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GENERAL RULES TO DRIVE IN CANADA
Rules of the road can vary by province or territory in Canada, but for the most part, the basics for driving remain the same regardless of the region, and are typically very similar to driving in America. However, it is good ot know the major differences between the rules of the road in the United States and Canada.
Speed limits: In Canada, speed limits are posted in metric units. Common limits include 50 kilometers per hour (31 miles per hour) in cities, 80 kph (50 mph) on two-lane highways, and 100 kph (62 mph) on most highways.
Road signs: Depending on what province you're in, road signs will be in English, French, or both; for instance, in Quebec, some signs may only be in French.
Seatbelts: Everyone in the car is required to wear a seatbelt, regardless of age, and car seats are required for children until they are 9 years old or 145 cm (4 ft 7 in.) tall.
Smoking: Many provinces, including British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan, and Yukon Territory, have banned smoking in cars where minors are present.
Cell phone use: Celluar devices must be used "hands-free" when driving Carpool/HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle) Lanes. Some provinces have introduced HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle) lanes in dense urban areas with heavy traffic. These lanes are restricted to use by cars with at least two people and may be marked with diamonds or otherwise.
Toll roads: Toll roads do not play a significant role on Canadian roads; drivers pay tolls on some bridges crossing into the U.S.A. and there is one in Nova Scotia. In Ontario, ?407 Electronic Toll Road (ETR) alleviates the heavy congestion on major corridors between Toronto and outlying areas, especially Hamilton. Stopping to pay at a toll booth, however, has been replaced by an automatic system where a photo of your license plate is taken as you merge onto the 407. A bill reflecting the distance traveled on the 407 is sent to you later, or applied to your car rental bill.
Alcohol: Driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) is a serious offense in Canada and can result in a driving suspension, vehicle impounding, or arrest. Canada's blood alcohol standards are very strict. It is a criminal offense to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent. Those registering a lower BAC are charged under provincial and territorial traffic acts.
Right turn on red: Montreal is the only city in Canada that does not permit right-hand turns on a red light. The rest of Quebec allows right turns on red, unless prohibited by a traffic sign.
It is important to bear in mind some unique aspects to driving that are present in certain Canadian provinces or regions.
In Ontario, any driver caught speeding at 50 km/h (31 mi/h) above the posted speed limit can have their car confiscated and towed away, and impounded for up to seven days. So be especially wary near highway construction zones, which often dip down to temporary 80 km/h (50 mi/h) or less speed limits.
In Alberta, be cautious of inconspicuous photo radar units, usually with a police unit parked at the side of the highway, but also with mobile units. Radar detectors are illegal in many provinces, so the best way not to be caught is not to speed.
In Canada, there are several common points of highway driving etiquette that it is advisable to follow to enjoy a smooth experience on the roads. For example, passing is done on the left, with trucks barred from the far left lane. This is particularly important to remember if you’re planning to get around Canada via RV hire. In cities, however, it is recommended to stay in the left lane if possible when stopped at a red light, to stop cars turning right whilst having to wait for a green. He also points out that in major cities, it is frowned upon to pass stopped trams (called streetcars in Canada) when they are loading and unloading passengers.