Stop
STOP
Come to a complete stop.
What to do: Stop at the line, or before the crosswalk or junction. Go only when the way is clear.
Priority and junctions
Stop (Quebec)
ARRÊT
Come to a complete stop. This is the usual stop sign in Quebec.
What to do: Stop before the line or crosswalk, give way to pedestrians and vehicles, then go.
All-way stop
ALL WAY
Traffic from every direction at this junction must stop.
What to do: Stop. The first car to stop goes first. If two stop together, the one on the left lets the one on the right go.
All-way stop plate (Quebec)
All-directions stop plate
Shows which other directions also have to stop. With an octagon on all four roads, everyone stops.
What to do: Stop. The first to arrive is the first to go.
Give way
Yield (Cédez le passage)
Give way to traffic in or near the junction.
What to do: Slow down and stop if needed.
No right turn on red
You may not turn right while the light is red.
What to do: Wait for the green light. On the island of Montréal this applies at every light, signposted or not.
No entry
Accès interdit
No vehicles may enter.
What to do: Do not drive in.
One way
Sens unique
Traffic flows only in the direction of the arrow.
What to do: Don't enter against the arrow.
Keep right except to overtake
Excepté dépassement
On an uphill climbing lane in Quebec, use the right lane unless you are overtaking.
What to do: Keep to the right lane on the climb.
Speed and cameras
Speed limit
MAXIMUM
The highest speed allowed, in km/h.
What to do: Keep to it until another sign changes it.
Photo radar
Radar photo
A fixed or mobile photo radar is nearby, or may be in the area (Quebec).
What to do: Check your speed. The ticket goes to the car's owner.
Warnings
School zone
School zone (zone scolaire)
You are entering a school zone.
What to do: Slow down. In Ontario, obey the limit shown when the yellow lights are flashing. In Quebec, the limit can be no more than 50 km/h on school days.
Railway crossing
Railway tracks cross the road here.
What to do: Slow down, look both ways and listen. If a train is coming, stop at least 5 metres from the nearest rail or gate.
Roadworks
Construction zone (Travaux)
You are entering a construction zone.
What to do: Slow down and expect a lower limit. Speeding fines are doubled here.
Deer crossing
Deer regularly cross this road.
What to do: Watch the roadsides and slow down if you see an animal. Sound your horn and don't try to drive around it.
Moose crossing
Moose cross this road.
What to do: Slow down, especially in darkness, and use high beams when it is safe. If you see one, watch for others with it and don't try to drive around it.
Prepare to stop
Préparez-vous à arrêter
When the amber lights flash, the traffic lights ahead are about to turn red.
What to do: Slow down and be ready to stop.
Pedestrian crossing
A marked crossing for pedestrians.
What to do: Be ready to stop. At an Ontario pedestrian crossover, wait until pedestrians have completely crossed.
Sharp bend chevron (Quebec)
Chevron d'alignement
The road bends sharply in the direction of the chevron.
What to do: Slow down before the bend.
Directions
Direction sign
Gives directions and distances.
What to do: Follow it to your destination.
Other signs
School bus stop sign
Stop arm
Children are getting on or off the bus.
What to do: Stop, whether you are behind the bus or coming towards it, unless a median separates you. Wait until the arm folds away and the lights stop flashing.
School bus stop ahead (Quebec)
Arrêt d'autobus scolaire
A school bus may be stopped ahead.
What to do: Be ready to stop for the bus.
Reserved lane for cars with passengers
HOV lane
The lane is reserved for vehicles carrying at least the number of people shown.
What to do: Use it only with enough people in the car. In Ontario, the minimum on provincial highways is two.
Bus and streetcar signal
Transit priority signal
Only buses and streetcars may go.
What to do: Stay stopped and let the transit vehicle go first.
Words on the signs
| On the sign | Means |
|---|---|
| Yield | Give way |
| All-way stop | Junction where every direction must stop Also called a four-way stop. The tab under the stop sign says ALL WAY or 4-WAY. |
| MAXIMUM | Speed limit Written above the number on speed limit signs. |
| Arrêt | Stop On stop signs in Quebec. |
| Cédez le passage | Give way Quebec. |
| Préparez-vous à arrêter | Prepare to stop Quebec, before traffic lights. |
| Fin | End Marks the end of a zone in Quebec, such as a school zone. |
| Excepté dépassement | Except when overtaking Quebec. |
| Sens unique | One way Quebec. |
| Zone scolaire | School zone Quebec. |
| Travaux | Roadworks On orange signs in Quebec. |
| Feu rouge | Red light Quebec. |
| Feu vert clignotant | Flashing green light You have priority to turn left. |
| Flashing green light | Signal giving you priority to turn left Ontario: you may turn left, go straight or turn right from the proper lane. |
| Voie réservée | Reserved lane For buses and taxis in Quebec during the posted hours. Marked with a white diamond. |
| Pedestrian crossover | Pedestrian crossing Ontario. Stop and wait until pedestrians have completely crossed. |
| Community safety zone | Area with a special risk to pedestrians Ontario. |
| Stop arm | Stop sign on a school bus When it is out, stop. |
Drawings follow the official designs described by Canada's road authorities. Real signs vary a little in size and lettering. The full guide to driving in Canada