Canadian traffic laws are enforced under federal, provincial/territorial, and municipal jurisdictions.[3] Canada utilizes a right-hand traffic pattern, requiring traffic to keep to the right. Some provinces, however, initially had left-hand traffic patterns, with the exception of Quebec and Ontario which always had right-hand patterns.[4]
Unless there is a sign indicating otherwise, drivers are permitted to turn right on red everywhere in Canada except the Island of Montreal.[5] Generally, drivers at uncontrolled intersections and all-way stops have the right-of-way if they are the first to stop at the intersection,[6][7] with priority to the right being enforced if multiple vehicles arrive simultaneously.[8]
Speed limits are set by either the federal, provincial, or municipal governments depending on the jurisdiction under which the road falls.[9] In national parks for example, speed limits are set by Parks Canada, an agency of the federal government.[10][11][12] Depending on where you are driving, the speed limit typically ranges from 30 km/h to 100 km/h;[5] highway speed limits usually range from 100 km/h to 110 km/h depending on the province. British Columbia's highways have a speed limit of 120 km/h.[13]
A driver's license is legally required to drive a motor vehicle in Canada. These licenses are issued by provincial/territorial governments, and must be carried when driving. The process to obtain a driver's license varies by province or territory, but typically contains a written test and a driving test.[16]
In Canada, vehicle insurance is mandatory for all vehicle owners.[17] Insurance structure varies between provinces: most provinces operate within private markets, but three provinces—British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba—utilize a mandatory, government-issued minimum coverage. Quebec follows a model in which injury-related claims are covered by the government insurer while property damage is covered by private insurers.[18]
