Manitoba Traffic Control (Flagperson) Course: Lessons 2026

Lesson 1: Who may control traffic in Manitoba

In Manitoba, a person who stops and releases traffic at a road work zone is called a flagperson (The Highway Traffic Act says "flag person"). The Workplace Safety and Health Regulation (M.R. 217/2006) defines a flagperson as a person whose work involves directing traffic on any part of a street or highway.

The Highway Traffic Act describes a flag person as someone who temporarily controls traffic on part of a highway under subsection 77(10). A flag person counts as a peace officer only while using those flag person powers. The Manitoba Flagperson Training Manual explains that drivers must obey a flagperson's directions.

What this means for security guards

A security guard licence does not make you a flagperson.
For special events and filming on provincial highways, the organizer needs a permit from Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure. The application must include a traffic control plan.
The permit says how many traffic control staff or certified flag persons are needed. For events not covered by a permit, flag persons are not permitted to control traffic.
For City of Winnipeg streets or other municipal roads, the traffic management plan goes to the City of Winnipeg or the municipality.
Police officers can also direct traffic. When they do, follow their directions.

Lesson 2: Flagperson training and certificates

Part 20 of the Workplace Safety and Health Regulation covers vehicle and pedestrian traffic at work, including flagpersons. Manitoba's Workplace Safety and Health Branch explains that before a worker may work as a flagperson, the worker must hold a valid flagperson training certificate and must show competency at the workplace.

Topic	Manitoba rule
Who approves training providers	The director of the Workplace Safety and Health Branch
Industry oversight	The Manitoba Heavy Construction Association (MHCA) is approved to oversee and approve flagperson training for its members
What training follows	The Manitoba Flagperson Training Manual
How training works	Classroom lessons plus a practical assessment scored out of 26; at least 23 is needed
Certificate length	Valid for 3 years
On the job	Carry your certificate at all times while flagging

The manual also says a flagperson should be able to work a full 8-hour day, have good hearing and vision, stay alert, and be courteous but firm with the public.

Lesson 3: Clothing and equipment

SAFE Work Manitoba and the Flagperson Training Manual list what a flagperson must wear and carry.

Item	Manitoba requirement
High-visibility apparel	CSA-approved Class 3, Level 2, fluorescent yellow-green, worn over other clothing
Headwear	CSA-approved, fluorescent colour, with retro-reflective tape for darkness (the manual asks for 360-degree visibility at night)
Footwear	CSA-approved safety footwear
STOP/SLOW paddle	At least 45 cm wide, letters at least 10 cm high, reflective
At night	A working flashlight with a red signalling wand; the flagging station must be lit

The STOP side of the paddle has white letters on red. The SLOW side has black letters on fluorescent yellow-green. The paddle may be hand-held or on a pole about 1.5 m high. When you are not signalling, turn the edge of the paddle toward traffic so drivers cannot read it.

The STOP side of the paddle uses white letters on red, like a stop sign.

Phones and personal media devices, such as music players, are not allowed while flagging. The only exception is approved communication with other flagpersons or your supervisor.

Lesson 4: Setting up the work zone

Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure publishes the Work Zone Traffic Control Manual (2015). It sets the minimum standard for protecting road users and workers during temporary work on Manitoba highways. Questions it does not answer go to the department's Traffic Engineering Branch.

Section 20.5(2) of the regulation lists ways an employer can protect workers from traffic: warning signs, barriers, lane control devices, flashing lights, flares, clearly marked pilot vehicles, automatic or remote-controlled traffic control systems, speed restrictions and workers designated as flagpersons.

Road work ahead
Flagperson ahead

Place the Flagperson Ahead sign at least 150 m before the flagperson and never more than 500 m away. The flagperson must be able to see the back of the sign.
Where more than 1,000 vehicles a day use the road, a speed reduction to 60 km/h before the flagging station is mandatory.
The flagperson usually stands 50 to 150 m in front of the work crew, on the shoulder.
Drivers should be able to see the flagperson from at least 150 m away.
On busy highways, when the line of cars grows beyond the first flagperson's view, add a second flagperson further back, with another Flagperson Ahead sign at least 150 m before the end of the line.

Normal speed	Minimum merging taper
60 km/h	90 m
80 km/h	175 m
100 km/h	250 m

Lesson 5: Signals, communication and problems

Basic signals

Hold the paddle high and still, where drivers can see it. Never wave the paddle. Use your free hand for movement signals.
To slow traffic, show SLOW and slowly raise and lower your free arm, palm down.
To stop traffic, show STOP, make eye contact with the first driver and point to where they should stop.
To release traffic, turn the paddle to SLOW and wave drivers on with your free arm. Tell the other flagperson when the last car has passed.
Never turn your back on traffic, never stand in front of a moving vehicle, and always plan an escape route with your supervisor.

Working with another flagperson

Two flagpersons must be able to see each other. If they cannot, a means of communication must be used. Two-way radios work best, but must not be used in a blasting zone. To switch from STOP to SLOW, you can signal the other flagperson with an up-and-down motion of the paddle or another agreed signal. On long work zones, a pilot vehicle may lead traffic through.

When things go wrong

A driver ignores your signal: get out of the path, warn others and write down the time, plate number, and vehicle make, colour and type.
A driver is abusive: stay polite, do not argue and call your supervisor. Leave your station only if you are physically threatened.
An emergency vehicle arrives: decide if it is safe for it to go through, clear the way and warn the other flagperson.