Signs, Pavement

Markings, and
Work Zones 3
Signs, Pavement
Markings, and
Work Zones

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This chapter includes information on highway signs that

are intended to guide and inform you while you are
driving. It includes information on the following:
• regulatory signs
• warning signs
• guidance signs
• work zone signs
• pavement markings

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Traffic signs and pavement markings are pictures with
specific meanings. Like flash cards, they must be read and
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understood in an instant. Signs and pavement markings
help regulate the flow of traffic and warn you of conditions
on the road ahead. They also inform you about routes,
distances, and available services. Take the time to learn
and remember the numerous traffic signs and
pavement markings.

Be aware that signs and pavement markings change over

time. The Department of Transportation and Public Works Signs with a
continually reviews existing highway conditions. The green circle give
department also reviews new practices and technologies, permission,
creates new signs, modifies existing signs, and introduces as indicated
new devices whenever appropriate. Always be alert and
prepared for these changes.

Traffic signs have distinctive shapes and use different

symbols and colours so that you can recognize them from
a distance. Early recognition will allow you to regulate your
driving in accordance with these signs. Traffic signs are
classified according to their function: regulatory (rules of Signs with a
the road), warning, and guidance (information and red circle with
direction). Become familiar with the various signs so that a slash deny
you can understand them. permission,
as indicated

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3 Markings, and
Work Zones Regulatory Signs
Regulatory signs indicate the laws and regulations affecting
the use of the highway. You must observe the instructions on
regulatory signs unless directed otherwise by a Peace Officer.

Stop sign
The stop sign is eight-sided with a red background and the
word “STOP” printed in white. The octagonal shape is used
only for stop signs. A stop sign means that you must bring
your vehicle to a complete stop and be sure the way is clear
before proceeding. The stop must be completed at the
clearly marked stop line, or at the nearest crosswalk line.
If there is no painted crosswalk or stop line, you must
stop far enough back to allow sufficient room to
Stop Sign allow a pedestrian to cross safely. This is called
an unmarked crosswalk.

Yield sign
The yield sign is triangular and is red and white. The yield
sign means that you must reduce speed as your vehicle
approaches the intersection. You must give the right of
way, stopping if necessary, to any other traffic in, or
Yield Sign closely approaching, the intersection.

School zone
The school zone sign is five-sided with a fluorescent yellow-
green background and two school children pedestrian
symbols in black. This is the standard design across Nova
Scotia since June 1, 2001. When children are present in a
school zone, the maximum speed limit is 30 km/h where the
School Zone Sign approaching speed limit is 50km/h, or 50km/h where the
approaching speed limit is higher than 50km/h whatever the
time of day. You must slow down, watch for children, and
exercise extreme caution, as with all driving situations. Your
speed must be reasonable and prudent for existing
conditions.

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Railway crossings
Railway crossings are marked with a crossbuck sign which
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has a white background with a red reflective border. This
has replaced the older sign which had “Railway Crossing”
in black lettering printed on the crossbuck.

A yellow and black warning sign indicates that you are

approaching a railway crossing. The direction or angle of
the tracks across the road is reflected on the sign (in this
case perpendicular).
Crossbuck Sign
As you approach the tracks, look both ways and listen,
because you may have to stop. Trains can approach
a crossing at any time. If there is a stop sign, you must
come to a full stop before crossing. A railway crossbuck Indicates number
sign is used at the crossing itself. A smaller sign below the of tracks to cross
crossbuck indicates if there is more than one set of tracks.

Many crossings have flashing red lights or flashing red

lights with gates. If the warning signal activates, you must
stop before the gates lower across your side of the road.
Do not move through a railway crossing when the gates
are lowered. This warning sign
is usually posted
Remember these railway crossing rules: in advance of
• When flashing red lights are used with crossbuck signs the Railway
at the railway crossing, you must stop, just as you would Crossbuck sign
stop for any flashing red traffic signal, and only proceed
when it is safe to do so.
• If you are waiting for a train to pass, be patient.
• Do not move immediately after the train has passed.
First check to make sure that there isn’t another
train approaching.
• Be prepared to stop for vehicles that must stop at
crossings, such as school buses, motor vehicles carrying
passengers for hire, or vehicles transporting explosives
or hazardous materials (these vehicles are marked with
placard signs).

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3 Markings, and
Work Zones • If you happen to be crossing the tracks and the warning
lights begin flashing or gates start to come down, do not
stop. Keep moving! The warning signals will allow
enough time for you to finish driving through the
crossing before the train arrives. The gate on the far side
of the tracks will not block you in. If you stop and try
to back up, your vehicle may stall.
• Crossing gates will not trap you, but stopped traffic
might. Be sure the traffic ahead of you will not stop
you on the tracks before you move forward.
• As you approach a railway crossing, slow down,
keep alert, and watch for the railway crossing signal.

What to do if your vehicle is blocked in, or stalls on the

railway tracks:
• Immediately move everyone out of the vehicle and well
away from the tracks and the vehicle.
• Post a lookout in each direction of the tracks to see if
a train is approaching.
• If there is no train in sight, try to push the vehicle clear
of the tracks or, if stalled, try to restart it.

Some trains require more than a kilometre for stopping

distance. Remember, trains cannot stop quickly, but your
vehicle can.

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Other regulatory signs
The most common regulatory signs are rectangular or square
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with a white background and either black or red lettering.
Example of
Many of these signs use a combination of graphics and Warning Signs
symbols. For example, two cars in a green circle means that
passing is permitted, whereas two cars in a red circle with
a line through it means do not pass.

The accessible parking sign means that the space is reserved

for persons with mobility disability who have a special
licence plate or permit. The permit must be hung from the Slippery When Wet
rearview mirror.

Warning Signs
Most warning signs are diamond-shaped with black lettering
or symbols on a yellow background. Traffic Signal
Lights Ahead
Warning signs caution you of changing road conditions
ahead. The merge sign, for example, indicates an upcoming
intersection where two separate traffic lanes are about to
join and merge into one. Drivers approaching from both
lanes are equally responsible for seeing that traffic merges
smoothly and safely. You should be ready to yield the right
of way when necessary. Stop Sign Ahead

Guidance Signs
Guidance signs are rectangular, usually with a green
background and white letters. They provide information and
directions, including route numbers and distances. Other Truck Entering
signs with different colours guide you to facilities, services,
and attractions.

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3 Markings, and
Work Zones Pavement Markings
Pavement markings work with road signs and traffic signal
lights to give you important information about the direction
of traffic and where you may and may not travel. Pavement
markings divide traffic lanes, show turning lanes, mark
pedestrian crossings, indicate obstacles, and tell you when
it is not safe to pass.

Rules about solid and broken lines

Yellow lines separate travel lanes moving in opposite
directions. White lines separate
travel lanes moving in the same
direction. A yellow dotted or
broken line is used as the centre
line on a two-lane, two-way road
where passing with care is
permitted in both directions.
When the centre line consists of
continuous double solid yellow
lines, you cannot cross them
to pass in either direction. On a
two-lane road, passing with care
Broken Centre Line is permitted if the broken yellow
line is on your side of the
centreline markings.

Double Solid Lines

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Single solid white lines are used as right-edge lines along
the roadway and for guiding traffic travelling in the same
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direction. Single solid yellow lines are used as left-edge lines
on divided highways. If you see the reverse, you are
travelling in the wrong direction.

A single solid yellow line marking the centre of a highway

permits passing in either direction when traffic, sight
distance, and other conditions are ideal.

The rules respecting solid and

broken lines do not apply when
• a vehicle is entering or leaving
the highway at a place other
than an intersection
• a vehicle is completing a
passing manoeuvre begun
in accordance with rules
noted above
• the lines are not clearly visible
• it is reasonable or prudent
to drive to the left of the
lines due to weather or Broken Centre Line
other conditions with Solid Line

Left Edge Solid

Yellow Line on a
Divided Highway

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3 Markings, and
Work Zones Two-laned highway with climbing lane
Climbing lanes are designed to allow faster-moving traffic
to pass slower-moving traffic. All traffic must keep to the
right unless passing. Vehicles travelling at less than 70 km/h
must use four-way flashers when indicated by a posted sign
on the right hand side of the road. Traffic wishing to pass
must pass using the left lane,
returning to the right lane when
the pass is completed. Do not
attempt to pass when you reach
the solid line at the end of the
climbing lane. The vehicle on the
right has the right of way.

Continuity lines
Continuity lines are painted on
the highway at entry and exit
ramps. They indicate the
Climbing Lanes separation between the through-
lane and the entry or exit ramps.
They are wider than the regular
lane-separation lines.

Continuity Lines

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Two-way-left-turn lanes
On certain multi-lane highways, the centre lane is reserved
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Work Zones 3
exclusively as a two-way-left-turn lane. This means that
traffic travelling in both directions share the lane when
making left turns. Never use this lane to pass or overtake
another vehicle.

When a highway is divided into three or more lanes and

a sign is posted or the pavement is marked designating the
centre or middle lane as a two-way-left-turn lane, all drivers
must drive to the right of the double lines except to prepare
for a left turn.

Be careful when using this lane. Remember, other vehicles

may also be using the lane from the opposite direction.

Complete a left turn in a two-way-left-turn lane in the

following way:
• Turn on your left-turn signal, check traffic to the front
and rear, and do a shoulder check to the left.
• When it is safe, slow down and gradually move into the
two-way-left-turn lane as close to your exit point as
possible. Do not drive in the two-way-left-turn lane for
an extended distance.
• Reduce your speed and stop as near as possible to the
point at which the left turn will be made.
• Yield to approaching vehicles. When the way is clear,
complete the turn. Vehicles approaching in the turning
lane from the opposite direction are also required to
yield. Each driver must yield sufficiently to the other so
that traffic moves smoothly without causing an
immediate hazard to other drivers or pedestrians.

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Examples of Signs and Their Meanings

Crosswalk signs

Pedestrian Crosswalk. School Crosswalk. Playground.

Indicates the location Indicates the location You are approaching
of a pedestrian of a school crosswalk a playground: Reduce
crosswalk speed, watch for
children

Regulatory signs

TRUCK ROUTE

No Turns No Parking in either Truck Route.

direction of this sign Truck traffic may
proceed only in the
direction indicated
by the arrow(s)

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Work Zones 3

No right turn on red No left turn Do Not Litter

signal. Wait for green permitted
light before making
a right turn

No U-turn permitted. No Stopping Passing Permitted

Do not turn to go
in the opposite
direction

One-Way Sign. Do Not Pass Do Not Enter

Indicates to drivers
that traffic is allowed
to travel only in the
direction of the
arrow

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MAXIMUM

Through or right Change in maximum Maximum speed

turn only speed limit ahead. limit. Speed signs
Be prepared to indicate the
adjust your speed maximum speed
accordingly allowable under
ideal conditions:
Reduce your speed
when poor
conditions exist or
visibility is restricted

Keep to the right of Hazard warning. Hazard warning.

the traffic island or If the black lines are If the black lines are
obstruction sloped to the right, sloped to the left,
drive to the right of drive to the left of
the sign the sign

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Warning signs
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Work Zones 3

Road narrows ahead. Fire truck entrance Hidden intersection

Quite often, when ahead. Indicates ahead. Drivers on the
the road narrows, to drivers that they side of road at the
hazard warning signs are approaching a intersection ahead
will be posted to location at which fire don’t have a clear
alert drivers to keep trucks are entering or view of approaching
to the left or right, or leaving traffic: Use caution
between the signs and be prepared to
if both are posted. slow down
Example: at an
approach to a bridge

Steep decline ahead. Bump or rough road Divided highway

You may need to use ahead. Slow down ends. Two-way traffic
a lower gear beyond this section
of the highway;
often followed by
two-way traffic sign
to reinforce the
message

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Divided highway Bridge opening. Right curve ahead.

ahead. Transition Indicates to drivers Posted speed sign
from an undivided to that they are indicates safe speed
a divided highway approaching a bridge for this turn
that can be opened
to permit the
passage of boats

Narrow structure Right lane ends Sharp turn or bend in

ahead. Indicates a the roadway ahead.
structure such as a Checkerboard design
road, bridge, culvert, is a warning to slow
underpass, overpass, down; the arrow
or similar structure indicates the
having a clear road direction of the
width less than the roadway
width of the
approach road

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Chevron (arrow) Low Clearance. Merge. Prepare to

signs are posted in Underpass ahead; merge with other
groups to guide overhead clearance vehicles
drivers around sharp as shown
curves in the road

Lane arrows

Right turn only lane. Straight through or Two-way left turn

Indicates to drivers left turn only lane. lane. Indicates to
approaching an Indicates to drivers drivers that the
intersection in the approaching an designated lane is
designated lane that intersection in the reserved for left-
they must only turn designated lane that turning vehicles only
right from the they must only
designated lane at proceed straight
the intersection— through or turn left
if this arrow was
reversed the above
would apply for left
turns only

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3 Markings, and
Work Zones Guide signs

102
Two-way traffic. Indicates Highway 102. Provincial
to drivers that the section highway with controlled
of road which they are access; also referred to
travelling on is a two-way as 100-series highway
road, and that the normal
rules of the road for two-
way operation apply

Construction or Work Zones

In a work zone, construction or maintenance activities take
place on or near the roadway. Work zones may interfere
with the normal traffic flow. They also tend to distract driver
attention. Stay alert and be prepared to react safely to
unexpected conditions.

Work zones are usually marked with orange warning signs.

The orange signs with messages in black letters identify
work zones and direct drivers as they travel through the
work zone. When you see these signs, go on high alert and
follow their directions.

Traffic-control devices such as barricades, cones, and drums

guide and direct drivers safely through the work zone. Traffic
control persons may also be present, using “stop/slow”
paddles to direct traffic safely through the work zone.

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Respect road workers and follow their directions. You are
travelling through their workplace. They have families
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waiting for their safe return.

You are at greater risk of having an accident when travelling

through a work zone. The biggest hazard is speed variations
between vehicles. Drive at the correct speed for the
conditions present. Be aware of the speed of vehicles ahead
of you and behind you as you adjust your speed.

Travelling safely through a work zone

• Go on high alert. You are entering an area where an
accident is more likely—Hands on wheel. Eyes on road.
Mind on task. Cell phone off.
• Follow instructions on work zone signs and from traffic
control persons.
• Travel no more than the speed limit. Travelling at a speed
different from other vehicles causes the most accidents
in work zones.
• Slow down safely when directed to do so. Take note of
the speed of vehicles ahead of you and behind you, and
adjust your speed to avoid collisions.
• Act promptly when signs direct your movement. For
example, if you are directed to shift your vehicle to
another lane, make the move as soon as it is safe to do
so without impeding traffic.
• Leave extra space between your vehicle and the vehicle
in front of you. If you are hit from behind by a faster
moving vehicle, this space could prevent your hitting the
vehicle in front of you.

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3 Markings, and
Work Zones Lane closures
Take extra care on multi-lane roads when a lane is closed.
The risk of accidents is high at merge points. Take the
following precautions to avoid collisions:
• Adjust your speed when you see a merge sign or lane
closure sign.
• Obey the “Do Not Pass” sign. It prepares traffic for an
orderly merge.
• Merge as soon as safely possible. A common mistake is
to approach the merge point at too high a speed in the
lane to be closed, then to push into the other lane at the
last moment. This causes collisions.
• Be courteous to road workers and other drivers.

Biggest cause of collisions at work zones

1 Vehicles travelling at different speeds

As you enter a work zone, pay attention and adjust your
speed gradually so that all vehicles move at the same
reduced speed through a work zone. Be aware that the
vehicles ahead of you may have slowed down more than
you. You may collide with them if you approach too
quickly. As you slow your speed, be aware of the vehicles
behind you. If you slow too quickly, you may be hit from
behind.

2 Driver inattention
Driving through work zones demands all of your
attention. Follow instructions on work zone signs,
especially the “Do Not Pass” sign. Drivers who ignore
signs place themselves and others at risk.

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Work zone signs
Some work zone signs give a general warning. They indicate
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Work Zones 3
that unusual conditions will occur, without telling you
exactly what the condition is.

Human activity signs are those with a symbol of a person.

They are only used when the workplace is active—people
are working and at risk of being struck.

Some signs give specific information about conditions. They

warn you that a hazard exists or a driving manoeuvre will be
needed. When you see these signs, act promptly. Don’t wait
until the last moment.

If you see someone driving irresponsibly through a work

zone, report it to the police.

General Signs
• warn of unusual conditions
• remain in place until the road is returned to normal

Watch for slow moving equipment and road surface hazards

Prepare for unusual road The road has returned to

conditions or construction normal. Expect no more
traffic that may be moving impact from road work.
at a difference in speed. When the end point of
a project is obvious, this
sign is not often used.

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Signs with Arrows

• called advance temporary condition signs
• used when drivers need time to prepare for conditions ahead

Construction Tar has been sprayed Right lane will

activities will begin on the road ahead. be ending ahead.
1.5 km ahead. The tar may make It gives advance
Choose a different the road surface notice so that traffic
route or be prepared slippery. Spray from can form a single
for delays. tires may stick tar to lane in plenty of
your vehicle’s paint. time. This sign is
Choose a different often used with the
route or drive to Do Not Pass sign.
avoid the hazards.
If you are in the
right lane, merge
left as soon as you
can do it safely. It is
best to form the
single lane as soon
as practical, to avoid
vehicle conflict at
the last possible
moment.
This combination sign gives advance notice
that traffic may be stopped by traffic control There is an
persons. Adjust your speed gradually to avoid equivalent sign for
rear-end collisions. use when the left
lane will end.

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Specific Signs
Specific Signs
• prepare for the hazard shown on the sign
• act before you reach the hazard, to reduce the need for urgent and
rapid manoeuvres at the last minute

Specific signs remain in place as long as the condition exists.

Road surface Difference in Road will narrow,

conditions may be elevation between but the number of
rutted, grooved, the lanes. lanes will not
or pose another change. You may
danger. Bicycles or A tire catching the need to slow down,
motorcycles may edge could cause because there will be
become unstable. a vehicle to lose less lane width
control. available.

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Construction traffic could be Blasting activities are taking place

entering or leaving the road on or near the road. The sign is
on the right and may be moving usually used with the Shut Off
slower than through traffic. Your Radio Transmitter sign and
Be careful whenever there are the End Blasting Zone sign.
differences in speeds.
Traffic may be required to stop.
A similar sign shows the A loud noise could startle a driver.
entranceway on the left of the Debris may be thrown from the
road. blast.

Do Not Pass is used to create an Drive to the right of the sign. It is

orderly flow of traffic before a sometimes used to move traffic
merge point or to prevent passing around an obstruction on the
at other locations where it is road.
unsafe.
This is a regulatory sign. You must
Obeying this sign at merge points obey its message.
makes work zones safer.
Disobeying this regulatory sign is
an offence that warrants a ticket.

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Human Activity Signs
• used only when workers are present on the site
• take extra care

Workers are active at Traffic Control Survey work is being

the site. Persons are actively done on or near the
managing traffic past road.
Driving mistakes the workplace using
have the potential to Stop/Slow paddles. Driving mistakes
cause fatal injuries to have the potential
road workers. Driving mistakes to cause fatal injuries
have the potential to to road workers.
Red/orange flags cause fatal injuries to
are used on human road workers. Red/orange flags
activity signs when are used on human
they are displayed Red/orange flags activity signs when
close to the ground. are used on human they are displayed
activity signs when close to the ground.
they are displayed
close to the ground.

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Work is going on overhead with A Flashing Light Unit displaying

electrical or data cables. two arrow heads means that the
lane ahead is closed and you will
Driving mistakes have the have to move over, or there is an
potential to cause fatal injuries obstruction which you will have
to road workers. to drive around. When two arrow
heads are displayed at the same
Red/orange flags are used on time it is safe to pass on either
human activity signs when they side of the Flashing Light Unit.
are displayed close to the ground.

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Work Zones 3

A Flashing Light Unit displaying Lamps in a straight line or bar is

a left or right arrow means that called “caution” mode.
the lane ahead is closed and you
will have to move over, or there The Flashing Light unit in caution
is an obstruction which you will mode is used to alert drivers to
have to drive around. When a a hazard, such as a vehicle
single arrow head is displayed, occupying a lane or workers
it is safe to pass the Flashing laying out signs.
Light Unit, but only on the side
indicated by the arrow. The Flashing Light Unit in caution
mode does not indicate that it
is safe to pass. Drivers must
evaluate the situation and make
a decision to pass based on
conditions present in the work
zone.

Remember: it is an offence to deface, destroy, or remove traffic signs

or signals.

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The Shape of a Sign Says What
It Means
What do the shapes below mean to you? The correct answer
for each of the six sign shapes shown here is in the list.
Match the sign shape with the correct answer.

Correct answers are in this list:

• Guide Sign
• Stop
• Yield
• School Zone
• Warning Sign
• Regulatory Sign

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