Information for foreign drivers coming to Ontario
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 fine of $90-$500 and two demerit points.
Passengers over 16 are responsible to wear seatbelts or risk a fine. 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.
To determine what you need to do to comply with recent legislation changes see the following list below provided by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation:
For Infants
Definition: Under 9kg (20 lb.) Some seats will go to 16 kg (35 lb.)
Legislation: Rear-facing
Best Practices: Until able to pull him or herself to a standing position and is a year old.
For Toddlers
Definition: 9 to 18 kg (20 to 40 lb.)
Legislation: Forward-facing (plus tether strap if vehicle is manufactured on or after January 1, 1989)
Best Practices: If child is unable to pull him or herself to a standing position, then may stay rear-facing. Use with a tether strap.
For Preschooler or Primary Grade
Definition: Children under the age of eight, weighing more than 18 kg but less than 36 kg (40-80 lbs) and who stand less than 145 cm (4 feet 9 inches) tall.
Legislation: Booster seat
Best Practices: A child can start using a seatbelt alone once any one of the following criteria is met:
- the child turns eight years old;
- the child weighs 36 kg (80 lbs); or,
- the child is 145 cm (4 feet 9 inches) tall.
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
Hitchhiking is not allowed on major (controlled-access) highways.
Drink and Driving
Don't drink and drive. Driving motorized vehicles, including all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles and boats, 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 privileges for at least one year.
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").
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.
All information contained on this website is the copyright property of MyAutoCafe.com 2008. Questions, comments or reports of abuse should reported by contacting us online.