CANADIAN HIGHWAY CODE

To discover Canada at the wheel of your rented vehicle is to truly experience the freedom of our legendary wide open spaces. It is a unique travel formula that enables you to enjoy the adventure at your own pace. However, to make sure that your vacation is a safe one, be sure to familiarise yourself with the particularities of the Canadian Highway Safety Code.

In Canada, as it is elsewhere, passenger and pedestrian safety is of fundamental importance. Courteous driving is called for everywhere and at all times. This is no time for stress... after all, you're on holiday! Here is a list of the main traffic laws that you should be aware of when driving in Canada:

Buckle your seat belt
The use of seat belts is mandatory for all vehicle passengers.

Speed limits
Speed limits vary between 30 km/h and 100 km/h, depending whether you are in town or on the highway. Speed limit signs are posted on all roads indicating the maximum speed permitted.

The minimum speed on the highway is 60 km/h and the maximum is 100 km/h. There is a tacit understanding that speeds up to 120 km/h are tolerated on most Canadian highways.

Right turn on a red light
It is generally permitted to turn right when facing a red light everywhere in Canada, EXCEPT on the Island of Montréal and at intersections where it is expressly prohibited by the sign on the right.

When you want to turn right on a red light, you must proceed with extra caution because you have a responsibility towards pedestrians. Before turning right on a red light, you must bring your vehicle to a complete stop!!! A complete stop is mandatory. Immobilise your vehicle before the stop line or before the pedestrian crossing zone. Pedestrians always have the right-of-way if their pedestrian crossing light allows them to cross. In the absence of a pedestrian crossing light, pedestrians have the right-of-way on a green light.

Turning right on a red light is not an obligation; it is a privilege. If you decide to turn, you must wait until the way is clear. Respect the decision of a driver who does not turn right on a red light; do not honk your horn to make him/her advance. Courtesy towards others on the road is always the order of the day!

Required right turn, left turn, straight ahead,...
Pay attention to these road signs (right): they are important, especially for city driving. This sign indicates that you must turn right or continue straight ahead. You are not allowed to turn left under any circumstances. There are signs like this for every situation: left turn or straight ahead, straight ahead through the intersection (i.e. you can neither turn left nor right), etc.

Highway exit signs
Exit numbers are always indicated in a yellow box on highway exit signs (145 in the image on the right). Note that these numbers correspond to the distance in kilometres along the highway. So for example if your destination is Exit 155, when you reach Exit 145 you know that you have 10 more kilometres to drive before your exit.

Highway markers
In Canada and in the USA, highway markers indicate the highway number (20 East, 15 North,...) rather than the destination (direction Québec, Toronto,...).

Green light vs. flashing green
In Canada, there are 2 types of green light: the green light, and the flashing green. A green light means the same thing as in Europe. But when you are facing a flashing green light, it means that you have the right-of-way to make a left turn.

Dedicated lanes
In the city, you must give the right-of-way to city buses that want to merge into moving traffic after leaving a bus stop, when there is a yield sign on the back of the bus.

In addition, some cities use dedicated lanes for public transit (bus and taxi). You must respect this rule, paying particular attention to the hours indicated on the road sign.

Passing a school bus (yellow bus)
The children's safety is the rule, at all times. When a school bus is stopped and its red lights are flashing, you must use caution and bring your vehicle to a complete stop more than 5 metres from the bus. Before resuming your course, make sure that the flashing lights have been turned off and that the bus is advancing.

Cigarettes and cell phones at the wheel
It is now illegal to use a cell phone at any time while driving. Note that smoking while driving is still permitted, although a bill has been proposed to ban cigarettes at the wheel.

Child's car seat
Every child whose sitting height is less than 63 cm and children under 5 years old are required to use a suitable child's car seat. The car seat must be installed on the rear seat of the vehicle. In addition, infant seats must be attached facing the rear of the vehicle.

Age: The law is applicable to children whose age is less than or equal to the indicated age
Weight: The law is applicable to children (of any age) whose weight is less than the weight indicated.

PLAN YOUR MOVEMENTS EFFICIENTLY

The state of the road vs. speed
Canadian roads are not always as well maintained as in Europe. This can increase driving times significantly, as you are forced to drive more slowly in certain places.

In addition, every summer there are many sections of road that are under construction, creating traffic and slowing down your movements. Before setting out, it may be a good idea to consult the Ministry of Transport of the province you intend to visit for more information about roadwork in progress. In this way you can plan ahead and choose a different route if possible. For example, visit the Transport Québec website for more information about the state of the roads and construction in progress in Québec.

Rush hour
Like anywhere else in the world, every major Canadian city is afflicted with rush hour traffic. Plan your travel times carefully. Organise your schedule to avoid arriving in the city between 6:30 and 9:30 in the morning, or leaving it between 3:00 and 6:00 in the evening.

Drinking and driving

When we are on holiday, we want to be sure to make the most of every moment that life has to offer. This is why most of us like to accompany a good meal with a nice bottle of wine or a couple of drinks. Nothing could be more normal! But when you leave the table, it is better to wait a while before taking the wheel.

In Canada, the legal blood-alcohol limit for driving is very low. You are allowed only 0.08 mg per 100ml of blood, the equivalent of about 1-2 glasses of alcohol depending on the person's height and weight.

Driving while impaired carries stiff penalties. In addition, you are putting the lives of others in danger. If you are pulled over or caught during a routine road check, you will face criminal charges.

During the holiday season (Christmas and New Year's Eve), you may call on Opération Nez Rouge. This service is offered by volunteers who drive you and your car back home at the end of the night. Available only in Québec.

MODERATION IS ALWAYS IN GOOD TASTE!