By Driving in Canada is a privilege. Just like in the United States, in order to drive in Canada you must show that you understand the traffic laws and that you can safely operate a motor vehicle on city roads. Fortunately for those who live along the US-Canada border the driving laws between these two countries are very similar. For example, in both the United States and Canada, the driver’s side of the vehicle is on the left but you operate your vehicle on the right side of the road.
Here is a few other MyLawyer.ca driving laws [that just might feel a little familiar to US citizens, too]:
MINIMUM DRIVING AGE
In Canada, just like in the United States, the minimum driving age is 16. To be a professional driver you might have to be at least 21 years of age or have at least a minimum of one year driving experience.
SPEED LIMITS
In Canada, you must drive within the speed limits, which are:
- 50 km/h in city areas
- 80 km/h on thoroughfares
- 100 km/h on rural highways/freeways
SEAT BELT LAW
All drivers and passengers are required to wear seat belts when riding in a vehicle operating on a city road. Anyone caught in a vehicle not wearing a seat belt can be subject to a fine of $500.
NO PERMIT
You are also required to keep, inside your vehicle, the appropriate documents associated with your legal benefit for operating a car. This includes your driver’s license as well as the vehicle registration and valid insurance; all must be printed in either English or French.
DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE
As in the United States, too, drunk driving laws in Canada can be quite strict. The limit in Canada, though, is the same as in the United Kingdom: 80mg per 100mL of blood. Some provinces, though, have only half that allowance; this is all similar to the 0.08 BAL allowance in the United States, too. Each province has slightly different punishments for violating this law but the minimum is typically at least a fine of $1,000 and at least a one-year suspension of your license.
