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Speed bumpCanada

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

8. Speed bump

A speed bump is a raised traffic-calming device placed across all or part of a road to make drivers reduce their speed. It is commonly used near homes, schools, crossings, parking areas and other places where low vehicle speeds are important.

Speed bumps vary in shape, height and legal status. Drivers should approach them at a low, controlled speed and follow any warning signs or speed limits that apply.

Speed bump
Warning sign for a speed bump. (Canada)
Wikimedia.org • Coastal Elite • CC BY-SA
How should I recognise and approach a speed bump in Canada?

Canadian traffic-calming measures are designed and regulated locally. In Ontario, distinguish the raised surface from the markings and signs of a pedestrian crossover or signal-controlled crossing; provincial and municipal arrangements vary.

🔗 icbc.com • ICBC — Learn to Drive Smart, March2026; signs, road rules, observation and hazard precautions; provincial example

Which speed should I use at a raised device in Canada?

Use the local speed signs and a controlled approach. An Ontario example does not establish one mandatory hump speed for every Canadian province or every design of traffic-calming device.

🔗 icbc.com • ICBC — Learn to Drive Smart, March2026; signs, road rules, observation and hazard precautions; provincial example

Does a raised road surface give pedestrians priority in Canada?

A raised surface alone does not establish pedestrian priority in Canada. Identify whether it incorporates a pedestrian crossover, a signal-controlled crosswalk or another crossing, and apply the province or territory’s rules. In Ontario, drivers and cyclists must stop and let pedestrians completely cross the road at a pedestrian crossover. A traffic-light-controlled crosswalk has its own signal rules.

🔗 ontario.ca • Ontario MTO — pedestrian crossover versus signal-controlled crossing

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 ...