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Advisory speedCanada

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Canada. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Canada

4. Advisory speed

An advisory speed is a recommended speed for a particular road section or hazard rather than a legally imposed maximum speed. It may be shown near bends, junctions, steep gradients, roadworks or other locations where a lower speed can help drivers negotiate the road safely.

Drivers should treat an advisory speed as guidance for safe driving conditions and should travel even more slowly when weather, visibility, traffic or road conditions require it. A separate legally binding speed limit must still be obeyed.

Advisory speed
Advisory speed of 30 km/h. (Ontario, Canada)
Wikimedia.org • Estabiano • CC BY-SA
What does a Canadian yellow bend-speed sign mean?

For example, Ontario distinguishes a yellow advisory-speed sign for a bend or hazard from a regulatory maximum-speed sign. The advisory number recommends a suitable speed; it does not replace the legal maximum. Canadian road-speed signs use km/h.

🔗 ontario.ca • Ontario MTO — curve advisory speed versus legal maximum; safe conditions

Does Ontario’s advisory bend speed remove a lower legal limit?

No. The applicable legal maximum remains binding. Follow the lower maximum and choose a still lower speed if conditions require it. Ontario’s example should be read alongside the actual rules and signs of the province or territory where you are driving.

🔗 ontario.ca • Ontario MTO — curve advisory speed versus legal maximum; safe conditions

Must I maintain an Ontario advisory speed on an icy bend?

No. The handbook requires adjusting speed to weather, road and traffic conditions. An advisory number is not a minimum or an assurance of safe grip. Slow further on ice, snow or a wet surface and allow more stopping distance.

🔗 ontario.ca • Ontario MTO — curve advisory speed versus legal maximum; safe conditions

1 Canada 2 Motorway 3 Speed limit 4 Advisory speed 5 Bike path 6 Pedestrian warning 7 Bridge 8 Speed bump 9 Toll road 10 One-way traffic 11 Bus lane 12 Bus stop 13 Dead end 14 Stop sign 15 Give way 16 Roundabout 17 Road narrowing 18 Pedestrian crossing 19 Railway crossing 20 Mandatory direction 21 Turn prohibition 22 School area 23 Crossing animals 24 Slippery road 25 Rockfall 26 Curve 27 Wrong-way driving 28 Roadworks 29 Height limit 30 Weight limit 31 Radar speed sign 32 Selective barriers 33 Priority at the next junction 34 Traffic lights 35 Traffic lights warning 36 Pedestrian lights 37 All-way stop 38 Emergency telephone 39 No parking 40 No stopping 41 Parallel parking 42 Disabled parking 43 Traffic management 44 Reversing 45 U-turn 46 Detour 47 Uncontrolled crossroad 48 Road surface 49 Emergency lane 50 Provisional licence 51 City limit 52 Road closed 53 Licence plate 54 Charging station 55 Pedestrian 56 Bus 57 Police 58 Ambulance 59 Taxi 60 Tailgating 61 Pothole 62 Path 63 Particulates 64 Air pollution 65 Rush hour 66 Road code 67 Reversible lane 68 Street gutter 69 Cargo bike 70 Forestry vehicle 71 Construction vehicle 72 Semi-trailer truck 73 Trolleybus 74 Speed pedelec 75 Delivery vehicle 76 Idling 77 Tow truck 78 Four-wheel drive 79 Bicycle 80 Motorcycle equipment 81 Rail track 82 Caravan 83 Trailer 84 Tow hitch 85 Fire truck 86 Siren 87 Convoy 88 Emergency vehicle lighting 89 Agricultural machinery 90 Electric bicycle 91 Electric vehicle 92 Pedelec 93 Quadricycle 94 Microcar 95 All-terrain vehicle 96 Van 97 Recreational vehicle 98 Scooter 99 Trikke 100 Personal mobility device ...