Visiting another country can be frustrating if you do not know the rules of the road and Canada is no exception. You need to know the safety rules that are enforced when driving. Some people travel to Canada, assuming the driving laws are the same and never realize that sometimes they are breaking the laws. Although Transport Canada is in charge of the roadways and transportation, each province may have slightly different laws for the road or additional laws that you need to know about.
Road Rules In Canada
In Canada, drivers drive on the right side of the road.
Drivers must have proper insurance on their vehicles.
Radar detectors are illegal in many provinces.
Turning right on a red light is not allowed in some areas such as Quebec City and Montreal.
Read The Signs
Canadian road signs are in kilometers, not miles. One kilometer equals 0.62137 miles.
Some information on the roads may appear in French, so knowing a little French may help a driver to get by and find certain destinations.
The speed limit is usually 50km/hour on city streets, 100km/hour on highways and 80km/hour in rural areas.
Safety In Canada
Child safety seats and seatbelts are mandatory in Canada.
It is important to use daylight running lights and to use headlights whenever driving on the roads.
Canada takes drunk driving very seriously. A person with a conviction for a drunken driving offense must get a waiver to enter Canada. This takes a few weeks, so do it early enough before going to Canada.
Do not use your cell phone when you are driving. Rules about cell phone use when driving vary from place to place.
Challenges Of Canadian Roads
Be on the look out for moose, deer and elk crossing the road, especially in less populated areas.
In severe winter weather, snow tire requirements may go into effect and some bridges will closed. Be prepared and know what’s going on along your route of travel.
When travelling in Canada, a driver should gas up his or her vehicle whenever they see a gas station. It is sometimes difficult to know when the next gas station will appear or if they will have gas available. Some areas are prone to gas shortages.
Before Leaving Home
Before travelling into Canada, notify the State Department that you are in Canada and where you will be located. This is necessary in case your family is looking for you or you get lost.
Read the publications from Transport Canada so that you know what the current laws are and what you can and cannot do when driving in Canada.
If you are planning a trip into Canada or plan to move there, you have to be aware of the road rules so that you do not run into any trouble with the authorities. In some countries, foreigners are not just given a citation, they can be held or required to post money for a traffic infraction before getting on their way. Try to obey the laws and do not take the roads for granted.
If you have any questions about road safety or the laws, you should contact Transport Canada to make sure you know everything you should know ahead of time. If you do get stopped doing something wrong, chances are that telling the Mounties that you did not know the law is not going to help you one bit. No matter where you go, always keep your insurance papers and your passport with you. This will be important if you are stopped for anything.
Canadian Driving
Stay safe and enjoy your travels in Canada by staying informed. Follow the rules and laws. Never venture off of the roads unless you know where you are and what you are doing.
Road Rules In Canada
In Canada, drivers drive on the right side of the road.
Drivers must have proper insurance on their vehicles.
Radar detectors are illegal in many provinces.
Turning right on a red light is not allowed in some areas such as Quebec City and Montreal.
Read The Signs
Canadian road signs are in kilometers, not miles. One kilometer equals 0.62137 miles.
Some information on the roads may appear in French, so knowing a little French may help a driver to get by and find certain destinations.
The speed limit is usually 50km/hour on city streets, 100km/hour on highways and 80km/hour in rural areas.
Safety In Canada
Child safety seats and seatbelts are mandatory in Canada.
It is important to use daylight running lights and to use headlights whenever driving on the roads.
Canada takes drunk driving very seriously. A person with a conviction for a drunken driving offense must get a waiver to enter Canada. This takes a few weeks, so do it early enough before going to Canada.
Do not use your cell phone when you are driving. Rules about cell phone use when driving vary from place to place.
Challenges Of Canadian Roads
Be on the look out for moose, deer and elk crossing the road, especially in less populated areas.
In severe winter weather, snow tire requirements may go into effect and some bridges will closed. Be prepared and know what’s going on along your route of travel.
When travelling in Canada, a driver should gas up his or her vehicle whenever they see a gas station. It is sometimes difficult to know when the next gas station will appear or if they will have gas available. Some areas are prone to gas shortages.
Before Leaving Home
Before travelling into Canada, notify the State Department that you are in Canada and where you will be located. This is necessary in case your family is looking for you or you get lost.
Read the publications from Transport Canada so that you know what the current laws are and what you can and cannot do when driving in Canada.
If you are planning a trip into Canada or plan to move there, you have to be aware of the road rules so that you do not run into any trouble with the authorities. In some countries, foreigners are not just given a citation, they can be held or required to post money for a traffic infraction before getting on their way. Try to obey the laws and do not take the roads for granted.
If you have any questions about road safety or the laws, you should contact Transport Canada to make sure you know everything you should know ahead of time. If you do get stopped doing something wrong, chances are that telling the Mounties that you did not know the law is not going to help you one bit. No matter where you go, always keep your insurance papers and your passport with you. This will be important if you are stopped for anything.
Canadian Driving
Stay safe and enjoy your travels in Canada by staying informed. Follow the rules and laws. Never venture off of the roads unless you know where you are and what you are doing.