Nova Scotia speed limits and key traffic laws

By the end of this topic you can

• You can state the default speed limits that apply where no sign is posted.
• You can explain when a school area speed limit applies.
• You can say what to do when a school bus shows amber or red lights.
• You can apply the slow down, move over rule safely.
• You can adjust your speed to conditions even when below the limit.

What you need to know and understand

• Where no speed sign applies, the limit is 80 km/h, except 50 km/h in an urban area, a public park, or near a place of worship while people are arriving or leaving.
• A school area limit is the speed posted on the sign at the start of the school area, and it applies when a child is outdoors on the road or within 30 metres of its centre line.
• Fines for speeding in a school area or a temporary work area are doubled.
• Speeding points are 2, 3 or 4, depending on whether you were up to 15, more than 15, or more than 30 km/h over.
• When passing a stopped emergency vehicle, recovery vehicle or service truck with flashing lights, slow to 60 km/h or the posted limit if lower, and move out of the closest lane if you safely can.
• A vehicle with a slow-moving vehicle sign cannot travel faster than 40 km/h.
• Driving so slowly that you hold up normal traffic is also an offence.

School buses: amber and red

Passing a school bus with red lights flashing is one of the most serious rule offences and carries a large fine and demerit points.

• Amber lights flashing: the bus is about to stop. Prepare to stop. You may go by with caution.
• Red lights flashing: stop before reaching the bus, whichever direction you are coming from, and stay stopped until the red lights go off.
• Divided highway: if a physical median separates you from the bus, you do not have to stop. Painted lines alone do not count as a median.

Slow down, move over in practice

The rule covers traffic in either direction on the same roadway. Fines for breaking it are doubled.

1. Watch well ahead for flashing red or amber lights on a vehicle stopped on or beside the road.
2. Check mirrors and blind spot, then move into a lane further away if one is available and it is safe.
3. If you cannot change lanes, slow to 60 km/h or the posted limit, whichever is lower.
4. Pass carefully, then return to normal speed once well clear.

Speed for the conditions

A posted limit is a maximum for ideal conditions. In rain, fog, snow, darkness or heavy traffic you must slow down further. The handbook gives ideal-condition stopping distances of about 63 metres at 50 km/h and 140 metres at 80 km/h, and wet or icy roads make them much longer.

Speeding more than 15 km/h over the limit can also bring a short suspension certified by the court: 7 days for a first offence, rising for repeat offences.

Common mistakes

• Assuming the limit is 50 km/h on every unsigned road. Outside urban areas the default is 80 km/h.
• Ignoring a school area sign on a weekend or in summer. The limit applies whenever a child is present.
• Passing a school bus with red lights on a four-lane road with only painted lines between lanes.
• Staying in the lane next to a stopped tow truck with flashing lights when the next lane was free.
• Driving at the limit in fog or snow when conditions call for less.

Test yourself: Nova Scotia speed limits and key traffic laws

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Nova Scotia Traffic Safety Act
• How to Get a Driver’s Licence in Nova Scotia
• Nova Scotia Demerit Points and Suspensions for New Drivers