BC Regulatory Signs — Complete ICBC Guide
Regulatory signs in BC tell you what you must do or must not do. They are legally enforceable — ignoring them can result in a fine or collision. Most regulatory signs have a white background with red and black text or symbols. Stop and yield signs are exceptions with distinctive shapes and colors.
BC Regulatory Signs — Full List
Each sign includes its meaning, a detailed explanation, and an ICBC test tip.
Stop Sign
Come to a complete stop
You must come to a complete stop at the stop line, or if there is none, before the crosswalk, or at the edge of the intersection. After stopping, yield to all traffic and pedestrians before proceeding.
Test Tip
A complete stop means zero movement — rolling stops are illegal and are tested on the road test.
Yield Sign
Give right of way to other traffic
Slow down and give right of way to vehicles and pedestrians in the intersection or approaching it. Stop if necessary. Proceed only when it is safe.
Test Tip
A yield sign does not always require a complete stop — but you must stop if traffic is present.
Speed Limit Sign
Maximum speed permitted under ideal conditions
This is the maximum speed limit. You must drive at a safe speed for conditions, which may be well below the posted limit in rain, snow, fog, or heavy traffic.
Test Tip
Speed limits are maximums, not targets. You can be charged with driving too fast for conditions even below the limit.
No Entry
No entry in this direction
A circular red and white sign with a horizontal white bar. You may not enter the road or lane in the direction indicated.
Test Tip
A do not enter sign often appears at the exit of a one-way street or freeway ramp.
Do Not Pass
Passing is not permitted
Indicates the start of a no-passing zone. You may not overtake another vehicle in this zone. A yellow sign with two arrows in the other direction marks the end of the zone.
Test Tip
Solid yellow centre lines mean no passing. A broken line on your side permits passing when safe.
Keep Right
Stay to the right of a divider or obstruction
Keep to the right of a median, traffic island, or obstruction. Often used on divided highways or around median barriers.
Test Tip
Keep right signs are regulatory — you must follow them, not just treat them as advisory.
No Left Turn
Left turns are prohibited
You may not make a left turn at this intersection or location. The sign may apply at all times or only during hours posted on a supplemental plate.
Test Tip
Check supplemental plates — a no left turn may only apply during peak hours.
One Way
Traffic travels in one direction only
All traffic on this road moves in the direction of the arrow. Do not drive against the flow. Wrong-way driving is extremely dangerous.
Test Tip
On a one-way street, you may turn left onto another one-way street from the left lane.
No U-Turn
U-turns are prohibited
You may not make a U-turn at this location. Penalty for doing so is a fine. In BC, U-turns are also prohibited on highways and where they obstruct traffic.
Test Tip
In BC you can make a U-turn if it is safe and no sign prohibits it — unless at an intersection with a traffic light.
Pedestrian Crossing
Pedestrians have the right of way
Used at marked crosswalks. Drivers must yield to pedestrians who are crossing or about to cross. Failure to yield is a serious offence in BC.
Test Tip
In BC, you must yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk. This includes when turning at a green light.
What to Know for the ICBC Test
Key facts about bc regulatory signs on the BC knowledge test.
What does a yield sign look like in BC?
A yield sign is an inverted triangle with a white background and a red border. It means you must slow down and give right of way to other traffic. You must stop if traffic is present.
Can you turn right on a red light in BC?
Yes, you may turn right on a red light in BC after coming to a complete stop, unless a sign specifically prohibits it. You must yield to pedestrians and other traffic before turning.
What does a no entry sign look like?
A no entry sign is a red circle with a horizontal white bar. It means you must not drive in the direction shown.
What is the difference between a stop sign and a yield sign?
A stop sign requires a complete stop at all times. A yield sign requires you to give right of way and stop only if necessary. Both are regulatory and legally enforceable.
Quick Study Tips
- Pay attention to shape and colour first — they tell you the sign category before you read the symbol.
- Regulatory signs are legally enforceable. Warning signs are advisory but should always be obeyed.
- Advisory speed tabs below warning signs are recommendations, not posted speed limits.
- When in doubt, slow down. The ICBC test rewards caution over speed.
- Practice road signs until you can identify them in under 2 seconds — the same as driving.
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