Tourist and Traveler
Information for Ontario
Driving in Northern Ontario
Automobiles
A valid driver's license from any
country is good here for 3 months. You should bring your vehicle
registration forms and a free Canadian Non-Resident Insurance Card
from your insurance agent, or a copy of the policy itself. Minimum
liability insurance in Ontario is $200,000. If you're driving
someone else's car get a letter of permission signed by the owner.
If you're driving a rented car bring a copy of your rental
agreement.
Speed Limits
On multi-lane controlled access
highways the normal speed limits are from 90-100 km/hour (55-62
mph), on two-lane highways it's 80-90 km/hour (50-55 mph), and in
urban or other populated areas it can run from 40, 50, to 60 km/hour
(25,30,37 mph) or as posted.
In many towns or cities the speed
limit is 50 km/hour (30 mph) unless posted otherwise.
Services
The OPP (Ontario Provincial Police)
are responsible for highways, and other areas like the lakes and
waterways, that are not serviced by municipal police forces. If you
are involved in an accident you must notify the police and remain at
the scene until cleared to leave by the investigating officers.
First aid stations are found along highways and are clearly posted.
Highway and driving conditions are available all year round from the
Ministry of Transportation's regional toll-free numbers. You can
find these numbers listed on the Ontario Official Road Map. You may
also call 1-800-268-1376 for additional information.
Restrictions
Ontario law requires that adults and
children over 40 lbs must wear seat belts. Infants and children to
20 lbs must travel in a rear facing child restraint system. Children
from 20 to 40 lbs must travel in a front facing child restraint
seat. Children over 40 lbs can use either a booster seat or a
regular lap seat belt.
Windshields and side-front windows
must allow a clear view of the vehicle's interior. Studded tires are
forbidden on our highways.
Radar Warning Devices
The use or transport of radar
detection devices is illegal. Our police are likely to confiscate
such devices and fine you as well.
Rental Automobiles
Rental cars are available at our
international airports and in most towns and cites. The minimum age
varies from 21 to 25 and most companies will require a credit card
to rent a vehicle.
All information on this web site was accurate at the time of
writing. Laws change. The information contained here is meant
only
to be a casual introduction to the laws and requirements to
enter Canada and should not be considered the final word in
accuracy. Please call one of the following governmental
agencies for additional information before trying to enter the
country.
