9 Ontario road rules that can fine you up to $2,500 — even if you’re not in a car, Life in canada

Everyone knows there are rules of the road for Ontario drivers, and that breaking them can come with big fines. But what you might not realize is that some of those same rules apply no matter how you get around — and the fines can be just as big even if you aren’t in a car.

The City of Toronto has launched a new campaign to remind people that just because you’re not in a car doesn’t mean you’re off the hook when it comes to road rules.

That’s right: “rideables” like bikes, e-bikes and electric scooters are legally considered vehicles under Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act (HTA). And with that status comes responsibilities — and hefty fines.

Some infractions could cost you hundreds of dollars, and in certain cases, up to $2,500. And just like with cars, many of these fines can double if the offence happens in a community safety zone, and come with extra fees like victim fine surcharges.

According to the City of Toronto, this campaign is all about sharing space safely, whether you’re commuting, cruising or making deliveries. And while some of the rules and fines vary by municipality, many apply across the entire province.

From where you can ride to what gear you need, here are nine rules you might not know, but definitely should if you want to avoid a fat ticket.

Riding on the sidewalk

If you’re 14 or older, your bike doesn’t belong on the sidewalk. As the City says, “You’ve got wheels. They’ve got heels.” It’s a good reminder that sidewalks are for pedestrians — especially vulnerable ones like seniors, kids and people with disabilities — and mobility assistive devices like wheelchairs.

In Toronto, only kids under 14 can legally bike on the sidewalk. Everyone else is expected to use bike lanes or roads. While the exact details and fines can vary by municipality, most areas in Ontario have similar laws in place.

In addition, if you’re using a pedestrian crossover or crosswalk to cross the street, you need to get off and walk your bike.

Failing to follow these rules can cost you up to $205, depending on the situation, under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act and Toronto Municipal Code.

Unauthorized vehicles in bike lanes

Bike lanes are for, well, bikes. And maybe e-bikes — but only the kind that meet certain rules. If your ride has a gas engine or a license plate, it doesn’t belong in the bike lane.

In the City of Toronto, gas-powered mopeds and certain electric mopeds are too fast and heavy for bike lanes, and they can create serious safety risks. So unless you’re on a regular bicycle or an approved e-bike, stick to the main road.

Driving anything else in a bike lane could cost you $65 in fines under Toronto’s Municipal Code.

Going the wrong way

Bike lanes might feel like the wild west sometimes — but there are rules, including which direction you’re supposed to go.

According to the City, riding the wrong way in a bike lane “grinds everyone’s gears” — and it’s not just annoying, it’s dangerous. Going against traffic can cause head-on collisions and force others into car lanes.

Under the Ontario HTA, travelling the wrong way in a one-way carries a fine of up to $205.

Stopping in a bike lane

We all know it’s the worst when cars, taxis or delivery trucks stop in bike lanes — but did you know you can get the same fine for stopping there on a bike or e-bike?

“Blocking the bike lane, even for just a minute, forces riders to merge into live traffic or stop behind you,” the campaign explains. “This puts people at risk and disrupts the safe use of cycling infrastructure.”

According to the City, the only vehicles allowed to stop in bike lanes are emergency responders or workers doing official city work — and only when they’re actively on the job. That means delivery trucks, rideshares and yes, even other cyclists need to stay out unless it’s a designated area.

If you’re caught blocking a bike lane, you could be fined up to $235, depending on the situation.

Missing gear

Whether you’re riding at night or during the day, your bike needs the proper equipment. That includes a working bell or horn, reflectors and lights, proper brakes, and a helmet if you’re under 18.

According to the HTA, skipping any of these safety requirements (or having a child under 16 skip them) could cost you up to $105.

Not keeping right

If you’re moving slower than traffic — which, let’s be honest, most cyclists are — you’re required to stay as far to the right as is safe. This helps keep traffic flowing and reduces the risk of collisions.

Under the HTA, any slow-moving vehicle (including bicycles) must ride “as close as practicable to the right.”

Ignoring this rule could lead to a fine of up to $360, especially if you’re in a community safety zone.

Failing to stop

Traffic lights and stop signs apply to everyone on the road, including cyclists. You might be tempted to roll through that red when no one’s around, but doing so could cost you.

The HTA is crystal clear: bikes must come to a full stop at stop signs and red lights, just like cars.

Fines can vary from $105 for rolling a stop sign all the way up to $645 for running a red light in a community safety zone.

Not yielding to pedestrians

When someone is crossing at a pedestrian crossover or intersection, you need to yield — and swerving around them doesn’t count. In fact, under the HTA, you technically need to wait until the pedestrian is no longer on the road at all and the crosswalk is entirely clear before proceeding through it.

Failing to yield to a pedestrian on any vehicle, including a bicycle, could result in a fine of up to $725. Yikes.

Riding an e-scooter

This one might shock you: E-scooters — those stand-up electric kick scooters you see zooming around just about everywhere — are completely banned on public roads, sidewalks, bike paths and trails in Toronto. Even though you can buy them in stores, riding them in public spaces here is actually illegal.

The City of Toronto opted out of the Ontario e-scooter pilot program, which runs until November 2029. So unless you’re in a city that has opted in, you’ll want to think twice about that purchase.

In municipalities that do allow them — like Ottawa, Hamilton, Mississauga, Brampton and Durham — e-scooter riders still need to follow strict rules.

That includes a max speed of 24 km/h, standing while riding, no passengers or cargo, using a bell or horn, and having a white light on the front, a red light on the rear and reflective material on the sides. Riders must also be at least 16, and if you’re under 18, a helmet is mandatory. Plus, some cities may have additional requirements of their own.

While the City of Toronto typically hands out fines of $110 for using an e-scooter, according to Ontario’s pilot program rules, using one where it’s not allowed — or breaking any of the other rules of the pilot — can lead to fines ranging from $250 to $2,500. Ouch.

Bottom line

Whether you’re cruising on a bike, e-bike or anything else with wheels, you’re expected to follow the rules — not just for your safety, but for everyone else’s too.

So before you ride, make sure you know the rules. It might just save you hundreds — or even thousands — of dollars in fines.

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