BC road signs explained
Road signs make up close to half of the ICBC knowledge test. This visual guide explains the main BC signs by category — what each one means and what you should do when you see it.
Test yourself on the signs
Try the signs quiz — see a sign, choose its meaning, and learn the ones you miss.
Start the road signs quizThis guide covers 15 commonly tested signs. The real test draws on the full set in the ICBC “Learn to Drive Smart” manual.
Regulatory signs
Tell you the law — what you must or must not do. Ignoring one is a traffic offence.
Stop
You must come to a complete stop.
Stop fully at the stop line, crosswalk, or edge of the intersection. Yield to traffic and pedestrians, then proceed only when it is safe.
Yield
You must let other traffic and pedestrians go first.
Slow down as you approach, be ready to stop, and give the right-of-way to traffic and pedestrians already in or near the intersection.
Maximum speed
The highest speed allowed in good conditions.
Do not exceed the posted speed. Drive slower when weather, traffic, or visibility is poor.
Do not enter
You must not enter the road or lane ahead.
Do not drive past this sign — the road is closed to you or carries traffic the other way. Find another route.
No U-turn
You must not make a U-turn here.
Continue ahead and turn around somewhere a U-turn is permitted and safe.
One way
Traffic on this road moves in one direction only.
Travel only in the direction the arrow points. Never drive against one-way traffic.
Warning signs
Usually yellow diamonds. They warn of a hazard or a change in the road ahead.
Railway crossing ahead
A railway crosses the road ahead.
Slow down, look and listen for trains, and be ready to stop. Never stop on the tracks.
Pedestrian crossing
People may be crossing the road ahead.
Slow down, scan both sides, and be ready to stop and yield to anyone in or entering the crosswalk.
School zone
You are entering a school area where children may be present.
Obey the reduced school-zone speed limit during posted hours and watch carefully for children.
Curve ahead
The road bends in the direction of the arrow.
Slow down before the curve and keep to your lane as the road turns.
Intersection ahead
A crossroad is coming up.
Scan for traffic entering from the sides and be ready to yield or stop.
Traffic signal ahead
A set of traffic lights is coming up.
Slow down and be ready to stop, especially if you cannot yet see the signal clearly.
Merge ahead
Another lane of traffic joins yours ahead.
Check your blind spot, adjust your speed, and cooperate so both lanes blend smoothly.
Construction signs
Orange signs that warn of road work. Slow down and watch for workers and equipment.
Road work ahead
Construction or maintenance work is happening on the road ahead.
Slow down, obey workers and signs, and watch for equipment, lane changes, and reduced speed limits.
Information & guide signs
Point you to services, routes, and destinations. Often blue or green.
Hospital
A hospital is nearby in the direction shown.
Use this sign to find a hospital. It does not require any change in how you drive.