Right-of-way rules in Ontario: who goes first

Four-way stops

Stop at the stop line. With no line, stop at the crosswalk; with no crosswalk, at the edge of the sidewalk; with neither, at the edge of the intersection. Then make eye contact: other drivers don’t always follow the rules.

Uncontrolled intersections

With no signs or lights at all, yield to any vehicle already in the intersection. If two vehicles arrive at about the same time, the driver on the left yields to the vehicle on the right. Failing to yield is 3 demerit points.

Stop signs and yield signs

• Stop sign: come to a full stop, then go only when the way is clear of traffic in the intersection and traffic close enough to be a hazard.
• Yield sign: slow down, stop if you need to, and let traffic in the intersection or on the road you’re joining go first.

Rolling through a stop sign is 3 demerit points, and it’s one of the easiest ways to lose marks on a road test.

Left turns

• Wait for oncoming traffic and for pedestrians crossing where you’re turning. Your signal doesn’t give you the right-of-way.
• Keep your wheels pointing straight while you wait. If you’re hit from behind, turned wheels can push you into oncoming traffic.
• Watch for oncoming cyclists, and don’t pull up beside a bicycle or motorcycle that’s turning left.

Not yielding to a pedestrian at a signalized crosswalk costs $300 to $1,000 and 4 demerit points.

Right turns and turning right on red

• Wait for pedestrians crossing where you’re turning.
• Shoulder check for cyclists coming up beside you in a bike lane, on the sidewalk or on a trail.
• Turning right on a red light is allowed after a complete stop, once the way is clear, unless a sign forbids it.

Flashing lights and lights that are out

• Flashing red: stop completely, yield, then go when it’s safe.
• Flashing yellow: go through with caution.
• Lights out: treat the intersection like an all-way stop, yielding to vehicles in it and to those coming from your right.

Leaving a driveway or private road

Yield to vehicles on the road and to pedestrians on the sidewalk before you pull out.

Pedestrians, crosswalks and crossovers

Not every crosswalk is marked, but nearly every intersection has one. Never pass a vehicle that’s stopped at a crosswalk; it may be stopped for someone you can’t see.

Pedestrian crossovers

• Look for the signs, the “ladder” crosswalk markings and a row of triangles, called “shark teeth”, marking the yield line. Some crossovers also have flashing lights, overhead signs or push buttons.
• Stop and wait until the pedestrian is completely off the road. Don’t pass a vehicle stopped at the crossover.
• Don’t pass any vehicle within 30 m of a crossover.

School crossing guards

When a guard shows their stop sign, stop and stay stopped until everyone, including the guard, has cleared the road.

School buses

• Amber lights flashing: the bus is about to stop. Slow down and get ready to stop.
• Red lights flashing or stop arm out: stop, whether you’re behind the bus or coming toward it. Only on a road with a median can oncoming traffic keep going.
• From behind, stop at least 20 m back, and wait until the bus moves or the lights stop.

It applies on every road, whatever the speed limit or number of lanes, at any time of day. A first offence costs $400 to $2,000 and 6 demerit points, and a repeat within five years can mean $1,000 to $4,000 and jail.

Emergency vehicles and the Move Over law

One coming toward you, lights or siren on

Stop right away, as close as you can to the right edge of the road, parallel to it and clear of any intersection. On a one-way road with more than two lanes, pull toward the nearest edge. If you’re already turning in an intersection, go straight through, then pull over. And never follow a fire truck answering an alarm within 150 m.

One stopped at the roadside

When an emergency vehicle with its lights flashing, or a tow truck with amber lights flashing, is stopped on your side of the road, slow down and pass carefully. With two or more lanes in your direction, move over a lane if it’s safe. Breaking the Move Over law costs $400 to $2,000 and 3 demerit points, and a court can suspend your licence for up to two years. From January 1, 2027, the law will also cover stopped work vehicles with amber lights.

Buses pulling out of a bus bay

If you’re in the lane next to a bus bay and a bus signals to pull back into traffic, let it in. The rule covers large transit buses with a yield sign on the back.

Merging and changing lanes

• When your lane ends, it’s your job to merge safely. Where two roads join into one, drivers on both are equally responsible for a smooth merge.
• Signalling doesn’t give you the right-of-way: other drivers expect you to wait for a safe gap.
• On a freeway ramp, use the acceleration lane to match the speed of traffic, signal, and merge smoothly. Drivers already on the freeway should move over if it’s safe.

Cyclists

• When you pass a cyclist, leave at least 1 m where practical, measured from the widest part of your car, mirrors included. Not doing so is 2 demerit points.
• Before you or a passenger opens a door, check your mirror and blind spot. Opening a door into traffic costs $300 to $1,000 and 3 demerit points.