With the publication of Volume V – Road Signage, Chapter 8 “General Provisions,” Article 8.18 “Illuminated Signs” (December 2025), the Québec Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility has more clearly defined the use of illuminated signage at intersections.
This evolution marks a turning point. It recognizes that urban environments have become too complex to be governed by static signage alone. Traffic flows vary, interactions between vehicles and vulnerable users are increasing, and expectations for safety are higher than ever.
In this context, signage must be capable of adapting in real time while remaining clear and easily understandable for all users.
As a concrete example, a no right turn illuminated sign can be installed at different approaches of an intersection and activated only when the corresponding pedestrian crossing is requested—for instance, via a pedestrian push button. In the absence of pedestrians, the turn can remain permitted, helping maintain traffic flow. As soon as a pedestrian intends to cross, the restriction activates, significantly reducing the risk of conflicts between vehicles and vulnerable users.
This type of application is particularly relevant at busy urban intersections and can also be combined with features such as audible signals to enhance safety for visually impaired individuals.
While this standard now formalizes these applications, it also reflects an already well-established reality. At Orange Traffic, we have been deploying illuminated signage for several years in real-world contexts, in collaboration with municipalities and engineering firms.
These installations have clearly demonstrated the impact of such systems. In the field, we observe better understanding of traffic rules, a reduction in risky behaviors, and safer coexistence between different road users.
In this sense, the standard does not introduce a new approach, but rather frames and standardizes solutions that have already proven their effectiveness.
The requirements defined in Volume V are clear: illuminated signs must ensure optimal visibility, remain consistent with traffic signals, and integrate seamlessly into the existing environment. They must also adjust their brightness based on ambient conditions to prevent glare while maintaining consistent readability.
The solutions developed by Orange Traffic are designed with these realities in mind. They allow seamless integration with existing systems and offer high flexibility in activation—whether based on schedules, detection, or specific events.
This adaptability ensures that the right message is delivered at the right time—an essential element for effective signage.
Meeting a standard is essential—but leveraging its full potential is even more important.
Illuminated signs, particularly those related to no right turn restrictions, become true tools for proactive intersection management. They allow intervention precisely when risk is present, rather than imposing a constant—sometimes unnecessary—constraint.
This approach supports both pedestrian safety and traffic flow—two objectives often seen as opposing, but which can be reconciled through intelligent solutions.
This is the vision behind Orange Traffic: to deliver solutions that go beyond regulatory compliance and actively improve the overall performance of road networks.
The implementation of this new standard naturally raises questions for municipalities and transportation professionals. How should existing intersections be adapted? Where will these solutions have the greatest impact? How can they be optimally integrated into current infrastructure?
Thanks to our field experience and completed projects, we support our partners at every stage—from initial analysis to commissioning.
The standard is now in place. The solutions already exist.
All that remains is to connect the two.
Talk to our team to assess your situation and identify the best options for your intersections.
