Regulatory signs

Regulatory signs state driving law. Ignoring one is an offence under the B.C. Motor Vehicle Act — unlike a warning sign, which advises, a regulatory sign commands, and penalties follow.

The two most important ones behave differently:

• Stop — come to a complete stop, then continue only when it is safe. "Complete" means the wheels stop turning.
• Yield — give the right-of-way to other vehicles and to pedestrians crossing. You may not have to stop, but you must be ready to.

Speed limit signs state the maximum legal speed for a road that is bare and dry with good visibility. That is a ceiling, not a target: in rain, snow, fog or heavy traffic the safe speed is lower, and driving the posted number in those conditions can still be too fast.

Others in this family tell you where you may not go (do not enter, no bicycles beyond this point), how to position yourself (keep right unless passing, keep right of the divider, move into the right lane if you are slower than traffic), where you may not stop, when you may not turn (no right turn on red), and when winter tires or chains are mandatory.