Ontario Road Signs
Shape and colour carry more exam marks than any single sign. Learn those two rules first, then scan all 115 signs grouped the way the test groups them.
Shapes & colours, the two rules that carry the most marks
Even without recognizing a sign, its shape and colour alone answer most exam questions about it.
By shape
| Shape | Meaning |
|---|---|
| octagon | A stop sign is eight-sided and has a red background with white letters. |
| triangle down | A yield sign is a triangle with a white background and a red border. |
| crossbuck | A railway crossing sign is X-shaped with a white background and red outline. |
| pentagon | A school zone sign is five-sided and has a fluorescent yellow/green background with black symbols. |
| diamond | Warning signs are usually diamond-shaped with a yellow background; temporary condition signs are usually diamond-shaped with an orange background. |
| square | Regulatory signs are usually rectangular or square, with a white or black background. |
| rectangle vertical | Regulatory signs are usually rectangular or square, with a white or black background. |
| rectangle horizontal | Information and direction signs are usually rectangular with a green background and white letters. |
| circle | A green circle on a regulatory sign means you may or must do the activity shown inside the ring; a red circle with a line through it means the activity shown is not allowed. |
| trapezoid | Not called out by shape in the MTO handbook; used here for attractions/services signage that varies by facility. |
By colour
| Colour | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Red | Stop sign background; also the border of a yield sign and the outline of a railway crossing sign. |
| Green circle (on a regulatory sign) | You may or must do the activity shown inside the ring. |
| Red circle with a line through it | The activity shown is not allowed. |
| Yellow | Warning signs are usually diamond-shaped with a yellow background and black letters or symbols. |
| Fluorescent yellow/green | Used on school zone signs, which warn that you are coming to a school zone, slow down, drive with extra caution and watch for children. |
| Orange | Temporary condition signs are usually diamond-shaped with an orange background and black letters or symbols, road work zones, diversions, detours, lane closures or traffic control people on the road. |
| Green (on an information/direction sign) | Information and direction signs are usually rectangular with a green background and white letters, showing distances and destinations. |
| Blue | Used on some information signs for off-road facilities and services (e.g. hospitals, airports). |
Regulatory signs
Stop sign
Stop at the stop line if marked. If not, stop at the crosswalk, or the edge of the sidewalk, or the edge of the intersection. Wait until the way is clear before entering the intersection.
Yield sign
Stop if necessary and go only when the way is clear.
Do Not Enter sign
Do not drive into this road; find another route in.
One Way sign
Enter and travel only in the direction the arrow points.
No Left Turn sign
Continue straight or find another route; do not turn left here.
No Right Turn sign
Continue straight or find another route; do not turn right here.
No U-Turn sign
Do not reverse direction here.
No Straight Through sign
Turn as required by the road layout; do not proceed straight ahead.
No Parking sign
Do not park here except briefly to load or unload.
No Stopping sign
Do not stop your vehicle here for any reason.
No Passing sign
Stay behind slower traffic; do not pass until the zone ends.
No Pedestrians sign
Pedestrians must use an alternate route.
No Bicycles sign
Cyclists must use an alternate route.
Keep Left sign
Pass the obstacle or divider on its left.
Keep Right sign
Pass the obstacle or divider on its right.
Accessible Parking sign
Only park here if displaying a valid Accessible Parking Permit.
Snowmobile Route sign
Drivers should watch for snowmobiles crossing or using the roadway on this route.
Bicycle Route sign
Watch for cyclists and be prepared to share the road with them.
Pedestrian Crossover sign
Be prepared to stop and yield right-of-way to pedestrians.
Speed Limit sign
Do not exceed the posted speed limit; reduce further in poor conditions.
Seatbelt Reminder sign
Wear your seatbelt and ensure all passengers are buckled before driving.
Two-Way Left Turn Lane sign
Only use this lane to make a left turn, do not use it to pass or drive through.
High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lane sign
Only enter this lane if your vehicle meets the posted occupancy requirement.
Community Safety Zone sign
Drive with extra caution for pedestrians, fines for traffic offences committed in this zone are increased.
No Trucks sign
Do not drive a heavy truck past this sign; find an alternate route.
No Standing sign
Do not stop here except briefly to load or unload passengers.
No Right Turn on Red sign
Wait for a green light before turning right at this intersection.
No Left Turn (Times and Days) sign
Check the posted times; do not turn left here during those hours.
Speed Limit Changes Ahead sign
Prepare to adjust your speed to a new posted limit ahead.
Slower Traffic Keep Right sign
If you are driving slower than the flow of traffic, keep to the right lane.
Accessible Standing Exemption sign
Only stop here briefly to pick up or drop off passengers if displaying a valid Accessible Person Parking Permit.
Keep Right Except To Pass sign
Stay in the right lane; move left only to pass, then return right.
Yield To Bus sign
Yield to the transit bus once it signals its intent to pull back into traffic from a dedicated bus stop.
Road Forks Right sign
Choose the correct fork in advance and signal your intention.
HOV Do Not Cross sign
Do not cross into or out of the HOV lane where this sign is posted.
Warning signs
Winding Road sign
Reduce speed for the full length of the winding section.
Road Branches Off sign
Watch for traffic entering or leaving from the branching road.
Intersection Ahead sign
Slow down and be ready to yield according to the arrow shown.
Concealed Sideroad sign
Slow down and watch closely for vehicles emerging from the sideroad.
Merging Traffic sign
Adjust speed or position to merge smoothly and safely.
Divided Highway Begins sign
Keep right of the upcoming median.
Stop Ahead sign
Begin slowing down now and be ready to stop.
Reserved Lane Ahead sign
Only enter the reserved lane ahead if your vehicle qualifies.
Slippery When Wet sign
Slow down and drive with caution.
Added Lane sign
No merge is required, stay in your lane as the new lane joins alongside.
Bicycle Crossing sign
Slow down and watch for cyclists crossing your path.
Slow-Moving Vehicle emblem
Watch for these slow-moving vehicles and reduce your speed as necessary.
Narrow Bridge sign
Slow down as you approach the bridge and be prepared to share it with oncoming traffic.
Road Narrows sign
Slow down and be prepared to merge as the road narrows.
Curve Right sign
Reduce speed and steer through the curve to the right.
Sharp Turn Chevron sign
Slow down and follow the direction of the chevrons around the curve.
Steep Hill sign
You may need to use a lower gear.
Bump sign
Slow down and keep control of your vehicle.
Deer Crossing sign
Be alert for animals and be prepared to slow down or stop.
Roundabout Ahead sign
Reduce speed.
Traffic Signal Ahead sign
Slow down.
Divided Highway Ends sign
Keep to the right-hand road.
Low Bridge Clearance sign
Take care if you are driving a tall vehicle.
Curve Left sign
Reduce speed and steer through the curve to the left.
Dead End sign
Plan to stop, turn around, or find another route before the road ends.
Farm Machinery sign
Slow down and watch for farm machinery entering or crossing the road.
Playground sign
Slow down and watch for children who may be playing near or crossing the road.
Curve Advisory Speed tab sign
Slow to the posted advisory speed before entering the curve.
Sharp Curve sign
Slow down well before the turn and steer through it in the direction shown.
Opening Bridge sign
Be prepared to stop if the bridge is open or opening for boat traffic.
Pavement Ends sign
Slow down before the transition to an unpaved surface and adjust for reduced traction.
Share The Road (Oncoming Traffic) sign
Stay alert for oncoming vehicles sharing this section of road and keep to your side.
Share The Road (Cyclist) sign
Provide safe passing space for cyclists and exercise extra caution on this section of road.
Object Marker sign
Pass on the side indicated by the downward-sloping stripes.
Right Lane Ends tab sign
Signal and merge safely into the lane to the left before the right lane ends.
Snowmobile Crossing sign
Watch for snowmobiles crossing the road ahead and be prepared to slow down or stop.
Checkerboard sign
Slow down and be careful; follow the direction of the arrow through the turn.
Truck Entrance sign
Watch for trucks entering the road from the driveway or side road ahead.
Ramp Speed tab sign
Slow to the posted advisory speed before entering the ramp.
Pedestrians Ahead sign
Slow down and be ready to yield to pedestrians in this area.
Fallen Rock sign
Slow down and watch for rocks or debris on the roadway ahead.
Water Over Road sign
Slow down and be prepared to stop if water is flowing across the road ahead.
School Bus Entrance sign
Be prepared to yield to buses entering the roadway from the right (or left, if mirrored).
Fire Truck Entrance sign
Be prepared to yield to fire trucks entering the roadway from the fire hall ahead.
Temporary conditions signs
Detour sign
Follow the arrow onto the marked detour route.
Detour Route sign
Stay on the marked detour route until it rejoins your original road.
Temporary Dead End sign
Plan to stop or turn before the temporary dead end.
Ramp Closure Ahead sign
Reduce speed and be prepared to stop or follow the posted detour.
Construction Ahead sign
Slow down and be prepared for a construction zone ahead.
Flag Person Ahead sign
Drive slowly and watch for instructions.
Survey Crew sign
Slow down and watch for the survey crew working on the road.
Workers On Road sign
Slow down and watch for workers on the road.
Reduced Speed Zone (Doubled Fines) sign
Obey the posted speed limit, fines for speeding are doubled in this zone when workers are present.
Lane Closed sign
Obey the speed limit and merge with traffic in the open lane.
Construction Zone Begins sign
Drive with extra caution and be prepared for a lower speed limit.
Flashing Arrow Board sign
Follow the direction shown by the flashing arrow.
Grooved Pavement sign
Obey the speed limit and drive with extra caution on the milled or grooved surface.
Do Not Pass When Flashing sign
Stay behind the pilot or pace vehicle displaying this sign; do not attempt to pass it.
Reduce Speed sign
Slow down and be ready to stop if directed by a flag person or changing conditions ahead.
School & pedestrian signs
School Zone sign
Slow down, drive with extra caution and watch for children.
Hidden School Bus Stop sign
Slow down, drive with extra caution, and watch for children and a school bus with flashing red lights.
Stop For School Bus sign
Stop when a school bus ahead has its red signal lights flashing, and do not proceed until they stop flashing.
School Bus Loading Zone sign
Slow down and watch for students boarding or leaving buses in this zone.
School Zone Maximum Speed When Flashing sign
Slow to the posted school-zone speed when the yellow lights are flashing.
Stop For School Bus, Both Directions sign
Stop for the school bus, regardless of which direction you are travelling from, when its signal lights are flashing.
School Crossing Ahead sign
Watch for children and follow the directions of the crossing guard or school safety patroller.
Information & direction signs
400-Series Highway shield
Use this marker to confirm you are on the correct numbered freeway.
King's Highway route marker
Use this marker to confirm you are on the correct numbered route.
Hospital sign
Follow the arrow if you need emergency medical services.
Exit sign
Move into the correct lane in good time if you plan to take the exit.
Airport sign
Follow this sign to find the route to the airport.
Destination Towns sign
Follow the arrow toward your destination town or city.
Distance In Kilometres sign
Use the listed distances to plan your route and timing.
Freeway Exit Lane Arrow sign
Move into the lane shown by the arrow in the yellow "exit" box if you want to leave the freeway there.
Roundabout Destination sign
Identify your exit before entering the roundabout and stay in the correct lane.
Wheelchair Accessible Facility sign
Use this sign to identify wheelchair-accessible facilities.
Oversize Load "D" placard
Give extra clearance and caution when following or passing a vehicle displaying this placard.
Railway signs
Railway Crossbuck
Watch for this sign. Slow down and look both ways for trains. Be prepared to stop.
Railway Crossing Ahead sign
Slow down and prepare to stop for a train.
Multiple Railway Tracks sign
Wait for gates to rise and lights to stop flashing before crossing, do not assume the crossing is clear after one train passes.
Sign images are sourced from Wikimedia Commons under public-domain or Creative Commons licences. Attribution is required and non-negotiable; full per-image photographer and licence credits are listed on our Credits & Sources page. A handful of exam-relevant signs, mostly warning and temporary-conditions signs, aren't pictured yet because we couldn't source an acceptably licensed image in time; we're still tested on them in the question bank.