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Traffic lightsCanada

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

34. Traffic lights

Traffic lights use coloured lights, arrows or symbols to regulate when road users may proceed, must prepare to stop or must remain stopped. Separate signals may apply to particular directions, lanes, pedestrians, cyclists or public-transport vehicles.

A green light permits movement only when the route is clear and the movement is otherwise legal. Road users must still follow priority rules, turning restrictions, lane markings and instructions from authorised traffic controllers.

Traffic lights
Dedicated bicycle traffic signal. (Canada)
Wikimedia.org • shankar s. • CC BY
What must a driver do at red, amber and green signals in Canada?

Check the provincial or territorial rules. In British Columbia, steady red requires a stop; steady yellow requires stopping unless it cannot be done safely; green permits proceeding when the junction is clear, subject to yielding duties. Flashing red means stop and proceed only when safe; flashing yellow requires caution.

🔗 bclaws.gov.bc.ca • British Columbia, current Motor Vehicle Act

🔗 icbc.com • ICBC, Learn to Drive Smart full current guide

May you turn at a red traffic light in Canada?

Rules vary by province and territory. In British Columbia, a right turn on red is generally permitted after a complete stop, unless a sign prohibits it. Give way to pedestrians and vehicles lawfully proceeding through the junction. Check the rules where you are driving.

🔗 bclaws.gov.bc.ca • British Columbia, current Motor Vehicle Act

🔗 icbc.com • ICBC, Learn to Drive Smart full current guide

Can a green light remove the need to give way to pedestrians in Canada?

No. For example, British Columbia requires drivers facing green to give way to pedestrians and vehicles lawfully in the junction. A green light permits proceeding only when it is safe and the way is clear. Observe any separate turning or pedestrian signals.

🔗 bclaws.gov.bc.ca • British Columbia, current Motor Vehicle Act

🔗 icbc.com • ICBC, Learn to Drive Smart full current guide

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 ...