7 Ontario driving laws you might be breaking that come with fines up to $2,500

Driving too slow

Speeding can get you in trouble, but not everyone knows that driving too slowly in Ontario can, too.

The province's Highway Traffic Act says that no motor vehicle can be driven on a highway at such a slow speed that it blocks or disrupts the normal traffic flow.

However, there are some exceptions. You're allowed to drive slowly because of road conditions or for safety reasons.

But if you're crawling along without a good reason, you could be fined anywhere from $150 to $1,000.

Using the incorrect lane

Have you ever been frustrated in the fast lane on a highway behind a slow-moving car? Don't worry — you're correct in most instances because that's also against the law.

Under the Highway Traffic Act, drivers going slower than the normal traffic flow must keep to the right. That means staying in the right-hand lane or as close as safely possible to the right-hand curb or edge of the road.

However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. A vehicle is allowed to move out of the right-hand lane if it is:

• Passing another vehicle going in the same direction.
• Preparing to turn left at an intersection, into a private road, or driveway.
• A road service vehicle or a bicycle using a designated lane that allows travel in the opposite direction of traffic.

If you don't follow this rule, you could face a fine between $150 and $1,000 upon conviction.

Incorrectly overtaking

According to the Highway Traffic Act, drivers are generally not allowed to overtake and pass another vehicle by driving off the roadway.

However, there are exceptions. You can overtake and pass on the right side if:

• You're passing on the right using a paved shoulder when the vehicle ahead signals to take or makes a left turn.
• You're passing a road service vehicle or road-building machine, and a worker directing the operation has told you it's safe to do so.
• You're driving an ambulance or a fire or police department vehicle.

Failing to carry your licence

When driving in Ontario, you should always carry your physical driver's licence with you.

Previous plans to put driver's licences into a digital wallet haven't been realized yet, so you still need your card IRL.

The Highway Traffic Act states that every driver must have a valid driver's licence with them when in a vehicle and must present it for inspection whenever a police officer or enforcement officer asks.

Under the Ontario Court of Justice's set fines, you could be fined $85 if you fail to produce your licence, and that fine can rise with other charges.

Messing up at the crosswalk

Do you think it's okay to roll through a crosswalk as soon as the pedestrian is out of your way? Well, you're wrong! In Ontario, that could cost you big.

Under the Highway Traffic Act, drivers must follow these rules:

• Come to a complete stop before entering the crossover.
• Don't pass or overtake a vehicle that's already stopped there.
• Don't move forward until the pedestrian has completely crossed the road.

Breaking these rules isn't just risky — it's illegal. If you're convicted, you could face a fine between $300 and $1,000 for a first offence and up to $1,000 for each one after that.

Failing to renew correctly

It's been nearly a year since Ontario rolled out its automatic licence plate renewal system — a change that's taken the hassle out of annual renewals for millions of drivers. But while it's made life easier for many, the update does not cover all vehicles.

Launched in July 2024, Ontario's automatic plate renewal covers most cars, motorcycles, mopeds, and light-duty trucks under 3,000 kg.

If your insurance is valid and you don't owe fines or tolls, your plate renews automatically.

If you own a motorhome, commercial truck, snowmobile, or bus, you still need to renew your plate the old-fashioned way.

Driving with expired plates in Ontario can cost you a lot. For most vehicles, fines range from $100 to $1,000, but if you're behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle, penalties can climb up to $2,500 under the Highway Traffic Act.

Passing a snow plow

Did you know passing snow plows on Ontario highways is illegal?

Hopefully, we won't have to worry about it for at least another few months, but with Alberta and B.C.'s weather forecast calling for summer snow on Friday — you'd never know!

If you're on a highway with a speed limit of 80 km/h or more and snow plows work in formation, you're not allowed to pass them.

However, there's only one exception: if the lane you're using is completely clear of the plow — including any part of its blade or attachments.

Breaking this rule can get you a fine between $150 and $1,000 under the Highway Traffic Act.