Module 8/Lesson 4 of 4
Other Signs: HOV, Slow-Moving, Emergency, Bilingual
High Occupancy Vehicle lane signs, slow-moving vehicle triangles, emergency response signs, long commercial vehicles, and bilingual signage.
High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Signs
- HOV lane sign -- this lane is open only to public vehicles like buses, or to passenger vehicles carrying at least the stated number of occupants
- HOV lane restriction sign -- in this stretch, you may not move into or out of a high-occupancy vehicle lane
Important
Using an HOV lane improperly brings 3 demerit points plus a fine -- you have to carry at least the minimum number of passengers required.
Slow-Moving Vehicle Sign
Shaped as an orange triangle outlined in red, the "slow-moving vehicle" sign lets following drivers know the vehicle up ahead is moving at 40 km/h or less.
The law requires this sign on the road for farm tractors, farm implements and machinery, and any vehicle that cannot keep up speeds above 40 km/h. Stay watchful for them and ease off your own speed whenever you need to.
Emergency Detour Route (EDR) Signs
EDR signs come into play during an unplanned shutdown of a provincial highway, when the OPP route every vehicle off it. Posted along the alternate roads, the EDR markers steer drivers around the blockage and back onto the highway again.
Long Commercial Vehicle (LCV)
This placard marks a long commercial vehicle -- a double-trailer rig that may stretch as far as 40 metres. Spotting an LCV by the signage on its rear matters, because before passing one you need to allow for both its considerable length and its restricted speed.
Emergency Response Signs
Certain information signs carry a set of numbers across the bottom that helps both emergency vehicles and other drivers work out the best route to take.
Bilingual Signs
In designated bilingual areas, keep an eye out for bilingual signs and read whichever language you follow more easily. The two-language messages can appear:
- Combined on a single sign, or
- Split apart, with the English sign coming first and a French sign right after it
Key takeaways
- HOV lanes require a minimum number of passengers; improper use results in 3 demerit points
- Slow-moving vehicle sign: orange triangle with red border, means vehicle travels 40 km/h or less
- Farm tractors and machinery on roads must display the slow-moving vehicle sign
- Long commercial vehicles (LCVs) can be up to 40 metres long -- allow extra time and space to pass
- EDR signs guide you around unscheduled highway closures
- In designated bilingual areas, signs may be in both English and French