Do you live in Ontario, Manitoba, Newfoundland, or any other Canadian province? To educate you about road driving rules, we prepared this detailed guide on the Canadian Highway Traffic Act.
Even if you are a company that wants to explore products for traffic safety, you can read this and get our expert knowledge. Our team has also added driving fines and demerit points for your better understanding.
What is Highway Traffic Act?
Highway Traffic Act (also called HTA) is a law that gives you the rules to drive in different provinces of Canada. It makes sure traffic flows safely to keep drivers, pedestrians and cyclists protected on the road.
This government act has also listed everything you need to know about traffic signals, lights, railway crossings, and parking, etc.
Ontario Highway Traffic Act Regulations
Stop Signs (Installed at Intersections)
You may often see stop signs at intersections or busy roads. Basically, Ontario municipal councils install these safety signs for your protection. Therefore, every sign is installed according to the Ministry’s rules. It is done to tell you where to stop safely.
Vehicles with Right Hand Drive
If your vehicle has right-hand drive you must show a clear message at the back. You place the words “RIGHT HAND DRIVE VEHICLE” in bold letters. The letters stay at least 50 mm high and in a colour that stands out from your vehicle. This way, other drivers see your message on time and stay alert around you.
Yield Right-of-Way Signs
When you come near a yield sign, you should slow your vehicle to a safe speed. If the road looks risky, you must stop. Always try to give way to traffic that is already in the intersection or coming closer. When the road looks clear, you can move ahead with care.
Speed-Limiting Systems
In case of a commercial vehicle, it must stay on the road with a speed-limiting system. You have to keep this system active and it must follow the rules set by the regulators. You also do not switch it off and do not allow anyone else to do that.
Right of Way on Entering Highway From Private Road
When you enter a highway from a private road, you must give way to traffic already on the highway. If a vehicle comes close enough to feel unsafe, you must wait. This rule keeps you and others safe when you are on the road.
But this rule does not apply when a traffic signal controls your driveway. In that case, you follow the signal lights and move as the signal allows.
Pedestrian Crossover
When a pedestrian uses a marked crossover, you have to stop before you enter these markings. You do not pass any vehicle that has already stopped at that spot. You have to wait until the pedestrian steps off the roadway.
You should not follow any vehicle too close near a crossover. Remember, not to let the front of your vehicle pass the front of the vehicle ahead.
Traffic Control Signals
In Ontario, when a traffic light becomes red at an intersection then stop at the sign or near the road marking. If there is no marking, you should stay before you enter the nearest crosswalk. If the road has no sign, no marking and no crosswalk then you can stop before you enter the intersection.
Pedestrian Control Signals
If you are at a traffic signal and the signal is finished but the pedestrians are on the road. At such a time, you have to wait for the pedestrians that are crossing. You move only after the crosswalk is clear.
Portable Signal Lights
In case of road work, you may see portable lane control signals on the highway. These signals guide you. A green light means you can move ahead. An amber light means you should pass with care. A red light means you must stop and wait until you find a green signal.
Overtaking and Passing Rules
When you meet another vehicle on the road, you have to move a little to the right. You give the other driver half of the road. If a faster vehicle or even a rider on a horse comes from the backside give them way. Furthermore, this rule does not apply to road service trucks or road-building machines when they work on the road.
Stop at Through Highway
You have to stop your vehicle on the stopline when you come across a stop sign. If there is no stopline then stop before the crosswalk. But if a crosswalk is also not present, you can stop right before the intersection.
U-turns Prohibited
Well, this law says never try to turn your vehicle to go the opposite way in risky spots. You have to avoid curves where you can see 150 meters ahead. Avoid sharp turns near bridges, viaducts or tunnels where your view is blocked.
Emergency Vehicles
When you hear a police siren or see flashing red lights, stop immediately and give way. Move your vehicle as close as possible to the right-hand side of the road. Do not overtake emergency vehicles like fire trucks, police vans or ambulances.
Railway Crossings
If a railway crossing has no gates and signal lights then stop at least 5 metres from the nearest rail. When you stop, look both ways along the track, open your door to listen for any sound of trains. Only cross the tracks when it is completely safe. This thing keeps you and passengers safe near railways.
Signs and Markings
Lieutenant Governor makes rules about road signs and markings. These rules decide what types of signs will be placed on which highways. So, you can not install any sign board without their approval. After installation, you must follow the instructions shown on the signs.
Defacing / Removing Notices or Obstructions
There are many notice boards and sign boards like object markers placed on the roads of Ontario. If you remove and damage any official notice or barrier on the road. It is considered an offence. If caught, you could face a fine.
Road-Building Machines
You cannot drive or allow a road-building machine on a highway unless it follows the specific rules. These regulations make sure the machine is used safely. If you follow them, it keeps both workers and drivers safe on the road.
School Crossings
Every school must have sign boards like stop signs and speed limits are placed near the schools. If there is no sign board then the guard need to hold a stop sign to cross the road with children.
Electronic Toll System
If you have an electronic toll system on a road you have to follow its rules. You can’t use any device or method to block or avoid an electronic toll system. If police officers have a doubt on you, they can stop your vehicle without a warrant. Plus, they can search your vehicle and take away any device or material that breaks this rule.
Use of Automated Speed Enforcement System Authorized
You may see automated speed enforcement systems in certain areas. It works in community safety zones with a speed limit of below 80 km/h. In case of overspeeding, you (car owner) will be only responsible for it.
Red Light Camera System
A photograph from a red light camera can be used as evidence of illegal activity. But the photo must meet the rules set in the regulations. If a provincial officer certifies the photo, it is accepted as proof that the red light camera took it.
Pre-Empting Traffic Control Signal Devices
Pre-Empting device is a tool that is designed to manipulate the traffic signals. Like you can turn red light into green. If a police officer thinks you have this type of device he can stop you. If you are convicted for breaking this rule, the device is taken by the government.
Safety Devices
The Lieutenant Governor introduces rules about vehicle safety. These rules decide what devices you can use like ABS, ESC or ADAS. It also tells you which vehicles or drivers must follow them.
Report Accident
When you see an accident you must report it to higher authorities. This rule applies if someone is hurt and property damage happens. Moreover, you need to give all the information to the police officer about the accident.
Driving a Privilege
This act tells you that a person with a driving license can drive on the highway. In simple words, learners and new drivers are not allowed to join the highway. Plus, your driving license should be according to your vehicle type.
Impoundment of Motor Vehicles
When a police officer of Ontario finds your car in a restricted area. And you have a vehicle without the required ignition interlock device. Your vehicle will be detained. It will be taken to an impound facility at your cost and kept there for seven days.
Highway Traffic Act Manitoba
Parking and Leaving Vehicles
This act says that you can’t park on a highway without a solid reason. The reason can be damaged vehicle or engine failure. At such a time, you must turn off the engine, take out the keys and set the brakes. Furthermore, turn the front wheel toward the side of the road.
Suspension For Serious Accidents
In case of any accident on the highway, when it costs more than $1000, some actions will be taken. The driver’s licence will be suspended in Manitoba. The vehicle registration of the owner is also dismissed. Actually, this applies when the vehicle is registered under The Drivers and Vehicles Act.
Warning Device on Slow Vehicles
If there is no speed limit sign or warning sign you can’t drive under 40 km/h. But in some cases if you do that then your vehicle need to show a back reflectorized slow-moving sign. When you have no reflector, then your vehicle should have a flashing amber light.
Dangerous Riding
This act says, No one should ride in a moving vehicle in a dangerous way. Which means, you cannot sit on the hood, sides or back of the vehicle. The driver must make sure everyone rides safely.
Speed Limit Rules
You can not drive a moped or mobile vehicle on a Provincial Trunk Highway if the speed limit is over 80 km/h. This rule keeps you safe because fast traffic moves on that road. But there is one exception. You may cross that highway at an intersection. So, you should cross it in the shortest and straight route.
Helmets Required
When you are on a cycle or bike you have to wear a safety helmet. Your helmet should fit well and meet the official safety standards. But If your motorcycle has a protective cab then a helmet is not needed. The government makes rules about what kind of helmets are safe to use.
Prohibition of Driving on Sidewalk
You can’t drive on a crosswalk or pedestrian marking on a Manitoba highway. Except when you enter or leave the highway but with a safe space. On divided highways, you cannot cross the barrier or dividing section. Moreover, for limited-access highways, vehicles can only enter or leave at places allowed by the traffic authority.
Radar Detection Devices
It is not allowed for anyone to install or keep radar detection devices in vehicles. If a police officer finds a vehicle with a radar-detecting device. And finds a person inside a vehicle who has this device, the officer may take the device away.
Temporary Traffic Control Devices
Sometimes, workers remove a stop sign, yield sign or traffic signal for construction. But the zone still needs clear guidance for you and other drivers. If there is no flagman then the traffic authority must place a temporary stop sign, yield sign or signal in that spot.
Highway Traffic Act NL
Sign Boards
A highway with a special speed limit must have clear signs at both ends. These signs face the traffic that enters that part of the road. The sign shows words like “Speed Limit”, “Maximum”, “Maximum Speed” or the symbol for it. It also shows the exact speed you need to follow.
Speed Limit in a Construction Zone
There are some rules that you should follow on roads near construction zones of Newfoundland. Like your construction zone must have sign boards on both ends. So, if signs show a lower speed, you should follow that speed.
School Zone
The road near a school must have sign boards to inform the drivers in advance. These sign boards include speed limit signs boards and school zone boards. You have to follow markings & crosswalks.
Right-of-Way for Emergency Vehicles
If an emergency vehicle is stopped on the road or shoulder you have to slow your car. If the speed limit is under 60 km/h, you should slow down to 30 km/h. Plus, you can’t overtake emergency vehicles when the siren is on.
Pedestrian in Crosswalk
You should slow down your vehicle when you reach a crosswalk. If a car already stops for a person at the crosswalk, the car behind does not pass it. Opposite to it, if there is no crosswalk, then the pedestrian gives way to the car.
Parking on Roadway Prohibited
Always follow the guidelines given by the attendant or sign boards. You must stay at least 20 metres away from any bus stop or school bus stop. You can not park your vehicle on private land without the owner’s permission. Plus, you are not allowed to park within 15 meters of a railway crossing.
Seat Belts
You have to wear seat belts when you drive a vehicle in Newfoundland. The seatbelt should be fitted in the right way according to the vehicle’s directions. You can not carry people more than the seat belts. But if you have some medical issues you can avoid it but carry your reports in your car.
Ontario Highway Traffic Act Fines and Points
There is variation in fines and demerit points for common HTA offences. Basically, these fines depend on circumstances. For example: Community Safety Zones where speeding fines are doubled.
- When you do careless driving you can be charged from $400 to $2000.
- If you are following any vehicle too closely then your fine is $85.
- In case when you do not wear a seat belt you have to pay a fine of up to $1000.
- If you are a bus driver or cab driver and you did not ensure the safety of passengers your fine will be up to $1000.
- Stunt driving or any other illegal activity can be charged $2000 – $10000 for the first time. But if you are caught again then this fine will be doubled.
- When you do not follow sign boards and traffic signals you have to pay $85.
- If you do not stop behind a bus stop when students are entering you can be fined $400+. Furthermore, this fine is increased for the second time.
- If you hit someone accidentally and run off from the spot, you can get a fine of $400 to $2,000.
- Over speeding on the highway also stuck you in penalties. It can vary according to your speed. For example: 50+ km/h over limit: $9.75 per km.
Highway Traffic Act demerit points
- If you drive 16–29 km/h over the limit, your demerit points will be 3.
- When you go 30–49 km/h over the limit, you will get 4 demerit points.
- Speed 50+ km/h over the limit, your demerit points will be 6. Because you may face stunt driving charges.
- You get 6 demerit points when you do careless driving.
- When you drive while distracted, your demerit points are 3.
- If you do not stop for a school bus when children are entering or leaving, your demerit points will be 6.
- Your demerit points are 7 when you leave the scene of an accident.
- If you do not obey stop signs or traffic signals, your demerit points will be 3.
- When you follow another vehicle too closely, your demerit points are 4.
- If you do not ensure passengers safety, your demerit points will be 2.
Fail To Remain Highway Traffic Act
Well, this is a term that is used under section 200 of the Ontario Highway Traffic Act. Actually, “fail to remain” means when you are involved in an accident, you must stay at the place. Even if you are in an emergency you have to come back at the spot.
You also need to help the person who is hurt. Moreover, you should share your information with the other people involved.
Highway Traffic Act Careless Driving
This act comes under section 130 of HTA. In this act “careless driving” means you drive without proper care or attention on the road. This is not a serious charge but you can face more than 6 months of jail if you hit any vehicle. Furthermore in case of death, your licence is suspended for up to 5 years with over 2 years of imprisonment.
Conclusion
We can say, now you have sufficient knowledge about the regulations of Canadian highway act for traffic. All of these rules are made for your safety. Therefore, you must follow them to make sure there are minimum or no road accidents.
If you are looking for a professional supplier of traffic safety products, send us a message today. We will be happy to provide you free consultation as well.
FAQ
What is Section 207 Highway Traffic Act?
Section 207 says that a vehicle owner is responsible if their vehicle is used to break the law. Even if they were not driving at that time.
What is Section 7(1) of the Highway Traffic Act?
This act makes it illegal to drive a vehicle on the road without a valid permit. Hence, you can’t drive your car in case of a “currently invalid permit”. Because you can be fined up to $125.
References:
Canada Road Signs and Meanings: List of 32 Canadian Signs
Highway Traffic Act – Wikipedia
