Automobile Rentals
Car rentals are available at our international airports, train terminals and in many of our communities. Minimum age for rental varies between 21 and 25. You usually need a credit card to rent a car.

Bicycles
Bicycles are considered vehicles and must obey the same traffic laws. Bicycles are not allowed on controlled-access highways. For cyclists under the age of 18, it's mandatory to wear a bicycle helmet. However, the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) urges all cyclists, of any age, to wear a helmet.

CAA Service
The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) provides emergency roadside services, auto touring and travel services, discounts, insurance services, along with a number of products. The CAA is connected with several international automobile clubs, including the American Automobile Association (AAA), and members can receive reciprocal benefits.

Driving Documents
A valid driver's licence from any country is good in Canada for three months, but you may want to get an International Driver's Licence before your trip, for extra identification. If you're driving to Canada from the United States, bring the vehicle registration forms and a free Canadian Non-Resident Insurance Card from your insurance agent, or the policy itself. The minimum combined liability insurance in Ontario is $200,000. If you're driving a borrowed car, bring a letter of permission signed by the owner. If you're driving a rented car, bring a copy of the rental contract. Visitors are allowed to operate a Recreational Vehicle and/or Motor Home in Ontario as long as they are authorized to operate this vehicle in their home jurisdiction.

Highway Rest Areas
There are approximately 20 highway rest areas along Hwy. 401 and four on Hwy. 400, featuring food services and service stations.

Hitchhiking
Hitchhiking is not permitted on major highways.

Right Turns on Red Lights
You can make right turns on red lights, unless signs indicate you can't. You must come to a full stop, then proceed with caution if the way is clear.

Road Services
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) patrol the highways and other areas without municipal police services. You can reach them locally by calling one of the regional toll-free numbers listed on the Ontario Official Road Map. If you are involved in a collision resulting in a personal injury or property damage over $700, you must call the police and remain at the scene of the accident until cleared by the investigating officers. First aid stations and hospitals are clearly posted along the highways. Information on highway and road conditions are available from the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) regional offices. These numbers are in the blue pages of the telephone book. The 24-hour, toll-free number is 1-800-268-4686. In Toronto, call the Road Information Office at (416) 599-9090.

School Buses
Traffic travelling in both directions, except divided roads or highways, must stop for a yellow school bus when its red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended.

Seatbelts
Ontario law requires all adults and children weighing over 18 kg (40 lb.) to be properly restrained using the full seatbelt assembly; which comprises the lap belt and the shoulder belt portions. Children weighing less than 18 kg (40 lb.) must be properly restrained with a child safety seat appropriate to the child's weight. Infants from birth to 9 kg (20 lb.) must travel in a rear-facing infant seat. Toddlers weighing from 9 kg (20 lb.) to 18 kg (40 lb.) must travel in a forward-facing child safety seat. It is recommended that all children under the age of 12 sit in the back seat of a vehicle with a front-seat airbag. Never place a rear-facing infant safety seat in a seating position equipped with an airbag.

Speed Limits
Speed limits in Ontario are in kilometres per hour (km/h). Freeways have a speed limit of 100 km/h (62 mph); the Trans-Canada routes 90 km/h. (56 mph). Most other rural highways and country roads have a speed limit of 80 km/h (50 mph).
The use of automobile radar detectors is prohibited in Ontario.

Streetcar Stops in Toronto
Vehicles must be at a stand-still stop at least 2 metres (6 ft.) behind the rearmost door of a stopping or stopped streetcar, for the safety of passengers getting on or off.

Tolls
International bridges, tunnels and ferries charge a fee, but our highways are toll-free. The only exception is Hwy. 407 Express Toll Route (ETR). This new highway runs across the north of Toronto from Pickering to Burlington. Hwy. 407 (ETR) is a modern toll highway and has no tollbooths. Cameras at all on and off ramps photograph licence plates of all vehicles. The owner will be sent a bill. Reciprocal agreements have been made with most jurisdictions in North America. For frequent users, a transponder is available. When placed on the windshield of the car, it emits a signal every time the car is on the highway, and a monthly bill is sent to the owner.