Having a vehicle means that you have the freedom to move anywhere you want. You may know to drive a car, but that doesn’t mean you can avoid Canadian traffic rules and regulations. Driving on Canadian roads means following certain rules set by the Canadian government. Â
It doesn’t matter whether you are an expert or a beginner; the first thing you need to know is the basic Canadian traffic rules. If you want to have a hassle-free drive experience in Canada, then keep reading everyone!
Canadian Traffic Rules
For driving in Canada, there are certain road signs and rules of the road that everyone must know. Some of the driving rules are explained below:
Valid Driver’s License
If you want to drive legally in Canada, then you need to have a valid driving license. In the province of Ontario, to get a license, you need to follow the Graduated License System. In case you are caught driving without a driver’s license there is a chance that you may be charged a fine ranging from $200 – $1000. So it’s better to get your license.
Wear Your Seat Belt
Another Canadian traffic rule is to wear a seatbelt when you drive. The use of seat belts is necessary for drivers as well as passengers. Seatbelts can protect you from severe injuries in case an accident occurs.
Follow the Speed LimitÂ
While driving, you need to follow the speed limit. It’s the most common but the most broken rule in Canada. If you can’t spot a speed limit sign, then it’s advised to drive at 40 km per hour in urban areas. For rural areas, you need to drive at 80 km per hour. You can be fined if you are caught while driving at high speed.
Right of Way
Another overlooked Canadian traffic rule is giving pedestrians the right of way at crosswalks. When you are driving in Canada you need to stop at intersections or a red light. This will help the pedestrians cross the road easily. Don’t drive your car until the pedestrians have crossed the road. Otherwise, the drivers and pedestrians can be in danger.
Turning Right on Red Lights
Generally, you can turn right at a red light anywhere in Canada except the island of Montréal. You can’t turn right there; you must stop your car. But do remember that it’s not a must to turn right. So respect the decision of the driver who is unwilling to turn right.Â
Green Light vs Flashing Green
There are two types of green light in Canada, and you should know the meaning of both. A green light means the same as in Europe. It means that you can go, but the meaning of flashing green light is different. When you are facing Flashing green light, you have the right-of-way to turn on the green light. You can become a responsible driver by paying attention to such signs and Canadian traffic rules.Â
Don’t Use Handheld Devices
One of the major reasons for accidents is the use of mobile phones while driving. Using smartphones and tablets while driving a vehicle is extremely dangerous. Distracted driving has resulted in a lot of major and serious accidents. If you are caught by an officer during distracted driving you could be charged for a fine of $287 and three demerit points.  Â
4 Way Stop
When you reach a 4-way stop, the first car that stops should move first. If two cars stop together, the one on the right goes first. Make sure that the road is clear before you make a turn.
Car Insurance
Another important Canadian traffic rule is that it’s mandatory to have car insurance. To legally drive in Canada it’s necessary to have sufficient auto insurance coverage. Otherwise, other than being charged with fines, your license can also be suspended.   Â
Passing a School BusÂ
Children’s safety should be your number one priority. When a yellow bus is stopped and its lights are flashing, you need to be cautious. Make sure to stop your car 5 meters before the bus. Make sure that the flashing of the bus has been stopped only then drive your car.
Conclusion
To conclude, driving in Canada has a set of essential rules that everyone has to follow. By understanding Canadian traffic rules, you can become a responsible and confident driver. Following these rules can help you avoid fines and can save you from issues. Some of the main Canadian traffic rules have been explained in this article.
First one is to have a valid driver’s license if you want to legally drive in Canada. Wearing a seat belt is another driving law that needs to be strictly followed. Regarding the speed limit, there are also certain conditions that need to be met.
Moreover, recognizing the significance of different traffic signals, avoiding handheld devices while driving, and respecting the rules around 4-way stops are crucial for responsible driving. Aside from this, if you need further help, GClass Drivers are here to help you. Our experienced instructors will guide you in every step so that you can become safe drivers.
