Planning to drive a car during your visit to Canada? Before hitting the road, it’s essential to get familiar with the Canadian driving laws and rules of the road. As driving in Canada is similar to the United States, Americans may think it’s a breeze, but there are some differences to be aware of.
Make sure to obtain the proper driving license and understand Canadian road signs and signals. Familiarizing yourself with the driving laws and rules of the road will help ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. So, don’t forget to study up before you take the wheel!
Read also: What is Defensive Driving? || Defensive Driving Course
Top 10 Canadian Driving Road RulesÂ
Some of the important road rules that you need to follow are as follows:
Legal Age and Valid LicenseÂ
The legal age to drive a car in Canada basically depends on the province or the region where you are driving. But generally you have to be at least 17 years old to drive. Along with this you need to have a valid driver license. It is advised to carry the license every time you go on a drive.Â
Speed Limit
While driving in Canada you need to be in a speed limit of 30 km/h and 100 km/h. It depends where you are driving. Keep safe and follow the speed limits in canada. Radars and detectors are also present on the road that detect your speed.
So if you want to avoid any fines then be in a reasonable speed range. Different speed signs are also posted on the road that indicate the maximum speed limit. The minimum speed on the highway is about 60 km/h whereas the maximum is about 100 km/h
Seat Belt
Seat belts are one of the necessary driving laws that is mandatory in many countries. You have to wear a seat belt while driving a car in Canada. Buckle your seat belt while you set on a journey. The use of seat belts is necessary as they can save from any major injury during an accident. Also it is the duty of the driver to make sure that the passengers also wear seat belts.Â
Use Of Cell Phones
Use of mobile phones while driving is very dangerous. It’s one of the biggest distractions that causes accidents. If you have to use or attend any important calls then stop the car and then attend it. Also you can use hands free devices. However, avoid the use of mobile phones as much as possible. You need to follow the Canadian Road Rules while you are in the country.
Turn On A Red Light
Except from the Island of Montréal and on certain intersections it is generally permitted to turn right while using a red signal. But you need to fully stop your car. A full stop is necessary.
Also, it is your duty to take special consideration of pedestrians. Pedestrians always have the right to cross if the pedestrian crossing lights allow them. So if they are crossing let them cross. Although turning right is permitted, but you need to wait while the way is clear. And respect if the driver in front of you does not turn.  Â
No Smoking
There are many provinces in Canada where smoking is prohibited while you have a minor in the car. The provinces include Newfoundland and Labrador, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Saskatchewan. This is against the Canadian Road Rules.
Flashing Green vs Green Light
In Canada there are two types of green lights. A Flashing Green and a green light. The green light meaning is the same that you are allowed to go. Whereas flashing green means that you have the right to make a left turn.Â
 No Driving When Drunk
If you have elevated levels of alcohol while driving then it’s a criminal defense. It’s against the rules of the road. Driving while drunk is not only dangerous for yourself but also for the drivers near you.
You should not drive if you have a blood alcohol level of more than 0.5%. Drunk driving is one of the major reasons for accidents in Canada. Avoid drunk driving at any cost.Â
International Driving Permit (IDP)
Before you travel to Canada it’s a good idea to check whether you will need an International Driving Permit or not. Generally USA citizens don’t need an IDP permit for driving in canada but there are some countries for which getting an IDP is a must. That is why it’s a good idea to check the requirements before traveling.Â
Getting Insurance For Your Car
In Canada it’s illegal to drive without having your car insured. Even if you are driving your car on a daily basis then make sure that you are listed on their insurance plan. So make sure that you have an insured car. Â
Conclusion
To summarize the above discussion, Canadian Road Rules are made for the safety of drivers and pedestrians. These road signs and rules are essential aspects of safety in Canada. The Canadian government continues to update and refine these rules to reflect the changing nature of road use and technology. It is essential to note that each Canadian province and territory may have specific rules and regulations regarding driving, such as minimum driving age, licensing requirements, and road conditions.
Therefore, it is crucial to review and understand the rules for the province or territory you are driving in. These rules are made for smooth flow of traffic. Safety is necessary for everyone and it’s not a responsibility of a single person. Every person has to follow the rules and regulations.
