Warning signs

The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure follows the standards and guidelines set by the Transportation Association of Canada (TAC) in the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Canada (MUTCDC) when it comes to roadway signing. The manual was developed by experienced transportation professionals throughout Canada.

Signs like “hidden driveway,” “blind hill” and “dangerous intersection” have not been installed on the provincial roadway network for many years. These signs were found to have little impact on driver behaviour and tended to give a false sense of security to drivers pulling out onto the road from their driveway. The overuse of warning signs can cause disrespect for them and other traffic control devices.  

You may see them installed within some municipalities on municipal streets. 

Signs such as “deaf child,” “autistic child,” “blind child/person” and ”children playing" have not been installed on the provincial roadway network for many years. These signs were found to have little to no impact on driver behaviour and tended to give a false sense of security to caregivers who believed the signs would make drivers more vigilant and cautious.

While you may see them installed within some municipalities on municipal streets, these signs are no longer recognized by the Transportation Association of Canada.

“Playground ahead” signs, very similar to the “children playing” sign, are reserved for public playground areas located near the highway where children gather regularly. These signs are not required where playgrounds are located away from a roadway and where natural barriers like trees and earth berms, or manmade barriers such as fences and buildings, restrict vehicle access to a playground area.

The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure does not recommend the installation of “no jake brake” or “avoid engine brake” signs. The engine retarder brakes – commonly referred to as jake brakes – are part of a truck’s safety equipment. It is not possible to determine when a driver may be required to use the engine brake. This is why signs prohibiting their use are not supported.

While you may see them installed on some municipal streets, the department does not install them on provincial roadways. Some municipalities have enacted a noise by-law and enforce the "unnecessary" use of engine retarder brakes with respect to the by-law.

“Equestrian crossing” signs may be installed in advance of a fixed crossing location used by commercial horse-back riding establishments with six or more horses available for rental.

“Cattle crossing” signs may be installed in advance of a fixed location where there are regular daily cattle crossings.

If you feel you meet the requirements for either of these types of signs, please send your request detailing the specific area to your local area District Office or to [email protected].

You may come across wildlife while driving through any area of the province. Deer are often attracted to communities and populated areas where they can access food sources provided by bird feeders, shrubs, fruit orchards, flower and vegetable gardens.  

Wildlife warning signs are reserved for areas where there is a lot of deer or moose activity. The signs do not identify a particular place where deer or moose cross the roadway. They identify an area of highway up to 10 km in length.

The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure consults wildlife biologists and local area staff and review the data to decide whether an area meets the criteria for wildlife warning signs.

Wildlife may be difficult to detect in the dark and drivers need to exercise caution at all times. Deer eyes reflect in vehicle headlights, but moose have darker fur and their eyes do not reflect, making them more difficult to see at night.

If you feel an area should be considered for wildlife warning signs, please send your request detailing the specific area and the concern(s) to [email protected].