TRAVEL SAFE

Ontario traffic rules may be a bit different than the ones you’re used to. So here’s a list of traffic tips for your Ontario trip:

Bicycles. Bicycles are considered vehicles and must obey the same traffic laws. Bicycles are not allowed on controlled-access highways. For cyclists under the age of 18, it’s mandatory to wear a bicycle helmet. However, the Ministry of Transportation urges all cyclists, of any age, to wear a helmet.

Highway Rest Areas. There are approximately 20 highway rest areas along Hwy.401 and four on Hwy.400, featuring food services and service stations.

Hitchhiking. Hitchhiking is not allowed on major highways.

In-Line Skates. In-Line skating is not regulated by the Ontario Highway Act. Each municipality sets its own in-line skating regulations. If you have any questions about regulations or restrictions, please call the municipality you will be visiting.

Radar Warning Devices. Radar waring devices are forbidden in Ontario, even if they are turned off and are only being transported in your vehicle. Our police may confiscate such devices and fine you as well.

Right Turns on Red Lights. You can make right turns on red lights, unless signs indicate you can’t. You must come to a full stop, then proceed with caution if the way is clear.

School Buses. Traffic travelling in both directions, except divided roads or highways, must stop for a yellow school bus when its red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended.

Seatbelts. Ontario law requires all adults and children weighing over 18 kg (40lb) to be properly restrained using the full seatbelt assembly; which is the lap belt and the shoulderbelt portions. Children weighing less than 18 kg (40lb) must be properly restrained with a child safety seat appropriate to the child’s weight. Infants from birth to 9kg(20lb.) must travel in a rear-facing child safety seat. It is recommended that all children under the age of 12 sit in the back seat of a vehicle with a front-seat airbag. Never place a rear-facing infant safety seat in a seating position where there is an airbag.

Speed Limits. Speed limits in Ontario are in kilometres per hour ( km-h). Freeways have a speed limit of 100 km-h (62 m.p.h); the Trans-Canada routes 90 km-h. (56 m.p.h). Most other rural highways and country roads have a speed limit of 80 km-h (50 m.p.h). In urban and other populated areas the speed limits generally range from 40 to 60 km-h (25 to 37 m.p.h). Check the equivalency chart to compare speeds in kilometres and miles per hour.

Streetcar Stops. Vehicles must be at a stand-still stop at least two m (six ft.) behind the rearmost door of a stopping or stopped streetcar, for the safety of passengers getting on or off.

Studded Tires. Studded tires are forbidden on Ontario highways.

Windshields And Windows. Windshields and side-front windows must allow a clear view of the vehicle’s interior and the colour cannot hide the interior.

* Reprinted from the Discovery Guide.