Rules for Driving in Ottawa

Make sure you check out the rules for safe Driving Rules driving in Driving Rules



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Stay safe and on the right side of the law in Ottawa with our useful guide to the “dos and don’ts” of Ottawa car hire.

Driving in Canada shares many features with driving in the UK: drive safely; obey the law, and avoid getting into trouble as much as possible.

The biggest difference between driving in Canada and Britain is that Canadians drive on the "wrong" side of the road - the right. For the first couple of miles this can be quite odd, so be careful until you get used to it. It is a good idea to rent an automatic car, because not having to change gear will give you one less thing to worry about.

Speed Limits

In Canada road signs are in kilometres rather than miles. As a rule, two lane roads are limited to 90KMH (about 55mph), while on a freeway you can travel slightly faster - up to 100KMH (63mph). Speed limits are posted along the side of all roads. If you exceed them, and get caught, the police can issue an on the spot fine to you.

Drink Driving

Drinking and driving is an offence in Canada, and conviction results in a fine and prison sentence. Although the amount of alcohol that you are allowed to have before driving is similar to the UK, you should not drink before driving. If you have an accident and have been drinking, your insurance will be invalidated.

General Hints and Tips

In Canada, you drive on the right hand side of the road, and overtake on the left. "Undertaking" is an offence, and punished with an on the spot fine.

If you see a school bus parked at either side of the side of the road to pick up or drop off children, wait for it to move on before passing.

You should have your headlights switched on at all times when you drive in Canada.

Except in Quebec, when traffic lights are red, you can turn right as long as the junction is clear. Unlike the USA, where you must stop before turning, in Canada, you keep moving.

Speed limits and distances in Canada are displayed in KM, and fuel is sold by the litre at petrol stations.

Crossing the border to the USA

If you plan to drive a Canadian rental car into the USA, you need to notify the rental company. They may charge you extra locally, depending on what areas of the US that you plan to visit.