Ontario Driving Laws: Important Rules and Penalties Every Driver Should Know

Updated October 2026

Ontario's driving laws are designed to improve road safety and protect motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. Over the years, the province has introduced stricter penalties for distracted driving, unsafe passing, failing to yield to pedestrians and failing to move over for emergency vehicles.

Some of these rules have been in place for years, but many drivers may not realize how serious the penalties have become.

At L.D. Dermody Insurance Brokers, we believe understanding these laws is important not only for road safety but also because traffic convictions can affect your automobile insurance premiums.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving continues to be a serious concern on Ontario roads.

Under Ontario law, drivers are prohibited from holding or using hand-held electronic devices, including cellphones, while driving. This restriction also applies when stopped at a red light or in traffic.

For drivers with a full licence, the penalties for distracted driving include:

First Conviction:

A fine of $615 if settled out of court, including applicable fees and surcharges.
Three demerit points.
A three-day driver's licence suspension.

Second Conviction:

A fine of $615 if settled out of court, with court-imposed fines potentially reaching $2,000.
Six demerit points.
A seven-day licence suspension.

Third and Subsequent Convictions:

Fines potentially reaching $3,000.
Six demerit points.
A 30-day licence suspension.

Novice drivers holding G1 or G2 licences face different consequences, including longer licence suspensions and possible cancellation of their licence.

Even a brief glance at a cellphone can have serious consequences. Drivers should set navigation systems before travelling and pull over safely if they need to use their phone.

Dooring: Watch for Cyclists Before Opening Your Door

Dooring occurs when someone opens a vehicle door into the path of an approaching cyclist or other road user.

This can result in serious injuries, particularly when cyclists are forced into moving traffic.

Ontario law requires drivers and passengers to ensure that opening a vehicle door will not interfere with traffic or endanger another person.

An unsafe door opening can result in a fine and demerit points.

One simple way to reduce the risk is to use the Dutch Reach technique. Open the door using the hand furthest from it, encouraging you to turn your body and look behind you before exiting.

Sharing the Road With Cyclists

Ontario requires motorists to leave at least one metre of space, where practicable, when passing a cyclist.

Drivers should also:

Check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes.
Allow additional space when road or weather conditions are poor.
Avoid passing cyclists when there is insufficient room.
Exercise additional caution near intersections and parked vehicles.

Cyclists are entitled to use Ontario roads, and motorists have a responsibility to share the roadway safely.

Failing to provide the required passing distance can result in fines and demerit points.

Pedestrian Crossovers and School Crossings

Drivers must be particularly cautious around pedestrian crossovers and school crossings.

At designated pedestrian crossovers and school crossings, drivers must stop and wait until pedestrians have completely crossed the roadway and reached the sidewalk before proceeding.

This rule also applies where a school crossing guard is directing pedestrians across the road.

Drivers should remember that these requirements differ from some ordinary intersections controlled by traffic signals.

Failing to yield properly can result in substantial fines and demerit points.

School zones and pedestrian crossings deserve particular attention because children and other vulnerable road users may not always behave predictably.

Ontario's Move Over Law

Ontario's Move Over law requires drivers to take precautions when approaching certain stopped vehicles displaying flashing lights.

The law applies to emergency vehicles and tow trucks stopped at the roadside.

Drivers must slow down, proceed cautiously and, on roads with multiple lanes travelling in the same direction, move into another lane when it is safe to do so.

Failing to comply can result in significant penalties.

For a first offence, drivers may face fines ranging from $400 to $2,000, three demerit points and a possible licence suspension.

The law is intended to protect emergency personnel and tow truck operators who often work just metres away from moving traffic.

Ontario has also announced that the Move Over requirements will extend to certain stopped work vehicles displaying flashing amber lights beginning January 1, 2027.

Bicycle Lights and Visibility

Cyclists also have responsibilities under Ontario's Highway Traffic Act.

When riding between half an hour before sunset and half an hour after sunrise, or whenever visibility is poor, bicycles must have the required lighting and reflective equipment.

This generally includes a white or amber front light, a red rear light or reflector, and appropriate reflective materials.

Proper lighting helps motorists identify cyclists earlier and reduces the risk of collisions.

How Do Traffic Convictions Affect Automobile Insurance?

Traffic convictions can affect more than your driving record.

Insurance companies consider driving convictions when determining automobile insurance premiums and eligibility.

Depending on the offence and the insurer's underwriting rules, a conviction could result in:

Higher automobile insurance premiums.
Loss of a conviction-free driving discount.
Reduced eligibility for preferred insurance programs.
Difficulty obtaining coverage from certain insurance companies.

Major convictions, including impaired driving and certain serious driving offences, can have particularly significant insurance consequences.

It is also important to understand that insurance companies generally consider the type and number of convictions, rather than simply the number of demerit points accumulated.

A conviction carrying no demerit points may still affect your insurance, depending on the offence.

Safe Driving Protects Everyone

Traffic laws are intended to reduce collisions, prevent injuries and make Ontario's roads safer for everyone.

Whether you are driving to work, travelling on the highway or simply running errands, following the rules of the road helps protect you and those around you.

At L.D. Dermody Insurance Brokers, we encourage all drivers to stay informed about Ontario's driving laws and practise safe driving habits.

If you have questions about how a traffic conviction could affect your automobile insurance, please contact our office. We would be pleased to assist you.

This article provides general information about Ontario driving laws and penalties as of October 2026. Penalties may vary depending on the circumstances, and legislation is subject to change. For current requirements, consult the Ontario Ministry of Transportation.