OTM Signs

Traffic signs regulated by the Ontario Traffic Manual (OTM) are used throughout Ontario to provide consistent, recognizable guidance for drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and road workers. The OTM establishes the design, dimensions, colours, symbols, reflectivity, and application of each sign, helping ensure that traffic control devices are uniform across municipal roads, provincial highways, construction projects, private developments, industrial facilities, and parking areas. OTM signs are often specified on engineering drawings, site plans, traffic control plans, or by municipal road authorities, making compliance essential for maintaining road safety and meeting Ontario's traffic engineering standards.

Because OTM signage is governed by the Ontario Traffic Manual, different signs are addressed through different OTM books and sign families. Regulatory signs, such as RA, RB and RC series signs, are used to communicate rules, restrictions and required driver or road-user behaviour, while warning signs, such as WA and WC series signs, are used to alert road users to conditions ahead. Reflectivity is also an important part of OTM sign selection, especially for regulatory applications where signs generally need to remain visible and recognizable at night. Selecting the correct OTM sign often requires understanding the difference between regulatory, warning, tab, arrow and supplementary signs, as well as how they work together within the full layout of a roadway, parking area or property.

Safety Media manufactures a comprehensive selection of fully OTM-compliant traffic signs using approved layouts, dimensions, colours, symbols, and reflective materials. Beyond manufacturing, we help municipalities, contractors, developers, consultants, property managers, and facility teams identify the correct OTM sign codes, review engineering drawings, prepare sign schedules, and recommend the appropriate signage for each project. For organizations operating in multiple provinces, we can also manufacture traffic signs that comply with the applicable provincial standards, making Safety Media a trusted partner for traffic signage projects across Canada. For a deeper overview of OTM signage and its role in road safety, read our OTM Signs article or contact Safety Media for help matching your signage to the project requirement.


OTM Signs FAQ

Can I get an OTM sign with custom wording?

Official OTM regulatory signs cannot be customized if they need to remain compliant with the Ontario Traffic Manual. Each sign must follow the required sign code, layout, wording, symbols, colours, dimensions, arrows and reflective specifications set out for that specific sign. Safety Media can produce a custom sign using the same general layout, symbol or visual style as an OTM design, but once the official wording, layout, symbol or required design element is changed, the sign is no longer the standard OTM regulatory sign. If the sign must remain enforceable and standards-compliant, it should be ordered using the required OTM sign code and standard wording.

Are OTM signs required on private property?

Not always. The Ontario Traffic Manual (OTM) establishes Ontario's standard for traffic control devices, but OTM-compliant signs are not automatically required on every private property. They are commonly specified for private developments when required by engineering drawings, site plans, traffic control plans, municipal development approvals, or the authority having jurisdiction.

  • Pedestrian Push Button Sign RA-11 directs pedestrians to push the button at pedestrian crossovers for safer crossing.

    Regulatory Pedestrian Push Button Sign RA-11

    Enhances pedestrian safety and awareness, contributing to a secure road environment for all with Safety Media's single-sided and reflective RA-11 Regulatory Pedestrian Push Button Sign: Symbolically guides pedestrians, promoting safer interactions at...
    $74.89
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  • Stop Sign RA-1 mandates drivers to come to a complete stop before proceeding through an intersection

    Regulatory Stop Sign RA-1

    Take control of intersections with Safety Media's single-sided and reflective RA-1 Stop Sign: Commands attention, ensuring smooth traffic flow and pedestrian safety. Created specifically in accordance with OTM regulatory sign guidelines. ...
    $143.49
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  • Reflective STOP/SLOW construction sign for traffic management in construction areas

    Reflective STOP/SLOW Construction Sign

    Alert drivers with specific procedures in construction zones with Safety Media's 2-sided and reflective STOP/SLOW Sign: Presents drivers with driving procedures and limits for controlled traffic flow; Created as an alternative to the OTM (Ontario...
    $138.71
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  • Reflective hand-held stop sign for traffic control and construction safety.

    Reflective Hand-Held Stop Sign

    Maximize visibility and safety in traffic control with Safety Media's 2-sided and reflective Hand-Held Stop Sign: Ensures compliance with traffic regulations for enhanced pedestrian and vehicle safety; Created as an alternative to the OTM (Ontario...
    $67.26
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  • Sign Add-On Feature: Tough-Skin is an add-on feature that transforms any stock sign into a durable

    Sign Add-On Feature: Tough-Skin

    Add Tough-Skin to any of our stock signs. Safety Media's Tough-Skin offers unmatched durability and protection for any sign, extending its life by guarding against UV rays, stains, and graffiti. Easy to clean and maintain, it ensures your signage remains...
    $19.56
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