One-way trafficCanada
10. One-way traffic
One-way traffic means that vehicles on a road or carriageway may travel only in one designated direction. The permitted direction is normally indicated by traffic signs, lane arrows or road markings.
Some road users, such as cyclists or public-transport vehicles, may be allowed to travel in the opposite direction when signs expressly permit it. A one-way road does not by itself determine the speed limit, priority or parking rules.
Wikimedia.org • CC0
How should I read a one-way restriction in Canada?
One-way streets follow provincial and local traffic arrangements. In Ontario, the Driver’s Handbook distinguishes one-way roads and directional signs; other provinces have their own legislation.
Road with one-way traffic.
English • Québec P-100-1 • Straight-ahead lane. Vehicles in the lane controlled by this sign must continue straight ahead. This vertical lane arrow is distinct from the one-way street sign.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Cdn-contenu.quebec.ca • Québec MTMD · Regulatory signs poster, April 2026, p. 1
🔗 Legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca • Québec · Road signs regulation C-24.2, r. 41, section 16 (official consolidation, 1 May 2026) (FR)
SVG source: Transports Québec • Public domain • Original revision 2013-07-30. Wikimedia original unmodified.
May cyclists travel against the general traffic direction in Canada?
Check the local traffic restriction and any authorised contraflow cycle lane. An Ontario or municipal arrangement does not establish a country-wide Canadian exception for all cyclists or all one-way streets.
Does one-way traffic give me priority or a different speed limit in Canada?
A one-way restriction concerns direction. Continue to follow the applicable speed limit, signals, give-way or stop controls and junction-priority rules. Where authorised counterflow traffic exists, check for it before turning or crossing; your permitted direction is not automatic junction priority.

Traffic rules
Canada