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On The Road - Information For Motorists

Documents You Will Need

A valid driver's license from any country is good in Ontario for three months. You also have the option of obtaining an International Driver's License before you visit.

If you are driving into Ontario or importing a vehicle, bring with you its registration documents, and either a Canadian Non-Resident Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance Card (obtained from your insurance agent), or else the insurance policy itself.

If you are driving a borrowed car, bring a letter of permission signed by the owner. If you're driving a rented car, bring a copy of the rental contract.

Driver Age Requirements

The driver of your motor vehicle must be 16 years old or more.
Car rental operations may impose a higher age minimum as a condition of rental.

Rules of the Road

Ontario's traffic rules may be a little different from those you're accustomed to at home. Here's a list of traffic tips for your visit.

Stopping for School Buses. Traffic in both directions (except on divided roads or highways) must stop for a yellow school bus when its red lights are flashing and its stop arm is extended.

Right Turns on Red Lights. Right turns may be made on red lights unless otherwise sign posted. You must come to a full stop at the light, but may proceed with caution if the way is clear.

Radar Warning Devices. It is illegal to use or transport radar detection devices in Ontario. Ontario police may confiscate such devices and may fine you as well.

Seat Belts and Car Seats for Children. Ontario law requires all drivers and passengers in motor vehicles to wear seat belts or use appropriate car seats. Not wearing a seat belt can result in a $90 fine and two demerit points. There are only very limited exceptions, mainly for cars manufactured before 1971 and for passenger seats in certain situations.

You are required to use special protection devices for small children in your vehicle. The driver is responsible for the safety of all passengers under the age of 16 years.

Children over 18 kg (40 pounds) must use either a regular lap seat belt or an equivalent booster seat. Children from 9 to 18 kg (20 to 40 pounds) must travel in a front-facing child restraint seat. Children from birth to 9 kg (to 20 pounds) must travel in a rear-facing child restraint system. It is recommended that all children under the age of 12 should be seated in the back seat of the vehicle where the front seat is equipped with an air-bag. Never place a rear-facing infant safety seat in a seating position where there is an air bag.

Bring appropriate devices if you can. Many car rental agencies can supply seats, but before you take the car, check carefully to ensure they work properly, and are the right ones for your child.

Hitchhiking is not allowed on major (controlled-access) highways.

Don't drink and drive. Driving motorized vehicles, including all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles and baots, while impaired is illegal. You can immediately lose your licence for 90 days for refusing to take a breathalyzer test or having a breathalyzer reading greater than 80 mg (0.08%) of alcohol per 100 ml of blood. Charges may be laid under the Criminal Code of Canada for drinking and driving, which upon conviction may also result in loss of driving privleges for at least one year.

Speed limits are measured in kilometres per hour. Speed limits on most highways are 80 to 90 km/h and on freeways 100 km/h. On city streets the normal speed is 50 km/h unless otherwise posted. See Ontario speed limits and mph equivalent chart below.

Road Distances to Ontario Destinations from Major U.S. Cities

Road Distances to Toronto from Major Canadian Cities.

Car Rental Services

Car rental services are available in most medium to large cities and at international airports.

In most cases, the renter must have a valid driver's license, be at least 21 years old, and must provide an acceptable form of credit arrangement, usually a major credit card.

The company will usually offer you a choice of optional accident insurance packages, the cost of which is added on to the rental and any kilometrage charges.

Tolls

Tolls will be charged for using international bridges and tunnels, some ferries, and Highway 407 north of Toronto.

Motor Fuels

Motor fuel (car, truck, motorboat and snowmobile)

Commercial service stations in Ontario sell unleaded gasoline in regular and premium grades. Leaded gas cannot be legally sold in Ontario. Some stations -- especially those along major highways and in larger cities -- also sell propane, diesel fuel, and (rarely) ethanol. Motorboat fuel is available at marinas and ship supply stores around the province.

We use metric measurements for motor fuel. Gasoline, diesel and propane are measured in litres. 1 litre equals about one-quarter of an American gallon, or about one-fifth of an Imperial gallon.

Fuel service station hours vary widely. Many close at 7 p.m. and some do not open at all on Sundays. 24-hour stations are generally found only in larger cities and near the larger highways.

Fuel stations can usually be found within a few blocks after exiting the 400-series numbered highways that cross Ontario's urban areas. In rural areas, preceding many freeway exits, you will find a sign with a generic brown and white gas-pump symbol. This sign will lead you to an extended-hours gas station within 5 kilometers of the exit, that sells gasoline (plain pump), diesel fuel (pump marked with a "D") or propane (pump marked with a "P").

Road Conditions and Other Road Information

Ontario has a good network of roads and highways. All roads are cleared of snow in the winter months. Information on highway conditions and road construction locations in the province is available year round from the Ontario Ministry of Transportation by calling toll-free 1-800-268-1376 or locally at (416) 235-1110. Complimentary Ontario Official Road Maps can be obtained by calling 1-800-ONTARIO or by visiting any one of our Ontario Travel Information Centres.

Local city and regional maps are available from most chambers of commerce, map distributors, and at many bookstores and variety stores.

Twenty-four hour fuel and service stations can be found in larger centres and along main highway routes.

Winter Driving

Special care should be taken when driving in storm and ice or snow conditions. On longer road trips in rural areas, please call in advance for information on local road conditions (Travel Information Centres). Make sure your vehicle is in good driving condition and that you have adequate fuel.

For lengthy trips in remote locations during severe weather, you should carry supplies such as traction material (pads, sand, grit, salt), a shovel, blankets, a candle and lights. With the exception fo a few of the province's supervised ice bridges, do not drive out on lake or river ice.

Studded tires are forbidden on Ontario highways, as are tinted windshields or front- seat side windows that do not allow a clear view of the vehicle's interior.

Emergency Services

The Ontario Provincial Police (O.P.P.) are responsible for provincial highways and other areas, including inland lakes and waterways, not served by municipal police forces.

If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident, you must notify the police, and must remain at the scene of the accident until cleared by investigating officers.

O.P.P police stations are located along major highways. Look for a small yellow sign displaying "O.P.P" in black letters. On highways and some city roads, look for special hospital signs bearing a white "H" on a blue square.

Automobile Club Services

The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA)'s local Ontario affiliates provide reciprocal services to members of international Automobile Associations, including the American Automobile Association (AAA). Obtain travel information from your home club.

Ontario CAA offices (formerly offices of the Ontario Motor League) are listed in the telephone books of major Ontario cities.

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