When is it okay to disregard a road sign?

July 15, 2026 - City of Prince George, British Columbia
From: Prince George RCMP

Content

File #2026-23208

The answer is: never.

After receiving complaints from flaggers who are working at the current work zone along Southridge Avenue, Prince George RCMP and the City of Prince George are reminding the public that signage around work zones is not a suggestion. 

“Despite there being a detour along Dekelh Ti, drivers feel entitled to ignore the road signs in favour of going against one-way traffic to shorten their route, which puts the road crew and flaggers at risk,” states Corporal Jennifer Cooper, Media Relations Officer for Prince George RCMP. “There is also a daycare in the middle of the closed road that is put at risk every time a driver decides to go against the posted signage and choose their own route around the work zone.”

“The City of Prince George urges drivers to respect work zones and obey all project signage throughout the community. This is an extremely busy time of year for City crews across all divisions including utilities, roads, and parks, and their work is crucial to ensuring City services are available. Please be patient with construction crews, drive slowly, and obey all direction from staff to ensure everyone makes it home safely at the end of their workday,” says Blake McIntosh, Director of Civic Operations.

Police are reminding drivers that speed zone fines are elevated above the standard fines when in a work zone:

• 21 to 40 km/h over the limit: $253 ticket and 3 penalty points.
• Excessive speeding (>40km/h over the limit): Minimum $368 up to $483 and 3 penalty points and an automatic 7-day impound.
• Failing to obey flagger: $196 and 3 penalty points.

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