Ontario Cycling Laws

Bike Helmets – $75 Fine
You must wear a bike helmet if you are under the age of 18 [HTA 104].  The helmet has to be on your head and the clip must be attached. Helmets are highly recommended for adults, they save lives.

Bike Lights – $35 Fine
If you ride between 30 minutes after sunset and 30 minutes before sunrise, you need to have a white light (not just a reflector) on the front of your bike, and a red light on the back of your bike [HTA 62].  Technically, a light mounted on the body does not count.
*Adults are 4x more likely to be involved in a fatal collision at night than during the day.

Bicycle Bell/Horn – $105 Fine
All bicycles need a bell or horn attached to the bike [HTA 75 (5)]. The idea is to maintain courtesy, such as with pedestrians, and they only cost a few bucks.
*We’ve seen this one a lot and whistles and shouting don’t count.

Bicycle Brakes – $105 Fine
All bicycles must have brakes, at least on the rear wheel.

Bicycle Reflective Tape
All bicycles need reflective tape on the stays and forks, white and the front, and red at the back [HTA 62 (17)]. The tape must be at least 2.5cm wide and 25cm long.
*This is impossible on many bikes and the only place we have ever seen compliance is on the police bike fleet.