If you’ve ever tried to speed past a Toronto streetcar that’s stopped to let passengers on and off, you may be breaking the law. What might feel like a harmless shortcut could leave you with a hefty fine, demerit points on your licence, and, worst of all, it puts riders in real danger.
That’s the message behind ‘Stopping Saves Lives,’ a public safety campaign launched by the TTC in June. The initiative targets one of the city’s most persistent traffic violations: motorists ignoring open streetcar doors and trying to drive past while passengers are boarding or exiting.
The rule is straightforward under Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act. When a streetcar stops to let passengers on or off, drivers must come to a halt at least two metres behind the nearest open door and remain stopped until all passengers are safely on the sidewalk and the streetcar begins moving again. The law also applies to cyclists and e-scooter riders. Failing to follow it can result in a fine of up to $183.25 and three demerit points.
Despite the risk of fines and points, the numbers show many people still take the risk. Between 2014 and 2024, 141 people were struck by vehicles while boarding or leaving a Toronto streetcar. TTC operators say that doesn’t reflect the full scope of the problem, as near misses happen daily. Cars speeding past open doors while someone is mid-step has become a routine hazard.
Since June, the TTC has invested in blanketing the city with reminders. Bright “We Stop. You Stop.” stickers now appear on the backs of streetcars, while digital ads, billboards, and streaming audio spots drive home the message. Traffic reports on TV and radio were also enlisted to raise awareness among commuters.
Toronto police have also stepped up enforcement, with officers patrolling busy routes and cracking down on violations.
And stricter measures could be on the horizon. Earlier this year, the TTC partnered with B.C.-based Gatekeeper Systems Inc. on a pilot project to equip streetcars with cameras that automatically capture the licence plates of vehicles illegally passing open doors. The trial is set to begin next year and will run for several months before the TTC decides whether to expand it.
So the next time you find yourself behind a streetcar, take the extra moment to stop. The law requires it, and ultimately, it’s the safest move for everyone.
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