How Driving in Canada Differs from Driving in the US

Every country has its own driving rules. That’s certainly true in both the US and Canada. Though they share many rules when it comes to driving, America’s northern neighbour also has some directives you must follow as a driver that America does not. 

From getting compensation following a car accident injury to whether you can turn right on a red light, you should know everything about driving in Canada and how it works if you’re making a trip over the border from the US. Let’s take a little time to talk about how driving in the US and Canada differ from each other.

 

The Similarities 

First, let’s talk about some similarities between driving in the US and Canada. While differences do exist, they’re probably not as noticeable for most drivers as what you’d see if you drove in Europe or parts of Asia. 

In Canada, you drive on the right-hand side of the road, the same as you do in the US. That’s why most US drivers feel okay driving across the border into Canada. They know they won’t feel completely disoriented, as they might if they had to drive on the left-hand side of the road for the first time.

You will also note that in Canada, you can pass on the left. That’s the same as in America, so it’s another way you’ll feel comfortable as an American citizen in Canada.

Finally, as an American driver, you will notice that if you visit Canada, you can usually turn right on red, as you can in many parts of the US. However, you can only do so if a sign does not forbid it. You also can’t do so in Montreal, though you can do so in the rest of Quebec. 

Now, let’s move on to the subtle differences you may notice when driving in Canada.

 

You Will See Signs in Kilometers and Not Miles

If you’re driving in Canada, you will immediately notice that they have the metric system, like most of the rest of the world. The US seems reluctant to switch, and the difference can frustrate some American drivers. 

For instance, if you see a posted speed limit as an American driver visiting Canada, you probably won’t understand it if you typically see speed limits posted in miles. You might also not know exactly how long it will take to get somewhere in Canada if you see a posted sign that tells you the distance to that destination in kilometres.

You can use a smartphone app to convert the Canadian speed limit and distance signs to the American version. However, only do so if you’re not driving at that moment. Distracted driving causes just as many car wrecks in Canada as it does in the US.

 

Your Driver’s License and Insurance

If you enter Canada from the US, you should also know that your driver’s license and insurance remain valid, but only for a limited time. Typically, they’re valid for 90 days, though that changes in some provinces. 

However, you can get an International Driving Permit if you plan to stay in Canada for a while. You will also need to purchase an additional insurance policy if you plan to rent a car.

 

Road Signs 

Road signs in Canada also present an issue for some American drivers. You will often see them in French as much as in English.

In many provinces, where you see signs in French, you will also see an English translation. However, if you get into a region of the country where they speak mainly French, such as parts of Quebec, you might see signs only in French. 

Again, having an app on your smartphone to help you translate makes sense. You might have someone in the passenger’s seat do it for you if you’re travelling with a family member.

 

Smoking and Seatbelts

Many parts of Canada have banned smoking in cars if you have a minor present. If you’re smoking and have a child in the backseat or passenger’s seat, don’t let it surprise you if the police pull you over and ticket you, even if you have windows open. The Canadian police take that sort of thing very seriously. 

You must also wear a seatbelt in Canada, the same as in the US. Kids must wear them till they’re either nine years old or 145 centimetres tall. 

Remember all this if you’re an American driver visiting our northern neighbour.

 

 

markmunroe

markmunroe

Founder, CEO at ADDICTED Media Inc
Mark Munroe is the Creator and EIC of ADDICTED. He's ADDICTED to great travel, amazing food, better grooming & probably a whole lot more!
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