The Signs - Handbook

  • These signs warn of dangerous or unusual conditions ahead such as a curve, turn, dip or sideroad. They are usually diamond-shaped and have a yellow background with black letters or symbols.
  • Here are some common warning signs:

    Maximum vertical clearance of 3.9 metres


  • Indicates that an upcoming structure might not allow room for a tall vehicle; therefore, drivers of such vehicles should choose an alternate route.


  • Trucks are advised to slow down around this curve due to its smaller radius.


  • Trucks over 10 tonnes are advised not to use this roadway.


  • Truck entrance on the right side of the road ahead. If the sign shows the truck on the left, the entrance is on the left side of the road.


  • Indicates an upcoming bus entrance on the right and vehicles should be aware of buses entering the roadway.


  • Indicates an upcoming fire truck entrance on the right and vehicles should be aware of fire trucks entering the roadway.


  • Narrow bridge ahead.


  • Road branching off ahead.


  • Intersection ahead. The arrow shows which direction of traffic has the right-of-way.


  • Roundabout ahead. Reduce speed. The counter-clockwise arrows show the direction of vehicle traffic within the roundabout.


  • Drivers on the side road at the intersection ahead don't have a clear view of traffic.


  • Pavement narrows ahead.


  • Slight bend or curve in the road ahead.


  • Posted under a curve warning, this sign shows the maximum safe speed for the curve.


  • Sharp bend or turn in the road ahead.


  • Chevron (arrowhead) signs are posted in groups to guide drivers around sharp curves in the road.


  • Winding road ahead.


  • The bridge ahead lifts or swings to let boats pass.


  • Paved surface ends ahead.


  • Bicycle crossing ahead.


  • Stop sign ahead. Slow down.


  • Share the road with oncoming traffic.


  • The share the road sign is used to warn motorists that they are to provide safe space on the road for cyclists and other vehicles.


  • Pavement is slippery when wet. Slow down and drive with caution.


  • Hazard close to the edge of the road. The downward lines show the side on which you may safely pass.


  • Divided highway begins: traffic travels in both directions on separated roads ahead. Keep to the right-hand road. Each road carries one way traffic.


  • Right lane ends ahead. If you are in the right-hand lane you must merge safely with traffic in the lane to the left.


  • Traffic lights ahead. Slow down.


  • Steep hill ahead. You may need to use a lower gear.


  • Two roads going in the same direction are about to join into one. Drivers on both roads are equally responsible for seeing that traffic merges smoothly and safely.


  • Snowmobiles cross this road.


  • Divided highway ends: traffic travels in both directions on the same road ahead. Keep to the right-hand road.


  • Bump or uneven pavement on the road ahead. Slow down and keep control of your vehicle.


  • Railway crossing ahead. Be alert for trains. This sign also shows the angle at which the railway tracks cross the road.


  • Sharp turn or bend in the road in the direction of the arrow. The checkerboard border warns of danger. Slow down; be careful.


  • Deer regularly cross this road; be alert for animals.


  • Shows maximum safe speed on ramp.


  • Watch for pedestrians and be prepared to share the road with them.


  • Watch for fallen rock and be prepared to avoid a collision.


  • There may be water flowing over the road.


  • This sign warns you that you are coming to a hidden school bus stop. Slow down, drive with extra caution, watch for children and for a school bus with flashing red lights.


  • These signs warn of a school crossing. Watch for children and follow the directions of the crossing guard or school safety patroller.


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