Ontario Driving Laws 2026: Speed Limits in km/h, G1 Licence Rules, Warn Range BAC and MTO Road Rules

What is the default speed limit in Ontario when no sign is posted? Ontario sets 50 km/h in cities, towns and villages, and 80 km/h everywhere else under the Highway Traffic Act. The Official MTO Driver's Handbook is the study source for the G1 knowledge test. Ontario applies three key alcohol thresholds for drivers: criminal at 0.08%, an immediate roadside Warn Range suspension at 0.05 to 0.079%, and zero alcohol for all G1, G2, M1, M2 drivers and for fully licensed drivers aged 21 or under. Stunt driving on a typical Ontario city road (50 km/h posted) starts at 40 km/h or more over the limit; on roads posted at 80 km/h or higher, stunt driving starts at 50 km/h over the limit or 150 km/h anywhere; both trigger immediate roadside licence suspension and vehicle impoundment.

1. Ontario Speed Limits: 50 km/h Default in Cities, 80 km/h Elsewhere and Stunt Driving at 40 Over

What is the speed limit in a residential area in Ontario, and what happens if no sign is posted? Speed limits are set by provincial law; when no sign is visible, these default limits apply:

Key test point: Speed limits are the maximum under ideal conditions. You must slow down in rain, fog, heavy traffic, or at night even if you are under the posted limit. The posted limit is the maximum legal speed under ideal conditions; drive more slowly when road, traffic, weather, or visibility conditions require it.

2. Right-of-Way Rules in Ontario: Pedestrians, 4-Way Stops, Streetcars and Roundabouts

Who has the right-of-way at a 4-way stop in Ontario, and when must drivers yield to pedestrians? Right-of-way rules are commonly tested on the G1 knowledge test; yield whenever Ontario law requires it and proceed only when the way is clear.

4-way stop (all arrive at once)

Driver to the right

4-way stop (one arrives first)

Driver who arrived first

Roundabout / traffic circle

Vehicles already inside the circle

Emergency vehicles (lights/siren)

Emergency vehicle, pull to the right and stop

Pedestrians in crosswalk

Yield to pedestrians as required; at pedestrian crossovers and school crossings, wait until they are safely across.

T-intersection (no signs)

Through road traffic; drivers on the dead-end must yield

Yield sign

Cross traffic and pedestrians always

Merging onto a highway

Traffic already on the highway

3. Ontario Intersection and Turn Rules: Signal Laws, Right on Red and U-Turns

Can you turn right on red in Ontario, and when should you signal a turn? The MTO handbook requires drivers to signal well before turning; Ontario does not use one fixed metre distance for every turn. Intersection rules also cover when left turns on red are legal.

Right turn on red

Permitted after a full stop unless a sign prohibits it. Yield to pedestrians and cross traffic.

No right turn on red

When posted, you must wait for a green light before turning right.

Left turn on red

Only allowed from a one-way street onto another one-way street, after a full stop.

Left turn from two-way street

Start from the left lane; end in the left lane of the cross street.

Right turn

Stay as close to the right curb as possible; end in the right lane.

U-turns

Do not make a U-turn where signs prohibit it. U-turns are also prohibited on a curve or near a hilltop when traffic cannot be seen within 150 metres, on or within 30 metres of a railway crossing, or within 150 metres of a bridge, viaduct or tunnel where the view is obstructed.

4. Ontario Lane Usage Rules: Passing Lanes, Yellow Lines and Centre Turn Lanes

When can you use the center turn lane in Ontario, and what do solid versus broken yellow lines mean for passing? Lane rules determine where you drive and when you can cross a line, all commonly tested on the knowledge exam.

Center turn lane (CTSL)

Use the centre lane only to prepare for or complete a left turn. Move into it shortly before the turn; do not use it for through travel or passing.

Solid white line

White lines separate traffic travelling in the same direction. Follow the specific lane-use signs and markings before crossing a solid white line.

Solid yellow line (your side)

A solid line at the left of your lane means it is unsafe to pass.

Broken yellow line

A broken line at the left of your lane means you may pass if the way is clear.

Solid + Broken yellow centerline

Passing allowed only on the broken-line side.

G1 freeway restriction: G1 drivers must not drive on 400-series highways with a posted speed limit over 80 km/h or on designated high-speed expressways such as the QEW, Gardiner Expressway and Don Valley Parkway unless accompanied by a licensed Ontario driving instructor. G1 drivers also must not drive between midnight and 5 a.m.

5. Passing in Ontario: 30-Metre Rules, No-Pass Zones and Passing Cyclists

When is it illegal to pass another vehicle in Ontario, and what 30-metre restrictions apply? Ontario law and the MTO handbook set specific rules for pedestrian crossovers, bridges, hills and curves:

• Only pass on the left, using the oncoming lane, when it is safe and legal.
• Do not pass any vehicle within 30 metres of a pedestrian crossover. Do not drive left of centre within 30 metres of a bridge, viaduct or tunnel where your view is obstructed, and never attempt a pass near a hill or curve unless you have enough clear view to complete it safely.
• The vehicle being passed must not speed up while you are overtaking.
• Before using the oncoming lane, make sure it is clear far enough ahead to complete the pass safely and return to your lane without interfering with oncoming traffic.
• Never pass a stopped school bus with flashing red lights, this applies in both directions on undivided roads.
• You may pass on the right when Ontario law permits it, including when a vehicle ahead is turning left, on a one-way road, or where the roadway has enough marked lanes for traffic moving in the same direction. Make the pass only when it can be completed safely.
• When passing a cyclist, leave at least 1 metre where practical. A conviction can add 2 demerit points.
• Streetcars: Pass a streetcar on the right unless you are on a one-way road. At a stop where passengers are boarding or leaving, stay at least 2 metres behind the rear doors unless a passenger safety area has been provided.

6. Ontario Following Distance: 2-Second Rule and Safe Spacing on 400-Series Highways

What is the safe following distance in Ontario, and how does weather change it? Ontario uses a minimum 2-second following distance under ideal conditions: pick a fixed object ahead, and when the vehicle in front passes it, you should reach it no sooner than two seconds later. Increase the gap when conditions are not ideal.

7. Ontario School Bus and Emergency Vehicle Laws: Stop Distance and Move Over Rules

Do you have to stop for a school bus on a divided highway in Ontario, and what is the fine for passing one illegally? These are two of the most frequently tested topics on the Ontario G1 knowledge test.

School Buses

• When a school bus stops with flashing red lights and an extended stop arm, all traffic in both directions must stop on roads without a median. If you are approaching from behind, stop at least 20 metres from the bus.
• On roads with a true median or physical barrier, only traffic behind the bus must stop, oncoming traffic may proceed.
• A center turn lane does not count as a divider. On 4+ lane roads without a raised median or barrier, all directions must stop.
• You must remain stopped until the red lights stop flashing and the stop arm is retracted.
• A first conviction for illegally passing a stopped school bus can bring a $400-$2,000 fine and 6 demerit points. Subsequent offences carry higher fines and possible jail time.
• Railway crossings: All school buses must stop at all railway crossings. The upper alternating red lights are not used for these railway stops.

Emergency Vehicles

• When you see or hear an emergency vehicle (police, fire, ambulance) with lights or siren: pull to the right edge of the road and stop. Do not block intersections.
• Move Over Law (Ontario): When approaching a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing red or red-and-blue lights, or a stopped tow truck with flashing amber lights, slow down and pass with caution. On a road with two or more lanes in your direction, leave one lane of space if it can be done safely. A first conviction can bring a $400-$2,000 fine and 3 demerit points. It is also illegal to follow within 150 metres of a fire vehicle or ambulance responding to a call.

8. Ontario Impaired Driving Laws: 0.08% Criminal, 0.05 Warn Range, Zero for G1 G2 and Under-21

What is the legal BAC limit in Ontario for drivers under 21, and can you refuse a breathalyzer? Ontario impaired-driving laws use different thresholds and roadside sanctions for fully licensed, young, novice and commercial drivers.

9. Ontario Seat Belt and Child Car Seat Laws: Weight and Height Requirements in kg and cm

Who is responsible if a passenger is not wearing a seat belt in Ontario? Drivers must wear a seat belt and must ensure passengers under age 16 are properly secured in a seat belt, child car seat or booster seat.

10. Ontario Parking Rules: 3 Metres from Hydrant, 15 Metres from Rail and No-Park Zones

How far from a fire hydrant must you park in Ontario, and is it legal to park on a bridge? These distance rules are frequently tested and easy to miss if you have not studied the specific numbers. Know where you cannot park:

• Within 3 metres of a fire hydrant
• Within 9 metres of an intersection, or within 15 metres if the intersection is controlled by traffic lights
• On a curve, hill or other location where you do not have a clear view for at least 125 metres in both directions
• Within 15 metres of the nearest rail of a level railway crossing
• Where you block a sidewalk, crosswalk, pedestrian crossing or road entrance, or on or within 100 metres of a bridge
• Where signs or local by-laws prohibit stopping, standing or parking
• Where you would block a vehicle that is already parked
• Headed downhill: turn wheels toward the curb. Headed uphill with a curb: turn wheels away from curb. Uphill without a curb: turn wheels toward the shoulder.

11. Driving in Ontario Weather: Winter Tires, Highway 401 Snow and Ice on Northern Roads

Are headlights required when it is raining in Ontario, and what should you do if your car starts to hydroplane? Ontario rain, snow, freezing conditions and fog can reduce visibility and traction; these rules explain when to use lights and how to adjust.

• Headlights required: from one-half hour before sunset to one-half hour after sunrise, and whenever fog, snow, rain or other poor light keeps you from clearly seeing people or vehicles less than 150 metres away.
• In heavy fog, use low beams, high beams reflect off fog and reduce visibility.
• If you start to hydroplane, ease off the gas gently. Do not brake hard or turn sharply.
• In icy conditions, brake gently well in advance. Start slowing earlier than normal. Leave extra following distance.
• If your car goes into a skid, steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go. Do not overcorrect.
• Never use cruise control on wet, icy, or slippery roads.
• Winter tires: For the best winter traction, MTO recommends four winter or all-weather tires with the same tread pattern.

12. Ontario Demerit Points: 9 Points Suspends G1 G2, 15 Points Suspends Full G Licence

How many demerit points does a speeding conviction add in Ontario, how long do points stay on your record, and when is a licence suspended? Demerit points stay on your record for 2 years from the offence date.

Note: Ontario demerit points stay on your driving record for two years from the offence date. After a demerit-point suspension, the remaining point total is reduced according to Ontario rules.

13. Ontario Headlight Laws: Dim Within 150 Metres Oncoming and 60 Metres When Following

When must you dim your high beams in Ontario, and how far away does an oncoming car need to be? Ontario law specifies exact metric distances for dimming: 150 metres for oncoming traffic and 60 metres when following another vehicle.

Key test point: Use low beams within 150 metres (about 500 feet) of an oncoming vehicle and within 60 metres (about 200 feet) when following another vehicle.

14. Night Driving in Ontario: 400-Series Highways, Wildlife on Northern Routes and Overdriving

What does "overdriving your headlights" mean in Ontario, and why is it dangerous? Driving at night significantly increases crash risk; these rules cover visibility, speed, and wildlife hazards specific to Ontario roads.

15. Ontario Distracted Driving Law: Handheld Device Ban at All Times Including Red Lights

Is it legal to use your phone while driving in Ontario, including while stopped at a red light? Ontario prohibits holding or using hand-held communication and entertainment devices while driving, including when stopped in traffic or at a red light.

Key test point: Ontario's hand-held-device law applies even when you are stopped in traffic or at a red light. Park safely before using a hand-held device for non-emergency purposes.

16. Ontario Railway Crossing Rules: Stop at Least 5 Metres from the Rail and School Bus Requirements

How far from the tracks must you stop at a railway crossing in Ontario, and which vehicles must stop even when no train is coming? Railway-crossing rules are tested on the G1 knowledge test; know when to stop and how far back.

Key test point: Never drive around or under a lowered crossing gate, it is illegal and extremely dangerous. Wait until gates are fully raised and all tracks are clear.

17. Ontario Roundabout Rules: Yield on Entry, Lane Selection and How to Signal Your Exit

Who has the right-of-way in a roundabout in Ontario, and which direction do you drive? Roundabouts are common across Ontario municipalities and appear on the G1 knowledge test; the most missed question is about who yields when entering.

Key test point: The most common wrong answer on roundabout questions is thinking you have right-of-way when entering. You never do, yield to traffic already inside.