warning for crossing deer. Deer or other wild animals may enter the road unexpectedly, especially around dawn or dusk. Reduce speed, watch the roadside carefully and be prepared for more than one animal to cross.

41. Warning for moose on the road

This traffic sign indicates a warning for moose. Moose may cross or stand on the road unexpectedly and can present a serious collision hazard because of their large size. Reduce speed and watch the roadside carefully, particularly around dawn and dusk.

42. Warning for reindeer on the road

This traffic sign indicates a warning for reindeer. Reindeer may cross or stand on the road and can move in groups, so one animal may be followed by others. Reduce speed, remain alert and be prepared to stop.

43. Warning for a playground

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a playground. Children may be playing close to the road and may enter or cross it unexpectedly. Reduce speed, watch the roadside carefully and be prepared to stop.

44. Warning for children

This traffic sign indicates a warning for children. Children may be present on or near the road and may cross unexpectedly. Reduce speed, scan both sides of the road carefully and be prepared to stop.

45. Warning for pedestrians

This traffic sign indicates a warning for pedestrians. Pedestrians may be walking near or crossing the road ahead. Reduce speed, watch carefully and be prepared to stop.

46. Warning for skiers

This traffic sign indicates a warning for skiers. Skiers may cross or move close to the road ahead. Reduce speed, watch carefully for people entering the roadway and be prepared to stop.

47. Warning for equestrians

This traffic sign indicates a warning for equestrians. Horse riders may be on or near the road ahead. Reduce speed, allow plenty of space and avoid unnecessary use of the horn or sudden movements that could startle a horse.

48. Warning for a railway crossing without barriers

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a railway crossing without barriers. It alerts drivers to an upcoming level crossing where railway tracks cross the road and no barriers or gates are present to stop traffic. Drivers should slow down and look both ways for trains.

49. Warning for a railway crossing with one track

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a railway crossing with one track. It alerts drivers to a level crossing where a single railway track crosses the road. Drivers should approach with caution and be prepared to stop, even if no barriers or warning lights are active.

50. Pedestrians prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that pedestrians are prohibited. Pedestrians may not enter or continue beyond the sign. Other road users may still be permitted unless another restriction applies.

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