Laws and safety

Be safe

In Canada, we drive on the right-hand side of the road. To drive safely, it is important to know all of the road signs and rules. These rules are available from the transportation ministry in your province or territory. You can also find some general information below about how to drive safely in Canada.

Stay within speed limits

In Canada, speed limits are posted in kilometres per hour (km/h). Speed limits tell drivers the safest speed in good driving conditions during daylight hours.

If you are caught going over the speed limit you will be given a ticket, which will cost you money and may affect your driving record. Tickets for speeding can also increase how much you have to pay for your insurance. If you are driving at night or during poor weather, you must reduce your speed.

Approximate speed limits across Canada are:

• 100 km/h on major highways such as the Trans-Canada Highway
• 80 km/h on secondary highways
• 60 km/h on busy city roads
• 50 km/h on residential streets or highways passing through small towns
• 30 km/h near schools and playgrounds

Do not drink and drive

Driving drunk is a serious offence in Canada. If you are caught, you will likely lose your driver’s licence and could go to prison. Even though a certain alcohol limit is legally allowed, it is best to avoid driving after drinking as any amount of alcohol impairs judgment and reaction time on the road.

Wear your seatbelt

It is the law in Canada for drivers and passengers to wear seatbelts at all times. You can be fined for not wearing a seatbelt. In some areas, the fine for not wearing a seat belt includes a demerit on your driver’s licence, which may increase your insurance costs. The use of a seat belt can save your life in an accident.

Use infant car seats

Babies and children who are too small to wear seat belts safely must be placed in car seats whenever you drive. This is the law. Car seats can help to save babies and small children if there is an accident.

There are different types of infant car seats for children of different ages and weights. For example, infants must be placed in special seats that face the back of the car. Children over 18 kilograms need a booster seat.

Visit the Transport Canada website for more information about how you can keep your child as safe as possible in the car.

Yield to school buses

School buses bring many children to and from schools in Canada. School buses have red lights that turn on when children are getting on or off a bus. When the red lights are flashing on a school bus, all other vehicles must stop and wait on both sides of the road. It is a serious offence to pass a school bus when its signals are flashing.

Pay attention to parking signs

Some parking spots are available only for certain users—for example, those with a disability. You may not park in these spots unless you have a permit from the province or territory in which you live. These parking spots are marked with a sign that may look something like this:

For more information about reserved parking spots and other parking signs, consult the ministry of transportation of the province or territory in which you live.

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Related links

• Visit the Canada Safety Council website to learn more about automobile safety and driving laws in Canada.