Ontario speed limits and key traffic laws

By the end of this topic you can

• You can state Ontario's default speed limits where none is posted.
• You can explain what stunt driving means in Ontario and its roadside penalties.
• You can follow the school bus law correctly from either direction.
• You can slow down and move over for stopped emergency vehicles and tow trucks.

What you need to know and understand

• With no posted limit, the maximum is 50 km/h in cities, towns and villages and 80 km/h elsewhere.
• Many provincial highway sections once posted at 100 km/h are now posted at 110 km/h; always obey the sign.
• Speeding fines are doubled in construction zones when workers are present, and fines are increased in community safety zones.
• Driving 40 km/h or more over a limit under 80 km/h, 50 km/h or more over the limit, or 150 km/h or more anywhere can bring stunt driving charges.
• Stunt driving brings an immediate 30-day licence suspension and a 14-day vehicle impoundment at the roadside.
• Radar detectors and other speed-measuring warning devices are illegal.

Choosing a safe speed

The posted maximum is not a target. Drive slower in bad weather, heavy traffic and construction zones. Some school zones post a lower limit that applies when yellow lights are flashing. Speeding demerits rise with speed: 3 points for 16 to 29 km/h over, 4 points for 30 to 49 km/h over, and 6 points for 50 km/h or more over (or 40 km/h or more over on a road posted under 80 km/h).

If convicted of stunt driving, a driver faces a fine of $2,000 to $10,000, six demerit points, a possible jail term of up to six months and a longer suspension.

School buses: stop means stop

A first offence brings a fine of $400 to $2,000 and six demerit points. School bus drivers and other witnesses can report a vehicle that passes illegally, and its registered owner can then be fined.

• Amber lights flashing: slow down and prepare to stop.
• Red lights flashing or stop arm out: stop, whether you are behind the bus or facing it.
• From behind, stop at least 20 metres away.
• On a road with a median, only traffic behind the bus must stop.
• Wait until the bus moves, or the red lights stop flashing and the stop arm folds away.

Emergency vehicles and tow trucks

When an emergency vehicle approaches with lights or siren, pull as near as practical to the right edge and stop, staying clear of intersections. Do not follow a fire vehicle responding to an alarm within 150 metres.

When you approach a stopped emergency vehicle with red, or red and blue, lights flashing, or a stopped tow truck with amber lights flashing, slow down and pass with caution. On a road with two or more lanes in your direction, also move into a lane away from it if safe. Failing to do so can bring three demerit points.

Common mistakes

• Assuming 80 km/h on an unsigned town street. Inside cities, towns and villages the default is 50 km/h.
• Driving past a school bus with red lights on a multi-lane road with no median. All lanes must stop.
• Braking hard next to a stopped tow truck. Slow early and change lanes in good time.
• Keeping up with fast traffic. Stunt driving thresholds are easy to cross on highways.

Test yourself: Ontario speed limits and key traffic laws

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

Go deeper

• Ontario Traffic Signs and Pavement Markings
• DriveTest Road Test Booking in Ontario
• Ontario Roundabout Rules, Four-Way Stops and Crossovers