Rules of the road

Learn about the driving laws, safety requirements and documentation needed to travel legally and safely across Ontario roads and waterways. 

General road rules

Maximum speed limits

In Ontario, maximum speed limits posted along all major highways, country roads and city streets are provided in kilometres per hour (km/h). 

Speed limits vary by road type and may also be lower in school, hospital or construction zones. Obey the posted speed limits.

The following is a general guideline of speed limits by road type:

• Freeways: 100–110 km/h (62–68 mph)
• Trans-Canada routes: 80–90 km/h (50–56 mph)
• Rural highways and country roads: 60–80 km/h (37–50 mph)
• City roads: 30–50 km/h (18–31 mph)

Driving on the right side

In Ontario, as in the rest of Canada, drivers must keep to the right side of the road. This means you’ll pass on the left and yield to oncoming traffic when turning left. For travellers coming from countries that drive on the left side, it’s essential to stay alert at intersections, roundabouts and multi-lane highways to avoid confusion.

On highways, the right lane is typically for regular driving, while the left lane is reserved for passing on highways. Adjusting to this rule ensures a smoother and safer driving experience in Ontario.

Parking

Parking in Ontario varies depending on location, so it’s important to pay attention to the posted signs. In cities, you’ll find metered parking, time-restricted zones, parking lots and garages and permit-only areas. Rural areas may offer more free parking options.

Many urban areas also utilize apps or machines for payment, allowing you to manage your parking time from your mobile device easily.

Be aware of seasonal restrictions, like winter parking bans during snow clearing, to avoid fines or towing. For popular attractions, plan ahead to find nearby parking lots or garages.

School buses

Traffic travelling in both directions must stop for a yellow school bus when its red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended. Vehicles approaching from the rear should stop at least 20 metres (66 feet) behind the bus.

Streetcar stops in Toronto

All vehicles, including bicycles, must stop at least two metres (six feet) behind the rearmost door of a stopping or stopped streetcar, for the safety of passengers boarding or departing.

Impaired driving

Operating any motorized vehicle, including cars, trucks, All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), snowmobiles and boats, while impaired by drugs or alcohol is strictly prohibited.

Offenders may be fined or charged under the Criminal Code of Canada.

Distracted driving

It is illegal to use hand-held cell phones and entertainment devices while driving in Ontario. This includes texting, calling and holding a mobile phone, even when stopped at a red light or in traffic. GPS systems must be mounted and used hands-free.

Note that emergency 9-1-1 calls are the only handheld mobile calls permitted while driving.

Learn more about distracted driving laws and penalties in Ontario.

Licensing and documentation

Driver’s licence

A valid driver's licence from another country is accepted for visitors to drive in Ontario for up to three months after arrival.

If you plan to drive for more than three months, you will need an International Driving Permit from your home country. Obtain this permit before travelling to Ontario.

Travellers driving a vehicle across the border into Ontario from the United States will need to bring the vehicle registration form and a free Canadian Non-Resident Insurance Card from the insurance company or policy. If the vehicle is a rental, bring a copy of the rental contract and proof of authorization from the home jurisdiction.

Vehicle and passenger safety

Seatbelts and child car seats

Ontario law requires all vehicle passengers to be properly and safely secured while driving.

Adults and children who weigh over 36 kg (80 lbs), are eight years old or are 145 cm (4 ft) tall, should use the vehicle seatbelts.

A booster seat is required for children who weigh 18–36 kg (40–80 lbs), are under the age of eight or are under 145 cm tall.

Children who weigh less than 18 kg (40 lbs) must be properly secured in a child car seat appropriate to the child's weight.

Toddlers who weigh 9–18 kg (20–40 lbs) may travel in a forward-facing or rear-facing child safety seat.

Infants from birth to 9 kg (20 lbs) must travel in a rear-facing infant seat.

Get more information about the correct car safety seat for your child. 

Bicycles, motorcycles and e-bikes

In Ontario, pedal bicycles, motorcycles and e-bikes are considered vehicles and must obey the same traffic laws.

Bicycles and e-bikes

In Ontario, cyclists under the age of 18 must wear a bicycle helmet. However, regardless of age, it is strongly advised for all cyclists to wear a helmet. In addition, your bicycle should be equipped with a bell or horn, lights, reflectors and reflective tape to help protect you.

From safety regulations and navigation instructions to road rules, learn more about bicycle requirements before setting out on a bike ride or tour in Ontario.   

Electric bicycles (e-bikes) are permitted on many of the same roads and bike paths in Ontario where bicycles are allowed, but they must meet specific requirements.

E-bikes do not require a driver’s licence to ride; however, riders must be 16 years or older and must obey all traffic rules.

Motorcycles

Several types of motorcycles are permitted to ride on public roads, including full-size motorcycles that require a Class M licence. These vehicles must meet specific licensing and registration requirements and follow the same traffic laws as cars.

Ensure you have the correct class licence for your motorcycle.

All motorcyclists and their passengers must wear an approved helmet. Lane splitting (riding between lanes of traffic) is prohibited in Ontario.

Permits for recreational motorized vehicles

Be aware of licensing, insurance and registration regulations, as well as trail permits before operating snowmobiles, boats or all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) in Ontario.

Snowmobiles

Snowmobile operators must be at least 12 years old to ride on private property and some trails. To ride on or across public roads (where permitted), riders must be at least 16 years old.

All riders must also have either a standard driver’s licence or a valid Motorized Snow Vehicle Operator’s Licence (MSVOL). The snowmobile must be insured with liability coverage and registered through the Ontario Ministry of Transportation.

To operate a snowmobile on locally maintained public trails, a permit is required and should be displayed on the vehicle. Permits can be purchased through the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC).

Learn more about snowmobile safety in Ontario.

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs)

ATVs are off-road vehicles that are generally not permitted on public roads. For exceptions, refer to the regulations on where you can and cannot drive an ATV in Ontario. To operate an ATV on public roads, drivers must be at least 16 years old with a valid G2, M2 or higher-class driver’s licence.

Off-road vehicles must be registered with the Ministry of Transportation. Although ATV riders must be at least 12 years old to ride, they must be at least 16 years old to register an off-road vehicle. Vehicle liability insurance is also required for all riders.

Learn more about the rules and regulations for ATVs and other off-road vehicles.

Boats

All motorized recreational vessels in Ontario, including boats and personal watercraft, must have a valid Pleasure Craft Licence (PCL) or be registered in the Canadian Register of Vessels.

Anyone operating a recreational vessel needs to have a Pleasure Craft Operator’s Card (PCOC), which serves as proof of having completed a Transport Canada-approved boating safety course. Obtain a boating licence by successfully passing an online or in-person test provided by one of the many registered providers.  

Boat insurance is not legally required, but it is strongly recommended for protection against liability and damage.

Read more about boating regulations, safety and licences in Ontario.

Driving conditions

Road conditions

Information on highway and road conditions is available from the Ministry of Transportation (MTO). Get driving information on traffic, construction, weather and predicted road conditions before you set out.

Learn more about road safety at Ontario health and safety.

Police and collisions

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) patrol the highways and other areas without municipal police services.

Highways are patrolled by municipal police services and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in areas without municipal coverage.

If you are involved in a collision resulting in a personal injury or property damage, call the police at 9-1-1 and remain at the scene of the accident until cleared by the investigating officers.

You can also reach the OPP by calling 1-888-310-1122 (toll-free in Ontario) in non-emergency situations.

Tolls and travel services

Toll routes

Highway 407 is an Express Toll Route (ETR) that runs north of the Greater Toronto Area from Burlington east to Highway 35 in Durham Region. This is the only toll highway in Ontario.

On and off-ramp cameras will capture the licence plate of vehicles driving on Highway 407, and owners will receive a bill in the mail. If you are driving a rental car, the bill will be sent to the rental company, which may, in turn, charge you for the toll.

Roadside service

Before heading out on a road trip, check that you are covered for the unexpected.  Roadside assistance services can help with tire changes and towing support. Coverage can be provided by membership organizations, through your auto insurance company or even included in your credit card travel insurance coverage.

An example of a member organization is the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA), which provides emergency roadside services, auto touring and travel services to its members in Canada. CAA is also connected with several international automobile clubs, including the American Automobile Association (AAA), and offers reciprocal benefits for members across Canada and the United States.

Knowing Ontario’s driving laws, safety rules and required documents helps travellers enjoy a safe and hassle-free journey. Stay informed, drive responsibly and make the most of your trip across Ontario’s scenic roads and waterways.