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USEFUL INFORMATION FOR CAR HIRE - CANADA

Speed Restrictions
The general speed limits are:
Built-up areas - 50km/h
Motorways - 100km/h

There are a number of mobile patrols watching for speeders and there are high fines for those that are caught.

Other Driving Laws
Points systems are in place in each province, so always be aware of your speed and don’t consider drinking and driving. You’ll get points on your licence as well as a fine .

When using junctions fitted with traffic signals, you are permitted to turn right when faced with a red light if the way is clear. (except in Quebec)

Road Safety
The vast size of Canada means that there is a variety of driving experiences, with the usual inner-city congestion to wide open highways and miles of long, winding country roads.

Certain parts of Canada can be extremely hazardous during winter months so watch out for icy roads, rock avalanches, snow or other extreme conditions. Some roads are very isolated and getting into an accident there could mean being stranded out there for hours with no other cars passing by. Always take a mobile phone if you can and have the number of local emergency services available.

Wild Animals: There is a very real risk of collision with wild animals, particularly on the long country roads. Signs will normally alert drivers to certain wildlife types nearby, so slow down around these areas. Hitting a deer, elk or moose can be a real hazard for cars, particularly when they run across the road unexpectedly. They are large animals and there’s a high chance that you’ll be killed if you’re unfortunate enough to be involved in a collision.

Driving in Quebec
If you’re planning to travel through Quebec, it may be helpful to familiarise yourself with some basic French travel phrases before you go. If not, you can take a French phrase book with you as many signs are only in French and you may have difficulty understanding the road rules there.