Sharp Right Turn Sign

Introduction

Navigating turns safely is critical for all road users, especially in rural or unfamiliar areas. The Sharp Right Turn Sign is a warning sign used across Canada to alert drivers of an upcoming sharp or abrupt right turn. It’s an essential sign for maintaining safe speed and vehicle control and is part of the Ontario G1 driving test road sign knowledge.

What Does the Sharp Right Turn Sign Mean?

This sign warns of a sudden or tight right-hand turn ahead and advises drivers to slow down and prepare to steer right sharply. It features:

• A bold black arrow turning at a 90-degree angle to the right

• A bright yellow diamond-shaped background

• No additional text, making it easily recognizable by shape and color

This sign does not indicate a gradual curve—it signals a significant directional change.

Where Are Sharp Right Turn Signs Typically Placed?

These signs are strategically installed in locations where visibility or terrain increases the risk of unsafe turning, including:

• Rural roads and countryside routes

• Forest or mountainous areas with blind corners

• Sharp turns before bridges, railways, or intersections

• After long straight stretches where turns are unexpected

• Construction zones with altered road geometry

Placement follows guidelines in the Ontario Traffic Manual (OTM) Book 6 to ensure visibility and driver awareness.

How Should Drivers Respond to the Sharp Right Turn Sign?

Drivers must:

• Reduce speed well in advance of the turn

• Keep both hands on the wheel to maintain control through the sharp angle

• Avoid overtaking or sharp braking while turning

• Use extra caution in poor weather or nighttime driving

• Watch for oncoming or turning vehicles if the turn leads into a shared space or junction

Failure to adjust speed and position accordingly can result in:

• Skidding or running off the road

• Lane departure or hitting the shoulder

• Accidents involving other turning vehicles

Visual Representation of the Sign

The sign shows a black 90-degree right-turn arrow against a high-contrast yellow background, designed to catch the driver’s attention well before the curve.

Conclusion

The Sharp Right Turn Sign is a critical warning sign that helps prevent accidents caused by underestimating a tight turn. Whether you’re a new driver preparing for your Ontario G1 test or traveling on unfamiliar roads, obeying this sign ensures safer, smoother turns and protects everyone on the road.