Are there any big differences in the driving laws between the United States and Canada?

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.:::Niko:::.

The law regarding U-turns varies considerably between various US states and Canadian provinces.Many of the streets in American and Canadian towns are wide enough to physically permit U-turns with ease, especially at intersections on divided highways.However, there is considerable variability regarding the legality of making U-turns in urban areas between the different US states and the different Canadian provinces.

Sheryl

Radar detectors are illegal in Canada. If you get a speeding ticket in Ontario, you don't have to pay it on the spot, you can mail them a money order later. (Unfortunately I know this from personal experience! And I know that some states will make out-of-state drivers pay a speeding ticket right then & there.) I have heard of Americans getting tickets in Canada and not paying them, but I am not about to risk getting arrested the next time I go there for something stupid like an unpaid ticket.

JoAnn N

I don't think so but they have there speed limits in KM instead of miles. When I was there they drove like we do in the states.

Jeff H

There are no significant differences in driving laws between Canada and the US. Most provinces and states have standardized laws relating to driving although there can be regional variations. As mentioned in previous answers, our speed limits are posted in Kilometers Per Hour. The average spped on highways is 100 kph which equals approximately 60 mph. The average speed in residential areas is 50kph or 30mph unless otherwise posted.

braingamer

I don't know about Minnesota, but in Ontario you are allowed (unless otherwise posted) to make a right turn on a red light. (You'll make the people behind you very unhappy if you wait until the green light.)

Also, in Ontario, unless otherwise posted, you may make a left turn on a red (when the way is clear) if you are travelling on a one-way street and turning left onto a one-way street.

Otherwise, speed limits are in KM/H (within cities, you'll most likely be limited to 50 KM/H = 30 mph) (highways 90 KM/H = 55 mph).

Ontario cars have daytime running lights - good idea to keep your lights on.

Radar detectors are illegal. Also, leave any illegal drugs and all firearms at home.

cw21dlr

I live in Ontario and one thing I've been reading about lately is drivers who are being fined for not moving over to the left lane (passing lane) when they are on a highway and there is an emergency vehicle (police car) etc. stopped on the shoulder with its emergency lights on. There is a steep fine for this and apparently many people are not even aware of this law as there have been numerous violations of it lately. So be careful on the highway in that regard.

forever5

Seatbelts are required for all passengers, no matter where they are sitting in the vehicle. I know some states allow adults to not wear seatbelts in the back seat. The driver is responsible for all passengers under age 16 to wear seatbelts, over age 16, they are responsible for themselves.

Ontario has a new law, anyone caught doing 50 km/h over the speed limit is charged with racing and their car is automatically impounded for 7 days. The fine can be up to $10,000! Watch your speed!

An0nym0us mAn1Ac

Maybe the newest law would be that some Provinces have banned smoking in cars with children in them. Not sure about Ontario.
No smoking in work/company vehicles in Alberta.

Ed P

Our speed is in kilometers per hour 100 Kilometers = 60 mph Insurance is law

Atom 74

Besides the signs all being in metric, not so much no. They are provincial anyway, just avoid Quebec. They do have a tonne of really odd driving laws there. From what I heard Montreal is worse to drive in, compared to NYC.

Counselor Ken

There aren't many significant differences. From what I recall of my trips to Canada, I think you're required to drive with your headlights on during the day. Of course, all the signs are in metric (kilometers). And I think radar detectors are illegal. But the big things (which side of the road you drive on, lane markings, traffic lights) are all the same.

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