4 rules of the road

Chapter 3, signs, signals and road markings, gave you some

in this chapter information about the most common signs, signals and
road markings you will see when driving. This chapter gives
• Understanding you the information you’ll need to help you drive safely at
intersections intersections, use lanes correctly and park legally.
–– signalling
–– types of
intersections Understanding intersections
–– stopping at
Intersections are places where a number of road users cross
intersections paths. There is often a lot of activity in intersections, so it’s
–– right-of-way at important to be alert. Remember that other road users may be
intersections in a hurry, and may want to move into the same space that you
• Using lanes are planning on moving into.
correctly
–– which lane Signalling
should you use
Signals are important — they let other traffic know what you are
–– lane tracking
intending to do. Signal when you’re preparing to:
–– turning lanes
–– reserved lanes • turn left or right
–– pulling into a • change lanes
lane
–– passing
• park
–– merging • move toward, or away from, the side of the road.
–– highway
or freeway Types of intersections
entrances and
exits Controlled intersections
–– cul-de-sacs A controlled intersection is one that has signs or traffic lights
–– turning around telling you what to do. To drive safely in these intersections, you
• Parking tips and need to know what the signals and signs mean, and also the
rules right-of-way rules. But always be cautious. Other drivers may
not be paying attention to the signs and signals.

Uncontrolled intersections
Uncontrolled intersections have no signs or traffic lights. They
driving tip are usually found in areas where there isn’t much traffic. But
they can be dangerous places because drivers might not be
Treat an unmarked
expecting cross traffic or pedestrians.
T-intersection the
same way as any other As you approach, slow down and look out for other road users.
uncontrolled intersection.
Scan the intersection from left to right. If another vehicle has
arrived at the intersection before you, slow down and yield.
If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the left
must yield to the vehicle on the right.

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developing your smart driving skills

Be careful when you want to turn left where other traffic is

approaching from the opposite direction. Yield to traffic that is
driving tip in or near the intersection. If you intend to go straight through
and a vehicle is already in the intersection turning left, you must
If a traffic control person yield.
is directing traffic, you
must follow that person’s
directions. Stopping at intersections
There are rules about where you position your vehicle when you
have to stop at an intersection.

If there is a stop line, stop just If there is a crosswalk but no

before the line. stop line, stop just before the
crosswalk.

If there is an unmarked crosswalk, Where there is no stop line, no

stop where you would if there were crosswalk and no sidewalk, stop just
a marked crosswalk. before you enter the intersection.

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Right-of-way at intersections
Right-of-way rules determine who must yield when more than
one road user wants to move into the same space. It’s important
to know these rules because they keep traffic moving in an
orderly way. But remember that you can’t always count on the
other person to follow the rules. And even if you have the right-
of-way, it’s still your responsibility to do all you can to avoid a
crash.
driving tip For information on right-of-way rules for crosswalks and railway
crossings, see chapter 6, sharing the road.
Sometimes traffic lights
stop working properly. Intersections controlled by traffic lights
The lights can go out,
or all four lights can Most people know who has the right-of-way at intersections
start flashing. Treat the
controlled by traffic lights, but they may not understand how to
intersection like a four-way
stop if this happens. correctly respond to these lights. Here are some pointers that
will help you stay safe at intersections:
steady red light — a red light means that you must come to a
complete stop. You must wait for the light to turn green before
you go straight ahead.
After you have stopped and made sure the intersection is clear
of all vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians, you may turn right or
turn left onto a one-way street. Watch for signs prohibiting you
from making these turns on a red light.
steady green light — green means go only if the intersection is
clear, and it is safe to do so.
• stale green light — a stale green light is one that has been
green for a long time, and is about to turn yellow. If you
didn’t see the light turn green, then it may be stale. Look for
additional clues:
–– are there a lot of cars lined up on the cross street waiting
driving tip for the light to change?
–– in many areas, the crosswalk signal will change from a
If you didn’t see the light
turn green, then it may white figure to an orange hand just before the light turns
be stale. You should be yellow, or will show how many seconds are left before the
prepared to stop. traffic light will change.
• p
 oint of no return — as you approach a stale green light —
taking into consideration your speed, the road conditions
and the traffic behind you — decide on a point where you
driving tip will no longer be able to stop safely. This is sometimes called
the point of no return. When you reach this point, keep on
It is illegal to back up into
an intersection or over a
going even if the light changes to yellow. You need to judge
crosswalk. accurately so you won’t be in the intersection when the light
turns red.

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developing your smart driving skills

• fresh green light — a fresh green light is one that has just
turned green. Don’t move forward until you’ve scanned the
intersection to make sure it’s clear.
• making a left turn on a steady green light — when you are
making a left turn, you must yield to oncoming traffic and
wait for a safe gap before you turn.
steady yellow light — yellow means that the signal is about to
turn red. You must stop before entering the intersection unless
you can’t safely stop in time.
Sometimes drivers panic if they are in an intersection waiting
to make a left turn and the light turns yellow. In this situation,
remember that you are legally allowed to complete your turn.
But watch carefully for other vehicles, especially oncoming
drivers trying to beat the red light.

What are the clues that tell

you the green light is stale?

flashing green light — watch for pedestrians, who may activate

the pedestrian traffic light to change to yellow and then to red.
Even if the pedestrian traffic light is not activated, traffic on the
side street is facing a stop sign, and may be waiting to move
into the intersection when it is clear and safe to do so.

Left-turn signals
Some intersections have turn signals with green arrows, or
designated lanes controlled by their own set of traffic lights, to
allow you to turn left. These are called protected turns. As long
as the green arrow is shown, you are protected from through
traffic — they are facing a red light.
separate left signal — some intersections have designated left-
turn lanes controlled by their own set of traffic lights. A green
arrow at the bottom of a separate set of traffic lights will tell you
when to turn left. Traffic in the straight-through and right-turn
lanes will be stopped by a red light on a different set of lights.

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Once the green arrow has turned yellow, you must stop and
wait for the next green arrow before turning.
left signal on regular traffic lights — other intersections have
left-turn lanes that are not controlled by a separate set of traffic
lights. Here the advance green arrow is located on the bottom
of the regular traffic lights.
The flashing green arrow allows you to turn left. Through traffic
is facing a red light.
Once the green arrow has turned off, and only the regular
green traffic light is on, you may still turn left. But you must
yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and oncoming traffic.
Sometimes these advance green arrows operate only during
peak traffic hours.
flashing red lights — a flashing red light means that you must
come to a complete stop. After you stop, you may move into
the intersection when it is clear and safe to do so.

Intersections controlled by stop signs

A stop sign always means that you must come to a complete
stop. Once you’ve stopped, check the intersection carefully.
Whether you go or wait depends on the type of intersection
and the other traffic around you.
two-way stops — if two streets intersect and only one of the
streets has stop signs, then the other street is a through street.
Traffic on the through street has the right-of-way. If you are
stopped at one of these types of intersections, wait until there is
a safe gap before going through or turning.
If two vehicles are stopped at a two-way stop and one of the
drivers wants to turn left, this driver must yield the right-of-way
to the other vehicle. The only exception is if the left-turning
vehicle is already in the intersection and has started to make the
turn. In this case, the other vehicle must yield.

These drivers arrived at this

two-way stop at the same
time. The driver of the blue
car wants to turn left. The
driver of the yellow car
wants to go straight.
Who must yield?

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developing your smart driving skills

four-way stops — when there are stop signs at all corners:

driving tip • The first vehicle to arrive at the intersection and come to a
complete stop should go first.
If there is any doubt about
who has the right-of-way, • If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the one on the
or if there is any chance of right should go first.
a crash, it’s always better
to yield the right-of-way to • If two vehicles are facing each other and have arrived at
the other person. the intersection at about the same time, the one making a
left turn must yield to the one going straight through.

Intersections controlled by yield signs

A yield sign means that you must let the traffic on the through
road have the right-of-way. You may enter the intersection without
stopping if there are no pedestrians, cyclists or vehicles on the
through road. But you must slow down (and stop if necessary) and
wait for a safe gap if there is traffic on the through road.

Traffic circles and roundabouts

These are found in some areas to help traffic get through an
intersection safely without necessarily stopping the flow of the
traffic.

Traffic circles
Traffic circles are mostly found in residential neighbourhoods.
When you’re using a traffic circle:
• Slow down as you approach the circle.
• Obey any posted traffic control signs, such as “Yield” or
“Stop” signs. If there are no traffic control signs, treat it as an
uncontrolled intersection.
• Yield to any traffic in the traffic circle. If another vehicle arrives
at the traffic circle at the same time as you do, yield to the
vehicle on your right.
• Go around the traffic circle to the right (that is, in a counter-
clockwise direction).

You must turn right to enter

a traffic circle and right
again to leave it. Yield to
vehicles that are already in
the traffic circle. If another
vehicle arrives at the traffic
circle at the same time as
you do, yield to the vehicle
on your right.

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Roundabouts
driving tip
Roundabouts are usually larger than traffic circles.
Emergency vehicles
displaying flashing
Some roundabouts have more than one lane. Lane use signs
lights and sirens always and markings may be displayed at the approaches to show
have the right-of-way. If where you can go in each lane when you are in the roundabout.
an emergency vehicle Make sure you know where you want to go — and are in the
is approaching, avoid proper lane to get there — before you enter a roundabout.
blocking a traffic circle or
roundabout. Stop for the Roundabouts often have a truck apron around the central island
emergency vehicle before
to help large vehicles get through the roundabout.
entering, or exit the traffic
circle or roundabout and When you use a roundabout:
then stop to allow the
emergency vehicle to pass. • Know where you want to go before you enter a roundabout,
and enter the correct lane. Lane use signs or road markings
will show you which lane you need to use.
If you want to turn left, make sure you are in the left lane.
If you want to turn right, use the right lane. If you want to
go straight, you may use either the left or right lane.
• Slow down as you approach the roundabout.
• Yield to pedestrians who may be crossing or about to cross in
the crosswalk located in advance of the roundabout.
• Yield to any traffic already in the roundabout.
• Go around the roundabout in a counter-clockwise direction.
Do not change lanes in a roundabout.
• Don’t ride alongside large vehicles such as trucks and buses
in roundabouts. They may need more than their lane to go
through the roundabout.
• If you entered the roundabout in the left lane, stay in that
lane. You may either go straight or turn left from that lane.
• Signal “right” before you exit.
When you leave the roundabout, be prepared to yield to
pedestrians who may be in the crosswalk where you are exiting.

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Slow down when

approaching a roundabout
and yield to traffic already
in it. Stay in the same lane
that you approached the
roundabout from.

In the example above, the red car has entered the roundabout
from the south in the right lane after yielding to vehicles in the
roundabout. The driver may either turn right at the east exit or
continue straight and take the north exit.
The blue car entered from the south in the left lane, and has
merged into the left lane in the roundabout. Because the blue
car entered from the left lane, the driver can’t immediately turn
This sign warns to keep right at the first exit (east), but can take either the north or west
away from large vehicles exit.
such as trucks and buses in
a roundabout. The tractor-trailer combination entered the roundabout from
the east in the left lane and the driver is going to take the south
exit. Note that because of the length of the combination, the
trailer is partly in the right lane, and the combination will be
exiting in the right lane.
The driver of the green car must yield to the tractor-trailer that’s
already in the roundabout.

Entering a roadway
When you are pulling out of a driveway, alley or parking lot onto
a road, stop before the sidewalk or area where pedestrians may
be walking. Then pull out carefully, yielding to traffic on the
road and waiting for a safe gap.

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Using lanes correctly

In the last chapter, you learned about the signs, signals and
pavement markings that identify which lanes you can drive in.
This section tells you more about which lanes to use and how to
use them.

Which lane should you use?

Choose the lane that gives you the best vision and allows you
to go where you want to go. On a multi-lane highway, you
should travel in one of the right-hand lanes. This is especially
important if you are driving more slowly than other vehicles or
if signs direct you to keep out of the left lane.
Just because you are driving at the speed limit does not mean
you should continually drive in the left lane. This may cause
other drivers to try to pass on the right, which may not be as
safe as passing on the left.
When you are on a freeway with more than two lanes in each
direction, you should drive in the centre lane or a right-hand
lane. This leaves the left lane for higher-speed traffic and
passing vehicles.

Lane tracking
Before you make a turn, you need to get your vehicle into the
correct lane. Then you need to end up in the correct lane when
you complete your turn. This is sometimes called lane tracking.

Right turns
These illustrations show lane tracking when you’re making a
right turn.

To turn right, move your

car to the right lane and
turn into the right lane
of the cross street. In
some intersections, road
markings allow you to turn
right from a centre lane.

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developing your smart driving skills

Some intersections have

special yield lanes for
vehicles turning right. To
make a right turn, move
into this lane and wait until
there is a break in the traffic
to complete your turn.

Left turns
For left turns, it’s sometimes harder to figure out which lane to
turn into. These illustrations show you the correct lane tracking
for different types of roads.

Turning left from a two-way road Turning left from a one-way onto
onto a two-way road: move your a two-way road: turn from the left
vehicle into the centre lane and drive lane into the centre lane.
in a smooth arc into the centre lane
of the cross street.

Turning left from a two-way onto a Turning left from a one-way onto
one-way road: turn from the centre a one-way road: turn from the left
50 lane into the left lane. lane into the left lane.
 chapter 4 — rules of the road

Turning lanes
Some roads have special lanes for turning. As you approach an
intersection, always check the signs and pavement markings to
make sure you are in the correct lane to turn or to go straight
through.

Turning lanes let you wait

for a safe gap without
holding up vehicles that
are travelling straight
through. Use the lane with
the arrows only if you are
turning left.

Multiple turning lanes

In large, complex intersections, there may be more than one
right- or left-turn lane. Look carefully at the pavement markings,
lane-use signs and signals. They will tell you what to do.
For example, the sign shown in the left column tells you that
both the far-left lane and the lane next to it are used for left
turns. If you are turning from the far-left lane, turn into the far-
left lane. If you are turning from the lane next to it, turn into the
lane next to the far-left lane.

Two-way left-turn lanes

Two-way left-turn lanes give left-turning vehicles coming from
either direction a chance to turn without holding up traffic.
They can be handy for turning left in the middle of a block, such
as turning into a driveway. When you see one of these lanes,
remember that vehicles coming from the other direction also
use this lane to turn left.

Drivers from both

directions share this centre
lane when they want to
turn left. Make sure there is
enough space before you
enter this lane. Remember
to watch for vehicles
coming from the opposite
direction.

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developing your smart driving skills

Turns in the middle of a block

Most drivers expect other vehicles to turn at an intersection.
Sometimes you might want to turn left in the middle of a block
— for example, into a driveway. You may turn left — including
turning left over a solid double yellow line — if you do this
carefully and safely and don’t impede other traffic, and there
are no signs prohibiting such turns.

U-turns
If you find you are going in the wrong direction, you may be
tempted to make a U-turn. U-turns are often risky. They are
illegal:
• if they interfere with other traffic
• on a curve
• on or near the crest of a hill, where you cannot be seen by
other traffic within 150 metres
• where a sign prohibits U-turns
• at an intersection where there is a traffic light
• in a business district, except at an intersection where there is
no traffic light
• where a municipal by-law prohibits making a U-turn.
When you are deciding whether to make a U-turn, think about
some alternatives, like driving around the block or continuing
on to a side road where you can turn more safely.

Reserved lanes
In parts of B.C., some traffic lanes are reserved for different
types of vehicles. High occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes and bus
lanes help move more people in fewer vehicles. Bicycle lanes
are reserved for cyclists.

High occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes

HOV lanes are reserved for buses and carpool vehicles.
Motorcycles, bicycles and taxis may also use these lanes on
some roads. On freeways and main highways, HOV lanes are
beside either the median or the shoulder of the roadway. On
city streets, HOV lanes are usually directly beside the curb.
Most HOV lanes operate 24 hours a day, but some are only in
operation at peak traffic times. Check the traffic signs carefully.
They will tell you where the lanes begin and end, when they are
in operation, and the minimum number of people that must be
in the vehicle.

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If your vehicle is carrying enough people to travel in the HOV

lane, or if you need to cross an HOV lane to turn, enter the lane
with care. Traffic in these lanes sometimes travels faster than the
regular traffic. Make sure there is enough room for you to enter
safely. Enter and exit where there are broken lines to indicate a
crossing point.

The driver of the blue car has seen the warning sign indicating that there is a reserved lane on the street
the driver wishes to turn onto. The driver should turn into the lane next to the reserved lane, unless they are
entitled to drive in the reserved lane and wish to drive in it.
To turn right off of a street with a reserved lane, change lanes into the reserved lane where permitted and
when safe.

Bus lanes
You will recognize a bus lane by a sign that has a diamond
symbol and a picture of a bus. Only buses and sometimes
cyclists are allowed to travel in lanes marked with this sign.
Vanpools (vehicles with six or more occupants) may also travel
in the bus lane if a “Vanpool Permitted” tab is shown below the
bus lane sign.

Bicycle lanes
driving tip
Bicycle lanes are reserved for cyclists. Sometimes you will need
Be sure to signal well to cross a bicycle lane to turn right, or to pull to the side of the
ahead and yield to all road. Take extra care when you do this. The rules for bicycle
cyclists whenever you lanes are:
must cross a bicycle lane.
• don’t drive, stop or park in a bicycle lane.
• you may only cross a bicycle lane if the white line is broken or
to turn into or out of a driveway.

driving tip Pulling into a lane

Don’t change lanes at an Whenever you enter a lane, whether you’re pulling into traffic
intersection. You could or changing lanes, the vehicles in the lane you’re moving into
confuse other drivers and have the right-of-way. When you pull away from the roadside
cause a crash.
into a lane of traffic, you need to make sure you are not cutting

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anyone off. Watch carefully for smaller traffic — bicycles and

motorcycles — that may be approaching faster than you think.
The same rule applies when you’re planning to change lanes.
Make sure there is a large enough gap so that when you pull in
front of another vehicle, that driver doesn’t have to slow down
to avoid crashing into you. Legally, you must signal when you
change lanes.

Passing
driving tip
Passing requires moving into another lane — sometimes a lane
Don’t speed up as of approaching traffic — and then back into your original lane.
someone is trying to pass Remember, if you move into another vehicle’s lane, that vehicle
you — it’s illegal. Help the has the right-of-way. It doesn’t matter if it’s a car, a motorcycle
other driver get back into
or a bicycle. Other traffic shouldn’t have to change direction or
your lane by slowing down
and making room. slow down for you.
If you’re planning to pass, make sure you can do it safely and
legally:
• Pass on the right only on a roadway that has two or more
lanes, or if a driver ahead is turning left. Do not use the
shoulder to pass.
• Pass on the left only when it is safe to do so and lane
markings permit.
• Keep within the speed limit when passing.
• Make sure you know whether the pavement markings
allow you to pass. See chapter 3, signs, signals and road
markings, for more information.

Passing lanes
Some highways have special passing lanes. These lanes let
slower vehicles move into the right lane so faster vehicles can
pass safely in the left lane.

A sign will tell you how far

it is to the next passing
lane. Keep right unless you
are passing.

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 chapter 4 — rules of the road

A sign will tell you when

the passing lane is about
to end. Vehicles in the right
lane and the passing lane
must merge before the
passing lane ends.

Merging
This sign tells you the right lane will end soon.
If you’re driving in a lane that ends ahead, you need to change
lanes. Adjust your speed, keeping within the speed limit, and
wait for a safe gap in the other lane.
If you are driving next to a lane that ends ahead, help the
merging traffic by adjusting your speed or changing lanes.

Highway or freeway entrances and exits

These lanes are designed to help you safely enter and exit the
freeway.

Entrance
warning! The entrance consists of an entrance ramp, an acceleration lane
Avoid stopping in the
and a merging area. Some freeway entrances have ramp meters
acceleration lane or — a traffic light that controls traffic entering the freeway by
merging area. You could restricting the number of vehicles that may proceed along the
risk being rear-ended. entrance ramp.
• While you’re on the entrance ramp, scan the freeway traffic
for a safe gap.
• The acceleration lane is divided from the rest of the roadway
by a solid white line. Use this lane to match your speed to the
speed of traffic on the freeway.
• The merging area is divided from the freeway by a broken
white line. Use this area to find a safe gap to merge with
freeway traffic. Be aware that cycling is permitted on some
freeways, so be careful not to cut in front of a cyclist.

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developing your smart driving skills

rge
Me
Accelerate

A highway entrance gives you a short distance to match your speed to the vehicles already on the highway.
Observe the freeway traffic, make sure you have a space that is safe to move into, signal your intention and
then move into traffic.
Exit
The exit lane allows you to move off the freeway and reduce
your speed.
Most freeway exits are numbered. Before you start your trip,
check a map to see which exit you will need to take. That way
you can move to the right lane in plenty of time for the exit.

Exit

Slow down

Signal your intention to turn off the highway, maintaining your speed until you enter the exit lane. Then slow
down gradually as you prepare to enter roads with lower speed limits.

Strategies: freeway courtesy

When you are driving in the right lane of a freeway, other
drivers may try to merge from an entrance lane. It’s not
always easy for them to find a safe gap. Use these pointers
to help them merge safely:
• pull over into the left lane (if it’s safe) to give them room
to merge onto the freeway
• adjust your speed to allow a large enough gap for them
to move safely into.

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Cul-de-sacs
A cul-de-sac is a street that’s closed at one end. Most cul-de-
sacs are designed so that you can turn your car around without
needing to back up. Slow down and keep to the right. Most cul-
de-sacs are in residential areas, so watch carefully for children
playing, vehicles coming out of driveways and other hazards.

A cul-de-sac.

Turning around
Sometimes you can turn around by doing a series of turns at
intersections or by turning in a cul-de-sac. You may also be able
to do a U-turn or a two-point turn or a three-point turn.
A two-point turn is done by stopping near the side of the road,
backing into a driveway and then turning into the street to
proceed in the opposite direction.
A three-point turn is done by making a sharp turn to the left in
the middle of a block, and stopping just before the curb.
To complete the three-point turn, back up to your right and
then proceed to drive down the street in the opposite direction.
For both two- and three-point turns, you need to make sure it’s
clear and safe and that there is no other traffic nearby.

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developing your smart driving skills

driving tip Parking tips and rules

Park where it’s safe and legal. Signs, curb markings and
When parking in a stall, it’s common sense will tell you if you are allowed to park. You
usually safest to back in
should park where you are not blocking traffic and where others
so you won’t have to back
out. Better still, if there are can clearly see you. If you park where you shouldn’t, you could
two empty facing stalls be a hazard to others, you could be fined or your vehicle could
with no barrier between be towed.
them, drive through one
into the next so your It’s illegal to park:
vehicle is facing forward.
• on a sidewalk or boulevard
When uphill parking
beside a rolling curb or • across the entrance to any driveway, back lane or intersection
mountable curb, turn
the wheels to the right. • within five metres of a fire hydrant (measured from the point
This type of curb is not
at the curb beside the hydrant)
high enough to stop the
vehicle from rolling back • within six metres of a crosswalk or intersection
into traffic.
• within six metres of a stop sign or traffic light
• within 15 metres of the nearest rail of a railway crossing
• in a bicycle lane
• on a bridge or in a highway tunnel
• where your vehicle obstructs the visibility of a traffic sign
• where a traffic sign prohibits parking, or where the curb is
painted yellow or red
• in a space for people with disabilities unless you display a
disabled person parking permit in your windshield and your
vehicle is carrying a person with a disability.
Park parallel to and within 30 centimetres (one foot) of the curb.
If you’re parked on a hill, turn the wheels to keep your vehicle
from rolling into traffic. Turn the wheels:
• to the right when uphill without a curb or downhill with or
without a curb
• to the left when uphill with a curb.
Set the parking brake and leave the vehicle in gear:
• leave an automatic transmission in “park” gear
• with a standard transmission, place the vehicle in “reverse” if
facing downhill, and “first” gear if facing uphill or if on a level
surface.

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