Please complete your profile to unlock commenting and other important features.

Please select your date of birth for special perks on your birthday. Your username will be your unique profile link and will be publicly used in comments.
Narcity Pro

This is a Pro feature.

Time to level up your local game with Narcity Pro.

Pro

$5/month

$40/year

  • Everything in the Free plan
  • Ad-free reading and browsing
  • Unlimited access to all content including AI summaries
  • Directly support our local and national reporting and become a Patron
  • Cancel anytime.
For Pro members only Pro
Summary

You Could Get Huge Fines If You Don't Follow These Toronto Winter Driving Rules

Shovelling your driveway is more important than you thought!
Lead Writer, Travel

The snowy season is here, and going for a drive is going to get a lot more complicated.

On top of icy roads and whiteout conditions, you'll have to watch out for Toronto's winter driving rules or potentially face huge fines.

With fines of over $300, these cold-weather rules are definitely important for car owners to follow.

You can even face fines when not in your car.

Shovelling your driveway may be a daunting task, but avoiding it could actually land you in court.

Next time you hop in your car on a blustery day, keep these regulations in mind for a safe and uncostly trip.

Editor's Choice: Toronto Is Getting Buried In Snow Right Now & The Storm Isn't Over Yet (PHOTOS)

Clear Off Your Car

While standing outside in the cold brushing snow off your car is not how anyone wants to spend their time, it could end up saving you from a fine.

In Ontario, you can get slapped with numerous charges for not ensuring the proper removal of snow.

According to the Ontario Court Of Justice, a coated or obstructed licence plate, windshield, and other windows can all land you with $85 fines.

It's also important to remove snow from the top of your vehicles.

This is classified as an "insecure load" and could have you facing a $130 charge or $310 for commercial motor vehicles.

Don't Park On Snow Routes

If finding parking wasn't already a struggle, it can get even more difficult in the winter.

According to the City Of Toronto, when "major snow storm conditions" are declared, you must avoid parking on designated snow routes.

This is to allow for snow removal throughout the downtown core and other areas.

This regulation is in effect for 72 hours, with the possibility of being extended or shortened.

Parking on one of the routes can result in a fine of $200, but luckily, these areas are clearly marked with signs.

You can also find a map and list of streets impacted by snow storm conditions on the city's website.

Clear Your Driveway

If you own a car, chances are you've had to shovel your fair share of driveways during the winter.

Make sure you hang on to that shovel, because failing to clear your driveway could actually land you with a fine.

According to Toronto's Municipal Licensing & Standards, you can recieve a violation for a snow-filled driveway.

If after a week you have still not complied, you'll need to go to court, where a judge will determine your fine.

The City Of Toronto's website states that you must clear your driveway within 24 hours of a snowfall.

It looks like braving the cold to clear your driveway will definitely pay off this winter.

  • Lead Writer

    Madeline Forsyth is a Toronto-based Lead Writer for Narcity Media. After earning her B.A. (Hons) at Queen's University, she spent a year travelling much of the world as a flight attendant. Now, she uses her experience in the travel industry and passion for writing to share stories about buzzworthy events and adventures across Canada and the globe. Madeline has been published in PopSugar and has interviewed sports and entertainment personalities for Narcity. She has covered and photographed restaurant openings as well as event launches such as the world premiere of the Dr. Seuss Experience. Some of her favourite things to write about include charming small towns and anything to do with Harry Potter.

11 Ontario driving laws you might be breaking that carry fines up to $20K

Some of these could cost you way more than you think. 🚗

TTC is hiring for jobs in Toronto that pay up to $138,000 a year

Not all of the jobs require a university degree.

9 things I wasn't expecting as a Vancouverite who moved to Toronto

Did you know that being a "King West girly" is kind of an insult?

Costco is offering gift cards that get you the cost of your membership back and more

These online vouchers and Costco Shop Cards save you money on purchases. 🤑

The polar vortex is bringing 'dangerous' cold and 'intense' snow squalls to Ontario this week

Between 20 and 40 centimetres are forecast around the Great Lakes.