Driving in Ontario

Unlike the United Kingdom, drivers in Ontario use the right-hand side of the road. There are three types of roadways with differentiating speed limits.

Freeways with controlled access: 90 km/h to 100 km/h

Two-lane highways: 80km/h to 90 km/h

Roads in urban and other built-up areas: 30 km/h to 70 km/h

Driving Documents
A valid driver's licence from any country is good in Canada for three months, but you may want to get an International Driver's Licence before departure, for extra identification. The minimum combined liability insurance in Ontario is CAN$200,000.

Automobile Rentals
Car rentals are available at our international airports, train terminals and in many of our communities. Minimum age for rental varies between 21 and 25. You usually need a credit card to rent a car.

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 (MTO) urges all cyclists, of any age, to wear a helmet.

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 and then proceed with caution if the way is clear.

Seatbelts
By law, drivers and passengers must wear properly fastened seat belts at all times in Ontario. Safety-approved car seats for infants and children (appropriate to age, height and weight) are also mandatory.