Traffic Lights & Signals Ontario 2026 — G1 Test Guide
Traffic lights and signals are a core topic on the Ontario G1 knowledge test. This guide explains every signal you will encounter — from standard red/green/yellow to flashing lights, advance greens, pedestrian signals, and school zone signals. Updated for October 2026.
Based on the official Ontario Driver's Handbook and real DriveTest scenarios. Updated October 2026.
Standard Traffic Light Meanings
These are the core traffic light signals tested on the G1 knowledge test:
Proceed if the intersection is clear. Yield to pedestrians and vehicles already in the intersection.
Prepare to stop. Stop if safe to do so. Do not speed up to beat the light — this is dangerous and illegal.
Stop completely before the stop line. Wait for green before proceeding. Right turn on red is allowed after a full stop unless signed otherwise.
Stop for the red, but you may turn in the direction of the green arrow. Oncoming traffic is stopped for the arrow.
Protected turn in the arrow direction. Oncoming traffic has a red light. You may turn safely.
Flashing Lights & Special Signals
STOP — treat as a stop sign. Come to a complete stop, then proceed when safe.
SLOW DOWN — proceed with caution. No need to stop unless unsafe.
You have a protected turn. Oncoming traffic is stopped. Proceed in the arrow direction.
STOP — treat as a four-way stop. All drivers stop and proceed in turn.
Pedestrian Signals
Pedestrians may cross. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk.
Driver action: Yield to crossing pedestrians
Pedestrians should not start crossing. Those already crossing should finish quickly.
Driver action: Do not start crossing — finish if already crossing
Do not cross. Wait for the next walk signal.
Driver action: Wait
School Zone & Crossing Guard Signals
Near schools, additional signals and authorities apply. New drivers must know these rules:
Quick Summary
- ✅ Flashing red = stop sign — come to a full stop
- ✅ Flashing yellow = slow down, proceed with caution
- ✅ Green arrow = protected turn (oncoming traffic stopped)
- ✅ Yellow = stop if safe — do not speed up
- ✅ Dark signal = four-way stop
- ✅ Right on red: allowed after full stop unless signed otherwise
- ✅ Flashing hand = do not start crossing
- ✅ Crossing guards = same authority as a red light (3 demerit pts if disobeyed)
- ✅ Always yield to pedestrians in crosswalks — even on green
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Practice Quiz
5 QuestionsWhat does a flashing red traffic light mean?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I turn right on a red light in Ontario?
Yes, after a complete stop, if it is safe and no sign prohibits it. You must yield to pedestrians and oncoming traffic before turning.
What is an advance green light?
An advance green is a green arrow that gives you a protected turn in that direction. Oncoming traffic has a red light. When the arrow disappears and a solid green appears, you must yield to oncoming traffic before turning.
What do I do if traffic lights are not working?
Treat a non-functioning traffic light as a four-way stop. Come to a complete stop and proceed in turn.
What does a green light mean at an intersection with pedestrians?
A green light means you may proceed, but you must still yield to pedestrians who are already in the crosswalk or who have started crossing legally. A green light does not give you the right to drive through pedestrians.
What is a pedestrian-controlled crosswalk signal?
Some crosswalks have push-button signals that pedestrians activate. When the pedestrian presses the button, the traffic light will change to red after a delay. Drivers must stop on red regardless of whether they saw the pedestrian press the button.
What should I do at a school crossing with a crossing guard?
Obey the crossing guard's signals immediately — they have full legal authority to stop traffic. Treat their signal the same as a red light. Failing to obey a crossing guard carries 3 demerit points and a fine.
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