Newfoundland & Labrador Road Signs 

Understanding Newfoundland and Labrador road signs is essential for passing the driver’s knowledge test and becoming a safe and competent driver. NL signs follow Canada’s standardized system, ensuring consistency across provinces while reflecting local conditions such as wildlife, rural highways, and seasonal hazards. Signs are categorized into regulatory, warning, and information signs, along with specialized construction signage, tourist signage, lane control signs, and temporary signage.

Purpose: Tell drivers what they must or must not do.
Colors: Red, Black, White
Shapes: Rectangle, Circle, Octagon

Examples and meanings:

• Stop Sign → Make a complete stop and proceed only when safe.

• Yield Sign → Slow down; stop if needed; give right-of-way.

• Speed Limit Sign → Indicates the maximum legal speed.

• No U-Turn Sign → U-turns are prohibited.

• No Left / No Right Turn Signs → Turning in that direction is not allowed.

• One-Way Sign → Traffic flows in one direction only.

• Lane Control Signs → Must follow the lane’s direction (straight, left, right).

• Passing Zone Signs → Indicate where passing is permitted or restricted.

• No Parking / No Stopping Signs → Restrict where vehicles may stop or park.

Regulatory Signs — Rules You Must Follow

Regulatory signs set out rules and laws. They communicate legal obligations, restrictions, or commands. Failing to obey regulatory signs may result in fines, demerits, or exam failure.

Appearance Characteristics:

• Colors: Red, Black, White

• Common Shapes: Rectangle, Circle, Octagon

Key Regulatory Signs and Meanings:

• Stop Sign (Red Octagon): Requires a complete stop at the designated line or intersection. Drivers must check for traffic and proceed only when safe.

• Yield Sign (Inverted Triangle): Vehicles must slow down and yield to traffic and pedestrians. A full stop may be required depending on conditions.

• Speed Limit Sign (White Rectangle): Indicates the maximum legal speed for that section of road. Adjustments may be necessary for weather, visibility, or traffic.

• No U-Turn Sign: U-turns are prohibited in that location.

• No Left Turn / No Right Turn: Indicates turning in the direction shown is not permitted.

• One-Way Sign: Traffic flows only in the direction indicated; common in downtown or controlled roadway layouts.

• Do Not Enter / Wrong Way: Warns drivers that entering the roadway would be dangerous or illegal.

• Lane Control Signs: Require drivers to follow the indicated travel direction for that lane, such as left-turn-only, straight-only, or right-turn-only lanes.

• Passing Zone and No Passing Zone Signs: Indicate where overtaking is allowed or prohibited for safety.

• Truck Restrictions / Weight Limits: Used in rural areas, bridges, and industrial zones to limit heavy vehicles.

• Parking Restrictions: Includes no parking, no stopping, and time-restricted parking. Signs clarify exactly where and when vehicles may stop.

• Bicycle and Pedestrian Rules: Some urban areas feature signs for crosswalk priority or shared lanes.

• Railway Regulatory Signs: Used to regulate behavior at crossings and require caution or stopping.

Regulatory signs are enforceable under law and failure to comply can lead to legal penalties.

Warning Signs (Hazards & Road Conditions)

Purpose: Warn of hazards, changes, or road conditions ahead.
Color: Yellow
Shape: Diamond

Common warning signs and meanings:

• Sharp Curve / Turn Ahead → Slow down and prepare to change direction.

• Winding Road → Multiple curves ahead.

• School Area / Playground → Expect children crossing; reduce speed.

• Pedestrian Crossing → Watch for people crossing.

• Slippery Road → Reduced traction; drive cautiously.

• Wildlife Crossing (Deer/Moose) → Animals may be on the roadway.

• Steep Hill / Descent → Reduce speed; use lower gear if needed.

• Lane Merge / Lane Ends → Prepare for merging traffic.

• Construction / Road Work (Orange) → Road work area; slow down and be alert.

Information & Guide Signs (Directions & Services)

Purpose: Provide directions, navigation information, and services.
Colors commonly used: Green, Blue, Brown

Examples and meanings:

• Highway Route Markers → Show route numbers or directional information.

• City/Town Distance and Direction Signs → Indicate how far or which way to travel.

• Service Signs (Blue) → Food, fuel, hospitals, lodging, tourist services.

• Recreation/Tourism Signs (Brown) → Parks, historic sites, scenic locations.

Color Meaning Summary

• Red → Stop or prohibition

• Black & White → Regulation and legal requirements

• Yellow → General warnings

• Orange → Temporary construction or detours

• Green → Direction and navigation

• Blue → Services and facilities

• Brown → Recreation and attractions

Shapes to Remember (Knowledge Test Tip)

• Octagon → Stop

• Inverted Triangle → Yield

• Diamond → Warning

• Circle → Railroad or specific warnings

• Rectangle → Regulatory or Information