Driving in Toronto isn’t for the faint of heart. Between endless traffic jams, constant construction, and drivers who seem to have missed a few chapters of the handbook, it’s easy to lose your cool behind the wheel.
While the city has its share of official rules, there are just as many unwritten ones that only seasoned Torontonians seem to be aware of.
So, to find out what really grinds people’s gears on the road, we asked readers on Narcity Canada’s Facebook page: “What’s the most annoying thing Toronto drivers do?”
Over 120 people chimed in, and let’s just say, the responses were extremely relatable. Chances are, you’ve seen (or done) more than a few of these yourself.
From cruising in the passing lane to not signalling or tailgating, these are just a few of the things that drive Toronto motorists up the wall.
Incorrectly using the HOV lane
One person pointed to a major pet peeve: drivers misusing HOV lanes.
These lanes are designed to promote carpooling, which requires a minimum of two people in the vehicle. If you’re caught driving solo in an HOV lane, you could face a $110 fine and three demerit points.
But here’s something not everyone knows — electric vehicles (EVs) with green plates are allowed to use HOV lanes on Ontario’s provincial highways, even if there’s just one person in the car.
That being said, Toronto has its own set of rules. On city streets, even green-plated EVs have to follow the posted occupancy limits. So if the sign says “HOV 3+,” you still need three people in the car — electric or not.
Cruising in the passing lane
The far-left lane is intended for passing, not for casual cruising, and many people have pointed this out. Honestly, it’s understandable. Few things are more rage-inducing than being stuck behind someone crawling in the fast lane.
One person didn’t hold back: “Cruising in the passing lane. Just stop it. STOP.”
Another added, “Slowpoke in the passing lane with a TTC bus on the right.”
And this driver broke it down perfectly: “The left lane is designated as a ‘passing lane.’ Unless you’re actively passing a slower vehicle or about to turn left, you shouldn’t be in that lane. You’re blocking people who need to use it properly.”
And they’re not wrong — in fact, driving too slowly can get you fined in Toronto and across Ontario.
According to the Highway Traffic Act, it’s illegal to drive at a pace that unreasonably impedes the normal flow of traffic on a highway. While it’s perfectly fine to slow down in poor weather or when safety requires it, cruising slowly without cause could result in a fine of $150 to $1,000.
Not signalling
This one really gets under people’s skin — drivers who don’t use their turn signals.
It’s not just annoying, it’s dangerous. Especially on highways, where cars are weaving through traffic at high speeds, failing to signal can lead to serious collisions.
One user put it simply: “Not signalling on the highway.”
Another added: “No use of turn signals, always making unexpected moves.”
And one person summed up the frustration perfectly: “Constantly driving with high beams on at night and rarely using turn signals… who’s testing and passing these drivers for a licence?”
U-turns
U-turns are another hot-button issue for Toronto drivers.
While making a U-turn at an intersection is generally legal in the city, it depends heavily on the presence of signage. If there’s a “no U-turn” sign posted — and there often is — then it’s obviously a no-go.
However, beyond that, the law is pretty straightforward: U-turns are illegal on curves, near railway crossings or hilltops, and anywhere visibility is blocked, such as near tunnels or bridges. You’re only allowed to make one when you have a clear view of at least 150 metres in both directions.
One reader called it out: “Making a U-turn at an intersection. Any U-turn is dangerous unless you pull into a safe place for a U-turn.”
Tailgating
There’s often no room to move, no matter the traffic, but some drivers still feel the need to ride your bumper like it’s going to make the car in front disappear.
What many don’t realize is that tailgating is actually illegal under Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act. Drivers are required to maintain a following distance that’s “reasonable and prudent,” taking into account their speed, the traffic, and the road conditions.
One reader didn’t mince words: “Tailgating!!!”
It’s not just annoying, it’s reckless. And yet, it happens constantly in the 6ix.
Honking
Few things get the blood boiling behind the wheel like an unnecessary honk.
Some Toronto drivers can be seriously impatient — sometimes it feels like the horn is their first language. The second the light turns green… HONK.
Didn’t floor it within half a second? HONK.
Sure, there are moments when a honk is totally justified, but let’s be real — some drivers need to take a serious chill pill.
Using their phones
It goes without saying that using your phone while driving is illegal and incredibly dangerous, yet some drivers still do it.
Instead of keeping their eyes on the road, they’re scrolling through Facebook or firing off texts, putting everyone around them at risk.
One reader had a message for those drivers: “Hello, Torontonian drivers, please be reminded that it is not only illegal but also highly hazardous to use your mobile phone while operating a vehicle. Your safety, as well as the safety of others on the road, is of utmost importance. Stay vigilant and responsible while driving.”
Another summed up the chaos: “Drive too fast, talk on their phones while driving, and honk their horns if people don’t move fast enough for their liking. Cut people off. Road rage.”
Distracted driving is no joke, and in Ontario, it can lead to hefty fines, demerit points, and even licence suspensions. So if that text can wait, it should.
Waiting too long to merge onto a highway
This one’s a bit niche, but if you’ve ever driven on the Gardiner, you’ve definitely seen it — and probably felt your blood pressure rise.
We’re talking about drivers who zoom all the way to the very end of the merge lane, only to expect someone to let them in at the last second.
One reader vented: “People driving all the way to the very end of a merge lane, then they expect you to let them in.”
It’s easy to get annoyed, and honestly, fair enough. But merging isn’t always as straightforward as it seems, especially when cars are flying through the right lane and leaving little room for anyone to get in safely.
One thing that would help is if drivers already on the highway moved into one of the middle lanes to give merging cars a bit more space. A little courtesy goes a long way in keeping traffic flowing and tempers in check.
Driving on Toronto’s roads can be frustrating, but take a deep breath and relax. Stay safe out there!
