DriveReady

Warning Signs

HomeRoad Signs › Warning Signs
Study guide

Warning Signs — 19 Signs to Know

Warning signs are yellow and diamond-shaped. They alert you to a hazard or change in road conditions ahead — a curve, an intersection, an animal crossing — so you have time to react safely. These 19 cover the signs you’re most likely to see on a Canadian knowledge test, including one Québec-specific sign.

Curve ahead warning sign

Curve Ahead

The road curves left or right ahead. Slow down before the curve, not during it.

Reverse curve warning sign

Reverse Curve

The road curves one way, then immediately the opposite way — an S-shape. Ease off through both curves.

Winding road warning sign

Winding Road

A series of curves ahead, sometimes for several kilometres. Hold a steady, reduced speed.

T-junction warning sign

T-Junction

Your road ends ahead at a crossing road, forming a T. You’ll need to turn left or right.

Y-junction warning sign

Y-Junction

The road splits into two, forming a Y. Choose your branch before you reach the split.

Side road intersection warning sign

Side Road Intersection

An intersection ahead where neither road has the right-of-way. Slow down and be ready to yield.

Merging traffic warning sign

Merging Traffic

Traffic from another road is about to join yours. Check your mirrors and adjust your speed or position.

Divided highway begins warning sign

Divided Highway Begins

The road ahead splits into two one-way roadways with a median between them. Keep right.

Divided highway ends warning sign

Divided Highway Ends

The median ends ahead — you’re back on a normal two-way road with oncoming traffic.

Lane ends warning sign

Lane Ends

Your lane is ending ahead. Check your mirrors and merge into the continuing lane in good time.

Roundabout ahead warning sign

Roundabout Ahead

A roundabout is ahead. Slow down and be ready to yield to traffic already circulating.

Railway crossing ahead warning sign

Railway Crossing Ahead

A railway crossing is ahead. Slow down, look both ways, and be ready to stop.

Road narrows ahead warning sign

Road Narrows Ahead

The road ahead becomes narrower. Adjust your position and watch for oncoming traffic.

Narrow bridge ahead warning sign

Narrow Bridge Ahead

A bridge or structure ahead is narrower than the road. Slow down and be ready to share it.

Steep hill warning sign

Steep Hill

A steep grade is ahead. Downshift and control your speed rather than riding the brakes.

Slippery when wet warning sign

Slippery When Wet

The road surface can be slippery in wet conditions. Reduce speed and increase following distance.

Deer crossing warning sign

Deer / Moose Crossing

Wildlife may cross the road here, especially at dawn and dusk. Slow down and scan the roadside.

Two-way traffic ahead warning sign

Two-Way Traffic Ahead

You’re returning to a two-way road after a divided or one-way stretch. Expect oncoming traffic.

Moose presence warning sign, Québec

Moose Presence (Québec)

Warns that moose may be present on or near the road. Common on Québec highways — slow down and scan the roadside, especially at dawn and dusk.

Note on Québec: most of these warning signs are pictogram-only (no embedded text), so they look the same in every province, including Québec. Québec’s signs differ mainly on text-based signs — for example, its STOP sign reads “ARRÊT” — and it also has a few of its own pictogram signs, like the Moose Presence sign above (D-270-14). That’s covered further in the Regulatory Signs guide.
← Back to all road signs