Helpful Information For Ontario Travellers
Things you should know about Ontario - such as rules of the road, licences,
permits - and lists of people who can help you have a most enjoyable vacation.
Getting Around Ontario
Public Transportation
Ontario is laced with a network of regional and national airline routes,
railways, bus routes and ferries. If you're heading to more remote locations,
you can book a charter flight. Several airlines provide scheduled air service to
more than 50 airports across the province. Please keep in mind that weather
conditions can delay or even cancel flights in or out of remote outposts. For
public transit information, call the municipality that you will be visiting.
Ontario Tourism Signs
To help visitors find their destinations easily, Ontario has introduced a system
of specially designed signs so a wide range of tourism attractions can be posted
on provincial highways. The blue and white signs use text, symbols and
directional information.
HELPFUL HIGHWAY TIPS
CAA Service.
The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) is connected with
several international automobile clubs, including the American Automobile
Association (AAA), and members can receive reciprocal benefits. For more
information, please call
the CAA in Toronto (416) 221-4300 or toll-free from anywhere in Ontario
1-800-268-3750.
Documents.
A valid driver's licence from any country is good in Canada for
three months, but you may want to get an International Driver's Licence before
your trip, for extra identification.
If you're driving over the border, bring the vehicle registration forms and a
free Canadian Non-Resident Insurance Card from your insurance agent, or the
policy itself The minimum combined liability insurance in Ontario is $200,000.
If you're 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.
Automobile Rentals.
Rentals are available at our international airports, train
terminals and in many of our communities. Minimum age varies between 21 and 25.
You usually need a credit card to rent a car.
Services.
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) patrol the highways and other
areas without municipal police services. You can reach them locally by calling
one of the regional toll-free numbers listed on the Ontario Official Road Map.
If you are involved in a collision resulting in a personal injury or property
damage over $700, you must call the police and remain at the scene of the
accident until cleared by the investigating officers. First aid stations and
hospitals are clearly posted along the highways.
Information on highway conditions in the winter and construction during
the summer is available all year from the Ministry of Transportation regional
offices. These numbers are in the blue pages of the telephone book. The 24-hour,
toll-free number is 1-800-268-1376.
In Toronto, call the Road Information Office at (416) 235-1110, or the Metro
Transportation Road Information Line at (416) 599-9090.
Tolls.
International bridges, tunnels and ferries charge a fee, but our
highways are toll-free. The only exception is Hwy. 407 Express Toll Route. This
highway runs across the north of Toronto from Pickering to Burlington. Hwy. 407
(ETR) is a modern toll highway and has no toll booths. Cameras at all on and off
ramps photograph licence plates of all vehicles. The owner will be sent a bill.
Reciprocal agreements have been made with most jurisdictions in North America.
For more information on Hwy. 407 (ETR), call 1-888-407-0407 or (905) 264-5330.
RULES OF THE ROAD
Ontario traffic rules may be a bit different than the ones you're used to. So
here's a list of traffic tips for your Ontario trip.
Bicycles.
Bicycles are considered vehicles and must obey the same traffic
laws. Bicycles are not allowed on controlled access highways. For cyclists under
the age of 18, it's mandatory to wear a bicycle helmet. However, the Ministry of Transportation urges all cyclists, of any age,
to wear a helmet.
Highway Rest Areas.
There are many highway rest areas along Hwy. 401 and on
Hwy. 400, featuring food services and service stations.
Hitchhiking.
Hitchhiking is not allowed on major highways.
Right Turns On Red Lights.
You can make right turns on red lights, unless
signs indicate you can't. You must come to a full stop, then proceed with
caution if the way is clear.
School Buses.
Traffic travelling in both directions, except divided roads or
highways, must stop for a yellow school bus when its red lights are flashing and
the stop arm is extended.
Seatbelts.
Ontario law requires all adults and children weighing over 18 kg
(40 lb.) to be properly restrained using the full seatbelt assembly; which is
the lap belt and the shoulder belt portions. Children weighing less than 18 kg
(40 lb.) must be properly restrained with a child safety seat appropriate to the
child's weight. Infants from birth to 9 kg (20 lb.) must travel in a rear-facing
infant seat. Toddlers weighing from 9 kg
(20 lb.) to 18 kg (40 lb.) must travel in a forward-facing child safety seat. It
is recommended that all children under the age of 12 sit in the back seat of a
vehicle with a front-seat airbag. Never place a rear-facing infant safety seat
in a seating position where there is an airbag.
Speed Limits.
Speed limits in Ontario are in kilometres per hour (km/h).
Freeways have a speed limit of 100 km/h (62 mph); the Trans-Canada routes
90 km/h (56 mph). Most other rural highways and country roads have a speed limit
of 80 km/h (50 mph).
Streetcar Stops - Toronto.
Vehicles must be at a stand-still stop at least two
metres (six feet) behind the rearmost door of a stopping or stopped streetcar,
for the safety of passengers getting on or off.
Studded Tires.
Out of Province Visitors can use studded tires, as long as they do not stay longer than 30
days. The stud weight regulation does not apply to visitors. Similarly to
Northern residents, they can use studded tires, in the legal period, anywhere in
Ontario
See
http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/faq/vehicle.htm#studs
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