Driving in Toronto during rush hour is rarely simple. Between heavy traffic, ongoing construction, a barrage of traffic lights, slow-moving streetcars, and intersections where left turns are restricted, even a short trip through the downtown core can become a significant headache.
Adding to the challenge is one rule every driver needs to be aware of: stopping in certain areas can result in fines of $190. Although it may seem strict, this rule is in place to help reduce congestion in some of the city’s busiest corridors.
Anyone who has been stuck behind a car illegally stopped during peak hours knows just how quickly one vehicle can bring downtown traffic to a standstill. Even a brief pause in the wrong place can block lanes, delay commuters, and create ripple effects across multiple streets.
In response to this problem, the City of Toronto and Toronto police conducted a two-week enforcement blitz in June, targeting drivers who stopped in designated “no stopping” zones during weekday afternoons.
Parking enforcement officers focused on key routes from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., particularly in areas near TTC stops, crosswalks, fire hydrants, and narrow streets, where even a brief halt can create significant delays and safety concerns.
The campaign’s results were substantial. Between June 16 and June 27, 2025, officers issued 3,220 tickets and towed 245 vehicles from high-traffic areas in the downtown core.
To make matters worse, the $190 fine doesn’t include the additional fee for the vehicle to be released from the towing company.
Although there’s currently no campaign underway, enforcement efforts still continue, as police continue to patrol critical corridors, particularly during rush hour.
Earlier this year, the City Council approved two dedicated “no stopping” blitzes, with the other in September, which is something to be mindful of in the coming weeks.
For drivers, the message is simple: stopping in a no stopping zone, even for a brief moment, can lead to a hefty fine and the additional expense of towing. Paying attention to the signs and following the rules is the easiest way to avoid an unpleasant surprise.
For a complete list of Toronto’s no stopping zones and more information about city traffic regulations, visit the City’s website.
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