Ontario Cycling Laws
A bicycle is a vehicle under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act (HTA). This means that, as a bicyclist, you have the same rights and responsibilities to obey all traffic laws as other road users. Cyclists charged for disobeying traffic laws will be subject to a minimum set fine and a Victim Surcharge fine of $20.00 for most offences (please note set fines below are subject to change).
The following are key sections of the HTA concerning cyclists.
- HTA 144/136 – Traffic signals and signs
- stop for red lights and stop signs and comply with all other signs.Set fine: $85.00
- HTA 153 – One-ways streets
- ride in the designated direction on one-way streets.Set fine: $85.00
- HTA 147 – Slow moving traffic travel on right side
- any vehicle moving slower than the normal traffic speed should drive in the right-hand lane, or as close as practicable to the right edge of the road except when preparing to turn left or when passing another vehicle. Set fine: $85.00
- HTA 142 – Signalling a turn
- before turning, look behind you and signal your turn. Cyclists can use their right arm to signal a right turn. Set fine: $85.00
- HTA 140(1) 144(29) – Crosswalks
- yield or stop for pedestrians at crosswalks. Set fine: $85.00
- HTA 140(6)/144(29) – No riding in crosswalks
- walk your bike when crossing at a crosswalk. Set fine: $85.00
- HTA 166 – Streetcars
- stop two metres behind streetcar doors and wait until passengers have boarded or departed and reached the curb.Set fine: $85.00
- HTA 175 (12) – Stopped school buses
- stop for stopped school buses when the upper alternating red lights are flashing. Set fine: $400.00
- HTA 62(17) – Lights
- a bike must have a white front light and a red rear light or reflector if you ride between 1/2 hour before sunset and 1/2 hour after sunrise and white reflective tape on the front forks and red reflective tape on rear forks. Set fine: $20.00
- HTA 75 (5) – Bell
- a bike must have a bell or horn in good working order.Set fine: $85.00
- HTA 64(3) – Brakes
- a bike must have at least one brake system on the rear wheel. When you put on the brakes, you should be able to skid on dry, level pavement. Set fine: $85.00
- HTA 218 – Identification
- Cyclists must stop and identify themselves when required to stop by police for breaking traffic laws. The police officer will ask you for your correct name and address. Set fine: $85.00
- HTA Reg. 630 – Expressways
- Bicycles are prohibited on expressway / freeway highways such as the 400 series, the QEW, Ottawa Queensway and on roads where “No Bicycle” signs are posted. Set fine: $85.00
- HTA 178(2) – Passengers
- Passengers are not allowed on a bicycle designed for one person.Set fine: $85.00
- HTA 178(1) – Attaching to a vehicle
- You are not permitted to attach yourself to the outside of another vehicle or streetcar for the purpose of “hitching a ride.”Set fine: $85.00
- HTA 104 – Helmets
- Every cyclist under the age of eighteen must wear an approved bicycle helmet. Parents or guardians shall not knowingly permit cyclists under sixteen to ride without a helmet.Set fine: $60.00
- HTA 179 – Dismounted bicyclist
- Cyclists are required to ride on the right-hand side of the road. If you are walking your bike on a highway where there are no sidewalks, you are considered a pedestrian and you should walk on the left-hand side of the road facing traffic. If it is not safe for you to cross the road to face traffic, you may walk your bike on the right-hand side of the road. Set fine: $35.00.