In some urban centres, to improve the safety and flow of designated vehicles, certain traffic lanes have been reserved for specific uses. Traffic signs identify the vehicles or actions that the lanes are reserved for. The reserved lanes are marked by double broken lines and white diamond patterns. The following are some examples of how reserved lanes are used:
1. With-Flow Reserved Lane
A curb lane is reserved for use by designated vehicles only. Motorists making right turns are permitted to enter the reserved lane at any point in the block preceding their turn.
Pavement Markings
Double broken white lane lines and diamond symbols designate the reserved lane.
Turning Right onto a Reserved Lane If you’re turning right onto a street with a Diamond Lane in the curb lane, you must turn as close as practicable to the curb and into the first lane. You should then signal, check and change lanes out of the Diamond Lane into the adjacent lane as soon as it’s safe to do so. If you’re driving parallel to a Diamond Lane and need to turn right, you can enter the Diamond Lane but you must turn right at the next intersection. Always be watchful and respect the rights of cyclists using the Diamond Lanes.
2. Contra-Flow Reserved Lane
A curb lane on a one-way street is reserved for use by designated vehicles only. Designated vehicles travel in the opposite direction of traffic.
Pavement Markings
Double solid yellow lane lines and white diamond symbols designate the contra-flow lane.