Traffic signs regulate, warn and guide road users to help keep Toronto's streets safe and efficient for everyone. They provide important information to drivers, people walking, people cycling, and other road users using standardized colours, shapes and symbols that are consistent across Ontario.
The City of Toronto installs and maintains traffic signs on public roads in accordance with provincial legislation and the Ontario Traffic Manual (OTM).
Traffic signs communicate rules of the road, identify potential hazards and provide navigation information. They are designed to help road users make informed decisions and improve safety for all road users.
Traffic signs may be installed to:
Traffic signs communicate important information to road users using standardized colours, shapes and symbols. The most common types of traffic signs are regulatory signs, warning signs and guide/information signs.
Regulatory signs indicate traffic laws and regulations that road users must obey. They tell drivers, people walking and people cycling what is required, permitted or prohibited.
These signs are typically white with black text or symbols. Some, such as Stop signs, are red and octagonal, while Yield signs are white with a red border and triangular in shape.
Examples include:
Failure to obey regulatory signs may result in penalties under the Highway Traffic Act.
Note: U-turns are generally permitted at signalized intersections unless prohibited by a by-law or a posted “No U-turn” sign. At some locations, a regulatory sign indicates that U-turns are permitted.
Warning signs alert road users to hazards or changing road conditions ahead. They encourage drivers to slow down or adjust their driving before reaching a potential hazard.
These signs are typically diamond-shaped with a yellow background and black symbols or text.
Examples include:
Guide or information signs help road users navigate the transportation network by providing directions and identifying routes, destinations and services.
These signs are typically green, blue or brown with white text or symbols, depending on the type of information they provide.
Examples include:
For a complete list of Ontario traffic signs and their meanings, visit the Province of Ontario's Official MTO Driver's Handbook.
Traffic signs installed on City roads follow standards established by the Province of Ontario. The Ontario Traffic Manual (OTM) provides technical guidance on the design, application and placement of traffic control devices to promote consistency across municipalities, while Ontario's Highway Traffic Act. establishes the legal requirements for many traffic signs.
For a complete list of Ontario traffic signs and their meanings, visit the Province of Ontario's Official MTO Driver's Handbook.
The City installs traffic signs to improve road safety, support traffic operations and meet provincial standards.
When considering the installation or modification of a traffic sign, the City may evaluate factors such as:
Depending on the type of traffic sign or traffic control being considered, engineering studies or City Council approval may be required before changes can be made.
Contact 311 to report a problem, request an investigation or ask questions about traffic signs.
Submit a service request to investigate the installation, modification or removal of:
The City will review each request to determine whether it meets provincial standards and City requirements.
Submit a service request to report:
Submit a service request to report graffiti on a traffic or street name sign. Graffiti includes drawings, paint, stickers or anything else attached to the sign.