Have You Fallen for these Driving Myths?
Most of us have heard and probably fallen for some driving myths.
Read on to see if you still have any mistaken beliefs.
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Here are the top traffic law myths
Is driving barefoot illegal?
It is a common misconception that it is illegal to drive barefoot. There is no law in Canada that says you cannot drive a car or motorcycle barefoot or what type of footwear you need to wear while driving. There is no law saying you must wear clothes while driving at all. It is legal to drive in flip flops, heels, sandals, or bare feet. But if you get in an accident because of your footwear, you could be charged with careless driving.
Should I flash my high beams to ask a slow driver to get out of the way?
Flashing your high beams at another driver will just annoy or confuse them, distract both of you from driving safely, and is illegal. Whether you will get a ticket for flashing your high beams at another driver usually depends on context. If you are trying to warn them of danger or that their high beams are on, you probably will not get a ticket, but if you are trying to harass a slow driver into letting you pass you might.
Can I get a ticket for driving faster than the speed limit on a yellow speed limit sign?
Ramps and loops exist to connect two grade-separated (one is higher than the other) stretches of road, usually on a highway. Characteristics such as the curve radius and spiral affect the safe driving speed on that portion of the road. The safe driving speed is often much lower than on the main road, so a yellow Ramp Advisory Speed sign is posted with the suggested speed limit.
Because this is the recommended safe driving speed, not an actual speed limit, you cannot get a speeding ticket for going too fast in these zones. But you can get a ticket for driving too fast for the road conditions in the form of a careless driving ticket.
Did you know? These yellow advisory signs aren't just suggestions you can ignore. Across all of Canada, failing to obey these signs can result in fines for careless or dangerous driving. They're taken seriously, especially on curves and exits.
Traffic signs in parking lots do not apply
We all probably have a friend who thinks they can run all the stop signs in the mall parking lot because traffic laws cannot be enforced there. This is correct in Ontario and Quebec, where the Highway Traffic Act cannot be enforced on private property. But unsafe driving or stunt driving on private property can still lead to public mischief charges and dangerous driving is punishable under the federal Criminal Code anywhere in Canada.
Note that in Alberta, traffic regulations on any road or parking lot that is accessible by the public, even if it is on private property, are enforceable under the Traffic Safety Act.
If you get in an accident in a parking lot and the damage is over $2000 or someone is injured, the police will likely be called and demerit points might also be applied.
Are airbags required by law in Canada?
New cars sold in Canada have airbags but there is no legal requirement for it like there is in the United States. Canada has a front occupant safety standard which would theoretically let car manufacturers use any system they want, but because they already comply with the United States airbag requirement, cars for the Canadian market get the same system.
If I crash my company car, do I have to pay for the repairs?
You are not financially responsible for mistakes you make driving a company car and car insurance stays with the car, not the owner, so your boss’s or the company’s insurance would be affected, not yours. As long as you were acting within the scope of your employment, there is no legal recourse for your boss to force you to pay for the damage. They cannot ask you to pay for it or take it out of your paycheque.
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More surprising facts and myths
Drivers are not allowed to move their vehicles after a crash
Myth! In the past, drivers were told to leave their vehicles in place after a crash so police could investigate. But times have changed. If it’s a minor accident and it's safe and possible to do so, you should move your vehicle out of the way to avoid traffic congestion and reduce the risk of secondary accidents.
You should hold the steering wheel at 10 and 2
The correct and safer position is 9 and 3. This gives you better control and range of motion when steering. It’s also much safer if the airbag deploys. If your hands are at the top of the wheel (10 and 2), the airbag could slam your hands into your face during a crash.
Wearing shorts and a t-shirt while driving a cab is illegal in Halifax
In most places, sure. But in Halifax, cab drivers are not legally allowed to wear t-shirts and cut-off shorts while working! It’s a quirky bylaw that still exists today.
Honking before passing in P.E.I.
Technically, if you're driving in P.E.I., you're supposed to honk before passing another vehicle. It’s an old law that most people don’t follow, but it’s still on the books!
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5 FAQs about driving turns and driving with pets
How do you properly yield the right of way?
At intersections that are controlled or uncontrolled: The first vehicle to arrive and come to a complete stop proceeds first. If vehicles arrive at the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. At four-way stops: If two cars arrive head-to-head, the car going straight has the right of way over one that is turning. If both vehicles are turning, the vehicle turning right has the right of way over the vehicle turning left.
How do I make a left turn?
When turning left, always yield to oncoming traffic, pedestrians, and cyclists, unless you have a dedicated left-turn signal. When in doubt, be patient, stay alert, and yield to avoid a collision, even if you have the right of way.
Can I turn right when a pedestrian is crossing the street?
In almost all cases, you must yield to pedestrians crossing the street when making a right turn. This rule holds whether you’re turning at a traffic light, stop sign, or at an uncontrolled intersection.
Can I drive with my dog on my lap?
Driving with a dog on your lap is illegal in many places and strongly discouraged everywhere.
Several Canadian provinces and cities explicitly prohibit this practice because it is considered a form of distracted driving and can interfere with your ability to operate the vehicle safely. For example, in British Columbia, drivers have been issued tickets under laws against obstructed control for having a dog in their lap. A driver must maintain full control of the vehicle and avoid distractions. In an accident, a pet can become a projectile or be severely injured, especially if airbags deploy.
Is it dangerous to let dogs stick their heads out of the car window?
Yes, it can be dangerous for your dog. Dirt, rocks, insects, and other debris can fly into your dog's face, potentially causing corneal scratches, punctures, or serious eye injuries. Even small objects can do considerable harm at high speeds. Dust and debris can get into your dog's nose or throat, causing irritation, inflammation, and respiratory problems. The constant wind force can cause the dog’s ears to flap violently, leading to ear irritation, tenderness, swelling, or even long-term ear problems.
