Fixed speed camera
SignpostedStationary photo radar (radar photo fixe)
Catches: Speeding.
Used in Quebec, beside the road. Quebec announced nearly 200 new photo radars across the province from 2026.
Driving in Canada: the road rules for visitors
In Canada you drive on the right, with the steering wheel on the left, and roundabouts go anticlockwise. Many junctions have a stop sign on every approach, and cars go in the order they stopped. At junctions without signs or road markings, traffic from your right goes first, even from a small side street.
Watch for fixed, mobile and red light cameras.
RightSide of the road
50km/h in towns
80km/h on country roads
100km/h on motorways
0.05blood alcohol limit
Yesturning right on red
911emergency number
The rules that catch visitors out
The most important first.
Priority to the right
At a junction with no signs, signals or road markings, give way to traffic coming from your right, even from a small side street. At a junction with no signs or signals, if two vehicles arrive at the same time, the one on the right goes first.
Right turn on red, except in Montréal
You may turn right on a red light after a complete stop, once pedestrians and traffic have passed, unless a sign forbids it. On the island of Montréal it is banned at every light.
All-way stops
At an all-way stop, every driver must stop. The first car to stop completely goes first. If two cars stop at the same time, the one on the left lets the one on the right go first.
Stop for school buses in both directions
When a school bus has its red lights flashing or its stop arm out, traffic behind it and traffic coming towards it must stop. Only a median between you and the bus lets oncoming traffic keep going. In Ontario, stop at least 20 metres behind it.
Stunt driving in Ontario
Driving 40 km/h or more over a limit below 80, 50 km/h or more over any limit, or 150 km/h anywhere is stunt driving. Police suspend your licence for 30 days and impound the car for 14 days at the roadside, even a hire car.
Alcohol penalties start at 0.05
The criminal limit is 0.08, but Ontario and Alberta suspend your licence on the spot from 0.05, and Alberta also seizes the car. New and young drivers must have no alcohol at all. Quebec has no penalty below 0.08 for fully licensed drivers.
Winter tyres in Quebec and British Columbia
Quebec requires winter tyres on Quebec-registered cars, including hire cars, from 1 December to 15 March. British Columbia requires winter tyres or chains on most highways from 1 October to 30 April, and drivers without them can be turned back and fined.
Moose and deer
Collisions with moose and deer are a growing problem. If you see one, slow down and sound your horn, watch for others with it, and don't try to drive around it. Report any collision to the police.
11 more rules worth knowing
Roundabouts go anticlockwise
Go anticlockwise and give way to traffic already on the roundabout, which comes from your left.
French signs in Quebec
Quebec law requires road signs in French, though most use symbols. A stop sign says ARRÊT, and Préparez-vous à arrêter on a yellow sign warns that the traffic lights ahead are about to turn red.
Pull over for emergency vehicles
When an emergency vehicle comes with lights or siren, pull over to the right and stop. When passing one that is stopped, or a tow truck with flashing lights, slow down and move over a lane if you can.
A flashing green light means you may turn left
A flashing green light or a green arrow gives you priority to turn left. On a plain green light, give way to oncoming traffic before turning left.
Streetcars in Toronto
When a streetcar stops to let passengers on or off, stop at least 2 metres behind its rear doors. Overtake streetcars on the right unless the road is one-way.
Passing on the right is legal
On multi-lane roads, cars can pass on either side, so check both mirrors before you change lanes.
What the car must carry
The car must carry winter tyres in Quebec (in winter) and winter tyres or chains in British Columbia (in some areas). Hire cars should have them, but check before you drive away, because the driver gets the fine.
Island of Montréal
No right turn on a red light anywhere on the island. Where: Every street on the island of Montréal. Fine: $100 to $200 and 3 demerit points. Signs at the bridges, tunnels and airport mark the start of the ban. Wait for the green light.
School zones in Quebec
The limit can be no higher than 50 km/h on school days, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday, September to June. Where: Around schools, marked by yellow-green pentagon signs. Fine: Speeding fines are doubled. A sign with the word Fin marks the end of the zone.
Construction zones
Lower limits apply. In Ontario speeding fines double when workers are present, and in Quebec they double in roadwork zones. Where: Roadworks across Canada, marked by orange signs. Fine: Double the normal speeding fine. Slow down as soon as you see orange signs.
Toll roads
Most Canadian roads are free. The main toll road is Highway 407 ETR north of Toronto, which has no booths and bills by number plate. Quebec has two toll bridges, and a few bridges elsewhere charge at booths. Highway 407 ETR runs 108 km from the QEW in the west to Brock Road in the east. Cameras read the plate. Without a transponder you pay a camera charge for each trip and an account fee for each month you use it. For a hire car, 407 ETR bills the hire company, which bills you under your rental agreement with its own fees. The bill can arrive months after the trip. Ask the hire company how it handles 407 tolls before you use the road.
Speed limits
Where no sign says otherwise, in kilometres per hour.
Towns and cities
The default in cities, towns and villages when no sign says otherwise, in Ontario, Quebec, Alberta and British Columbia. School zones and construction zones often have lower limits.
Country roads
The default outside towns in Ontario, Saskatchewan and British Columbia, and on Alberta's municipal roads. Alberta's provincial highways default to 100. Quebec's default is 90 on paved roads and 70 on gravel roads.
Dual carriageways
There is no separate default. Divided highways are signposted, most often between 90 and 110. Alberta's are signposted 100 to 110, and Ontario raised several, such as parts of Highways 7 and 115, to 110 in 2026.
Motorways
Freeways are signposted. Quebec's autoroutes have a maximum of 100 and a minimum of 60. About 89 per cent of Ontario's freeways, including most of the 400-series and the QEW, are now signposted 110 after increases completed in September 2026. British Columbia signs 120 on the Coquihalla Highway, and Alberta has a 120 trial section on Highway 2 south of Leduc.
- Each province sets its own limits, so check the signs when you cross a provincial border.
- In Ontario, driving 40 km/h or more over a limit below 80, 50 km/h or more over any limit, or 150 km/h anywhere is stunt driving. Police suspend your licence for 30 days and impound the car for 14 days at the roadside, even if it isn't your car.
- In Ontario, speeding fines double in construction zones when workers are present.
- In Quebec, speeding fines double in roadwork zones and in school zones from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday, September to June.
- Quebec also doubles the fine for 40 km/h or more over a limit of 60 or less, 50 km/h or more over a limit above 60 and up to 90, and 60 km/h or more over a limit of 100.
Who goes first
Look left first
You stop at the stop line.
Priority to the right
Both cars arrive at a junction with no signs or lines.
First to stop goes first
Every approach has a stop sign.
The app animates all 8 junctions for Canada, including the ones above.
Open it in the appSigns to know
StopSTOP
Come to a complete stop.
Stop (Quebec)ARRÊT
Come to a complete stop. This is the usual stop sign in Quebec.
All-way stopALL WAY
Traffic from every direction at this junction must stop.
All-way stop plate (Quebec)All-directions stop plate
Shows which other directions also have to stop. With an octagon on all four roads, everyone stops.
Give wayYield (Cédez le passage)
Give way to traffic in or near the junction.
Speed limitMAXIMUM
The highest speed allowed, in km/h.
School zoneSchool zone (zone scolaire)
You are entering a school zone.
School bus stop signStop arm
Children are getting on or off the bus.
No right turn on red
You may not turn right while the light is red.
Photo radarRadar photo
A fixed or mobile photo radar is nearby, or may be in the area (Quebec).
Railway crossing
Railway tracks cross the road here.
RoadworksConstruction zone (Travaux)
You are entering a construction zone.
Speed cameras
Cameras depend on the province. Ontario banned municipal speed cameras from 14 November 2025 but still uses red light cameras. Quebec uses fixed and mobile photo radar, announced by green signs showing a camera, plus red light cameras. British Columbia has intersection cameras that catch red light running and, at some sites, speeding. Alberta allows photo radar only in school, playground and construction zones, not on provincial highways. Radar detectors are illegal in Ontario, Quebec and most other provinces, but legal in British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Mobile camera
SignpostedMobile photo radar (radar photo mobile)
Looks like: A camera mounted on a van, a trailer or a tripod at the roadside.
Catches: Speeding.
Used in Quebec, often in roadwork zones. Area signs warn that a mobile radar may be present, but some units outside roadwork zones are signposted only about 10 metres ahead. Alberta allows photo radar only in school, playground and construction zones.
Red light camera
Sometimes signpostedRed light camera (intersection safety camera in British Columbia)
Catches: Entering the junction after the light has turned red. Some sites in British Columbia and Quebec also catch speeding, on any colour of light.
Quebec announces them with signs. In British Columbia they photograph only when the light is red, not a left-turning car already in the junction, and two officers review every ticket. Ontario kept red light cameras after its 2025 speed camera ban. In Alberta they may only enforce red lights.
Every camera type in Canada, the warning signs and how fines reach you
Licence and International Driving Permits
| Licence from | Permit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada | Not needed | A valid licence in English is accepted for a visit. Ontario requires an IDP for visitors from another country who stay longer than 3 months, and Quebec for stays longer than 6 months. |
| the EU, Switzerland, Iceland, Japan | Recommended | Alberta strongly recommends an IDP with a licence that is not in English, and Quebec recommends one with a licence not in French or English. Licences in French are fine in Quebec. Carry the IDP together with your licence. |
What to carry
- Driving licence
- International Driving Permit if your licence needs one
- The car's ownership permit (registration), or an exact copy
- Proof of the car's insurance
- Hire agreement
Zones and tolls
Island of Montréal
No right turn on a red light anywhere on the island. Where: Every street on the island of Montréal. Fine: $100 to $200 and 3 demerit points.
Tip: Signs at the bridges, tunnels and airport mark the start of the ban. Wait for the green light.
School zones in Quebec
The limit can be no higher than 50 km/h on school days, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday, September to June. Where: Around schools, marked by yellow-green pentagon signs. Fine: Speeding fines are doubled.
Tip: A sign with the word Fin marks the end of the zone.
Construction zones
Lower limits apply. In Ontario speeding fines double when workers are present, and in Quebec they double in roadwork zones. Where: Roadworks across Canada, marked by orange signs. Fine: Double the normal speeding fine.
Tip: Slow down as soon as you see orange signs.
Tolls
Most Canadian roads are free. The main toll road is Highway 407 ETR north of Toronto, which has no booths and bills by number plate. Quebec has two toll bridges, and a few bridges elsewhere charge at booths.
- Highway 407 ETR runs 108 km from the QEW in the west to Brock Road in the east. Cameras read the plate. Without a transponder you pay a camera charge for each trip and an account fee for each month you use it.
- For a hire car, 407 ETR bills the hire company, which bills you under your rental agreement with its own fees. The bill can arrive months after the trip. Ask the hire company how it handles 407 tolls before you use the road.
- Highway 407 East, from Brock Road in Pickering to Highway 35/115 in Clarington, has been free since 1 June 2025. Highways 412 and 418 are also free.
- Quebec's A25 bridge between Montréal and Laval (Pont Olivier-Charbonneau) has no booths. The bill is posted to the owner, with extra fees for trips without a transponder.
- Quebec's A30 bridge near Salaberry-de-Valleyfield (Pont Serge-Marcil) is paid on the spot by debit or credit card. Cash is not accepted.
- The Confederation Bridge to Prince Edward Island charges only when you leave the island, by cash or card.
- Nova Scotia's Cobequid Pass on Highway 104 charges vehicles registered outside Nova Scotia at a booth.
- Bridges to the United States, such as the Ambassador, Blue Water and Peace bridges, charge at booths by cash or card, in Canadian or US dollars.
Fuel and parking
| At the pump | Means |
|---|---|
| Essence | Petrol (gasoline) |
| Carburant | Fuel |
- In Montréal, read the signs on a pole from the top down. The top sign is usually the most restrictive and overrides the others.
- In Montréal, an arrow on a parking sign pointing along the street marks where a restriction starts, and one pointing towards the pavement marks where it ends. With no arrow, the rule applies to the next junction.
- In Montréal, don't park within 5 metres of a fire hydrant, traffic light, stop sign or crossing, or more than 30 cm from the kerb.
- Montréal clears snow day and night and puts temporary signs on posts before it does. Check before you leave the car.
- In Québec City, most downtown and Old Québec streets have paid parking marked P$, usually from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. You pay by number plate, and the payment stays valid if you move to another paid street.
- Québec City bans street parking during snow clearing from 1 November to 15 April. Flashing orange lights announce it.
Seasons and weather
- Quebec: winter tyres are required from 1 December to 15 March on Quebec-registered cars, including hire cars. Cars registered elsewhere are exempt, but winter tyres are strongly advised.
- Quebec: studded tyres are allowed on cars from 15 October to 1 May.
- British Columbia: winter tyres or chains are required on most highways from 1 October to 30 April, on routes marked by signs. Some routes end on 31 March. Drivers without them can be turned back and fined.
- British Columbia: many coastal areas around Vancouver and southern Vancouver Island don't need winter tyres, but routes such as the Malahat do.
- Montréal and Québec City restrict street parking for snow clearing in winter. Look for temporary signs in Montréal and flashing orange lights in Québec City.
Driving in the cities
Toronto
Highway 407 ETR north of the city has no booths. Cameras read the plate and the hire company passes the bill on.
When a streetcar stops for passengers, stay at least 2 metres behind its rear doors.
Municipal speed cameras were switched off on 14 November 2025, but red light cameras remain.
Stunt driving rules apply on the freeways: 150 km/h or more brings an on-the-spot 30-day licence suspension and 14-day impoundment.
Montréal
No right turn on a red light anywhere on the island.
Signs are in French. A stop sign says ARRÊT.
Winter tyres are required on Quebec-registered cars, including hire cars, from 1 December to 15 March.
The A25 bridge to Laval has no booths. The toll is billed to the car's owner.
Read parking signs from the top down, and look for temporary snow-clearing signs in winter.
Québec City
Right turn on red is allowed after a complete stop unless a sign forbids it.
Downtown and Old Québec streets have paid parking marked P$, paid by number plate, usually from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
From 1 November to 15 April, flashing orange lights announce snow clearing, and street parking is then banned.
Reserved bus and taxi lanes are closed to cars during the posted hours.
Vancouver
Many coastal areas don't need winter tyres, but most highways beyond them do from 1 October to 30 April.
Intersection cameras catch red light running and, at some sites, speeding. Tickets go to the registered owner.
Radar detectors are legal in British Columbia, unlike in Ontario and Quebec.
Questions people ask about driving in Canada
Can you turn right on a red light in Canada?
Yes, after a complete stop and once the way is clear, unless a sign forbids it. It is banned everywhere on the island of Montréal.
Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Canada?
Not for a short visit if your licence is in English. Alberta strongly recommends one if your licence is not in English, and Quebec if it is not in French or English. Ontario requires one for visitors staying longer than 3 months.
What is the speed limit on Canadian highways?
Freeways are signposted 100 or 110 km/h in most provinces. Most Ontario freeways are now 110, Quebec's autoroutes are 100, and British Columbia has 120 on the Coquihalla. Where no sign is posted, roads outside towns default to 80 to 100 depending on the province.
Are winter tyres mandatory in Canada?
In Quebec, yes, from 1 December to 15 March on Quebec-registered cars, including hire cars. In British Columbia, winter tyres or chains are required on most highways from 1 October to 30 April.
What is the drink-driving limit in Canada?
The criminal limit is 0.08, but Ontario and Alberta suspend your licence on the spot from 0.05. Quebec has no penalty below 0.08 for fully licensed drivers. New and young drivers must have zero alcohol.
How do I pay the 407 toll in a hire car?
You don't stop to pay. Cameras read the plate, 407 ETR bills the hire company, and the hire company bills you, with a camera charge per trip, an account fee and its own fees.
Does Ontario still have speed cameras?
No. Municipal speed cameras were banned from 14 November 2025. Red light cameras are still in use.
Who goes first at a four-way stop?
The first car to stop completely. If two stop at the same time, the car on the left lets the car on the right go first.
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Sources
Checked 15 October 2026. Official sources first.
- The Official Ministry of Transportation (MTO) Driver's Handbook (full text) Government of Ontario
- Official MTO Driver's Handbook: Signs Government of Ontario
- Official MTO Driver's Handbook: Traffic lights Government of Ontario
- Official MTO Driver's Handbook: Sharing the road with other road users Government of Ontario
- Official MTO Driver's Handbook: Dealing with particular situations Government of Ontario
- Official MTO Driver's Handbook: Driving along Government of Ontario
- Drive in Ontario: visitors Government of Ontario
- Impaired driving Government of Ontario
- Distracted driving Government of Ontario
- Distracted driving legislation CAA South Central Ontario
- Speeding and stunt driving CAA South Central Ontario
- Winter preparation Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ)
- Turning right on a red light: what the law says Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ)
- Turning right on a red light Gouvernement du Québec
- Drinking and driving: what the law says Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ)
- Non-resident (visitor, tourist or other) Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ)
- Speed limits Gouvernement du Québec
- Traffic rules when school buses are present Gouvernement du Québec
- Intersection driving manoeuvres Gouvernement du Québec
- School zone signs Gouvernement du Québec
- Regulatory signs Gouvernement du Québec
- Warning signs Gouvernement du Québec
- About photo radars Gouvernement du Québec
- Offences detected by photo radars Gouvernement du Québec
- Signs indicating photo radars Gouvernement du Québec
- Les connaissances de base sur les panneaux de signalisation (August 2022) Ministère des Transports et de la Mobilité durable du Québec
- Winter tire and chain-up routes Government of British Columbia
- Intersection safety cameras: how it works Government of British Columbia (RoadSafetyBC)
- Moving from another country ICBC (Insurance Corporation of British Columbia)
- Photo radar in Alberta Government of Alberta
- Exchange a licence from outside Alberta Government of Alberta
- Impaired driving penalties Government of Alberta
- Divided highway speed limit increase survey Government of Alberta
- Speed Strathcona County, Alberta
- Saskatchewan Driver's Handbook 2026-27 SGI (Saskatchewan Government Insurance)
- Saskatchewan Driver's Handbook: Traffic signals SGI (Saskatchewan Government Insurance)
- Traffic Signs Regulations (Motor Vehicle Act) Government of Nova Scotia
- Infographic: New alcohol-impaired driving laws Department of Justice Canada
- Using your vehicle lights to see and be seen Transport Canada
- Effectiveness of daytime running lights in Canada (Transport Canada, 1994) TRID, Transportation Research Board
- Rental car 407 ETR
- FAQ 407 ETR
- Voyager sur des routes à péage CAA-Québec
- Ford government officially lifts tolls on stretch of Hwy 407 East (1 June 2025) CP24
- The End of ASE: Latest Red Tape Reduction Bill Receives Royal Assent AMCTO (Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario)
- Ontario raises speed limits on several highways effective Friday (21 August 2026) CP24
- Ontario Raising Speed Limits on Most Provincial Highways (Ontario government release, reposted 29 July 2026) Office of Doug Ford, MPP
- Speed limits in Canada Wikipedia
- Road signs in Canada Wikipedia
- Quebec boosting photo radar presence (1 December 2012) Truck News
- 133 millions de dollars récoltés en contraventions grâce aux radars photo en 2025 (7 January 2026) RPM
- Are radar detectors legal in Canada? Escort Radar Canada
- How to navigate a roundabout CAA North & East Ontario
- Can you rent a car under 25 in Canada? Enterprise Rent-A-Car Canada
- Stationnements et règlements de la circulation Destination Québec cité (Québec City tourism office)
- En finir avec le cauchemar des panneaux de signalisation Immigrant Québec
- Routes à péage au Canada Authentik Canada