Like its southern neighbour, Canada is very much dependent on driving. There is no shortage of scenic towns and destinations across the country and driving may be the best way to explore. Here is a brief driving guide aiming at easing your mind while on the road.
Driving in Canada is on the right with overtaking on the left. Since winter weather conditions may make driving challenging, we strongly advise you to check the weather conditions before travelling and be well equipped. Do not also forget to save emergency numbers in your cell phone.
Speed LimitUnlike its neighbour, Canada uses metric units. Distance and speed are marked in kilometres and kilometres/hour. There is a speed limit of 50 km/h in town and 80 km/h on highways. A typical speed limit for the freeway in most provinces is 100-110 km/h.
Traffic SignsNotably, for the most parts, Canadian traffic signs employ two languages-- English, French or both, and some incorporate indigenous language such as “Cree”. There are basically 4 types of Canadian traffic signs: regulatory, warning, information and direction.
 Stop Sign (French and English) |  Stop Sign (Inuktitut and English) |  Stop sign (Cree) |
Canada has not joined in the Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, explaining why the road traffic system looks different to what we usually see in Europe or other countries.
Its regulatory signs mostly feature a circular shape, with some exceptions.
 No Stopping |  No Left Turn |  No Overtaking |  Yield |
You will not see a common maximum speed sign in Canada, contrarily to some other countries. The maximal speed sign is usually rectangular, with a black writing on a white background.
 Maximum Speed Limit |
Most Canadian warning signs are diamond-shaped with black lettering or symbols on a yellow background.
 Stop Ahead |  Dead End |  Bump or Uneven pavement on the Road Ahead |  Be Alert for Animals |  Railway Crossing Ahead |
In Canada, information signs show where you are, what road you are driving on or how to reach certain places. These signs normally feature a rectangular shape with green or blue background.
 Hospital Nearby |  Gas Available Ahead |  Accommodation Ahead |
As for directional signs, they are usually rectangular with a green background, and inform drivers about the direction or distance in kilometres to neighboring towns and cities.
 Directions to Nearby Towns and Cities |  Distances in Kilometres to Towns and Cities on the Road |
You may refer to this complete manual of standard Canada traffics signs and pavement markings for a better knowledge.
Seatbelt LawsAs for seatbelt law, every Canadian province makes it compulsory for the driver and all passengers to wear seatbelts whilst the car is moving. Failing to do so will result in a fine that varies according to the province.
Booster Seat LawsChildren of 8 years old and under must be properly secured in a child seat restraint system until they are at least 145 cm tall or 36 kg. Children who weigh less than 9 kg must be secured in a rear-facing car seat.
Age and other requirements vary by Canadian province or territory. You may use this as a reference or an idea for the child safety laws when travelling with your kids in Canada, but it is advisable for you to check individual provincial rules before you set for the road.
ParkingParking regulations vary across provinces and territories and are normally the responsibility of municipalities. But you do not need to worry as signage states clearly for the permitted and forbidden parking on all streets.
· Permitted Parking
Street parking is usually only permitted in the direction of traffic. In some smaller roads, parking is only allowed on one side of the road.
Plenty of car parks are available in most of the cities. Prices vary greatly from one city to another and can be very high in cities like Vancouver. Parking can be paid by a ticket machine, a metre at the side of the road, or by a parking attendant at a public parking lot. Failing to pay for parking in these areas may result in a fine.
· No Parking
Street parking in some residential areas is not allowed in the winter. There are signs indicating when parking is not allowed.
Fuel PricesThe average price for Canada gasoline price in January 2018 is 1.36 Canadian dollar, while diesel cost 1.01.
TollThere are several toll roads in Canada such as The Ontario Highway 407 and The Cobequid Pass (Highway 104). All of the toll roads have utilized Electronic Toll Collection system.
If you are planning to drive on these toll roads, you can choose to opt into the e-toll system with your car hire company. Normally, the terms are stated in the rental contract provided by the car hire company at the rental desk. These terms should let you be aware that your credit card may be debited 4-8 weeks after you return the car. If you use an Alamo, National or Enterprise rental car, it is advisable to go to check with the Highway Toll Administration site to find out the details of the toll collected.
You are always welcomed to reach out to QEEQ' 24/7 customer service team for assistance or clarifications in matter regarding tolling.
DUI LawsCanada has very strict laws on drunk driving. The limit is the same as in the UK which is 80mg per 100ml of blood but lowered to 50mg in some provinces. If you already have a drink driving conviction on your licence within the last five years, you will be refused entering at the Canadian point of entry.
Punishment varies by provinces but all are treated very seriously. The minimum punishment for a first offence is a $1000 fine and a year's licence suspension.
Traffic FinesSpeeding in Canada can be fined from $100 to over $400 depending on provinces.
For the spot tickets, follow the instructions on the paper to proceed to the payment. It is advisable to pay fines directly when you are still in the city.
For tickets issued from cities of Toronto, Ottawa or Montreal, you can log in the city's website to check the details and pay for them by entering your ticket number( or plus with the licence plate number).
Q1.What is an insurance excess？
Q2. How can I add an addtional driver?
Q3.What if I want to pick up or drop off my rental car out of office hours?
Q4. Can I take the hired car to another country or cross border?
Q5. Can I pick up my car at one location and return it at different location?
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Customer Service
May 30, 2025
Destination: Victoria
Budget was very good resolving our issue.
View moreMay 27, 2025
Destination: Halifax
A nearly new Elantra with only 2,000 kilometers.
View moreMay 26, 2025
Destination: Toronto
Very satisfied
View moreMay 25, 2025
Destination: Ottawa
The service attitude is very good. Adding an additional driver costs $10 per day, which is a bit expensive. Traveling to Quebec costs $10 per day, with a daily limit of 200 km. Extra mileage fees apply.
View moreMay 24, 2025
Destination: Toronto
Pretty good, an Indian company.
View moreMay 23, 2025
Destination: Toronto
Satisfied
View moreMay 23, 2025
Destination: Toronto
Satisfied, very affordable.
View moreMay 22, 2025
Destination: Toronto
Very satisfied, highly efficient, straightforward sales inquiry. After being informed, the car pickup process was smooth. The vehicle provided was a brand-new GMC with 120 kilometers on the odometer. Absolutely great!
View moreMay 22, 2025
Destination: Toronto
Overall, the service was very satisfactory. There were some upselling attempts, but they were resolved smoothly through communication, and the service was quite attentive and detailed.
View moreMay 21, 2025
Destination: Vancouver
Very quick, all documents were complete, which is great.
View moreMay 21, 2025
Destination: Toronto
I've always used the corporate agreement rate for business trips, so I've been a long-time Gold Member of Hertz. This time it was for personal use, and the service quality is still consistent.
View moreMay 20, 2025
Destination: Calgary
Very satisfied.
View moreMay 19, 2025
Destination: Toronto
Very satisfied.
View moreMay 19, 2025
Destination: Toronto
It was a very heartwarming and convenient car rental experience. The staff was friendly, kind, and humorous. Picking up and returning the car was simple and easy. I'll definitely come back next time.
View moreMay 17, 2025
Destination: Quebec City
Both the pick-up and drop-off locations are very easy to find, especially at the airport where returning the car is very convenient.
View moreMay 14, 2025
Destination: Vancouver
Very satisfied, quick car pickup and no additional charges.
View moreMay 13, 2025
Destination: Vancouver
Good.
View moreMay 12, 2025
Destination: Calgary
The overall service was excellent. There were no hidden charges, the entire process was smooth, and the car was very new, with less than 2,000 kilometers on it when I received it. This exceeded my expectations and made for a great experience. I will choose this company again next time.
View moreMay 11, 2025
Destination: Vancouver
Overall quite satisfied
View moreMay 9, 2025
Destination: Toronto
Pretty good, self-service return.
View moreMay 9, 2025
Destination: Calgary
The process was smooth, very satisfied.
View moreMay 8, 2025
Destination: Halifax
The service was excellent, and the staff were patient and attentive. We got a brand-new Chevrolet Epica, which had only been driven for over 1300 kilometers. The huge trunk, heated driver and passenger seats, and heated steering wheel were absolutely essential for driving in the chilly Atlantic Provinces. Dollar, Hertz, and another car rental company share the same counter and staff.
View moreMay 6, 2025
Destination: Calgary
Very satisfied. When picking up the car, I upgraded to a premium SUV for an extra 15 CAD per day, which offered better driving comfort and more powerful performance. Locals in Canada tend to drive over the speed limit, but it doesn't feel overly dangerous. Additionally, they are courteous to pedestrians and drive civilly, making driving relatively safe. Hopefully, I won't receive any fines in the next 15 days.
View moreMay 5, 2025
Destination: Toronto
At first, I was worried they might try to scam me, but later I realized my concern was unnecessary. Their service was excellent, and there were no hidden charges.
View moreMay 4, 2025
Destination: Markham
The pick-up and drop-off process was very efficient, and they even upgraded us to an SUV, which was a pleasant surprise.
View moreMay 3, 2025
Destination: Toronto
Good service
View moreMay 2, 2025
Destination: Toronto
The overall service was fine, but Canadians are slow-paced, and the car pickup process was especially slow. The customer ahead of me took over half an hour to complete.
View moreMay 2, 2025
Destination: Vancouver
Overall satisfied, there is an airport shuttle bus.
View moreApril 29, 2025
Destination: Calgary
Very good, and they even provided a GPS.
View moreApril 28, 2025
Destination: Toronto
Satisfied
View moreApril 26, 2025
Destination: Calgary
Extremely satisfied
View moreApril 22, 2025
Destination: Vancouver
They promoted full insurance, but didn't push further after I declined. The service was good.
View moreApril 18, 2025
Destination: Edmonton
Very satisfied
View moreApril 17, 2025
Destination: Vancouver
Over a month after I returned the car, they suddenly charged me 500 CAD without explaining the reason. I kept asking, but they never gave me a response.
View moreApril 16, 2025
Destination: Vancouver
Positive feedback
View moreApril 15, 2025
Destination: Vancouver
Very satisfied
View moreApril 11, 2025
Destination: Toronto
Satisfactory
View moreApril 10, 2025
Destination: Toronto
Very good.
View moreApril 6, 2025
Destination: Vancouver
J'ai changé de modèle de voiture (dans la même catégorie) puisque l'espace pour mes bagages était plutôt restreint. Le changement de modèle de voiture a très bien été.
View moreMarch 30, 2025
Destination: Toronto
Very satisfied, always strongly recommended.
View moreMarch 27, 2025
Destination: Toronto
Terrible service, had to wait twenty minutes for pickup after leaving the terminal.
View moreMarch 23, 2025
Destination: Calgary
Very satisfied, it is easy to find nearby and convenient.
View moreMarch 19, 2025
Destination: Toronto
Sim
View moreMarch 19, 2025
Destination: Toronto
Normal
View moreMarch 17, 2025
Destination: Vancouver
After customs clearance, I received a call from the rental company right away, accurately guiding me to the shuttle bus location. The car was a Nissan model, very new with only 5,700 km. The only regret is that there was no option for extending the rental. Absolutely no upselling or unnecessary marketing.
View moreMarch 14, 2025
Destination: Toronto
Very satisfied, very convenient.
View moreMarch 12, 2025
Destination: Vancouver
Extremely satisfied
View moreMarch 12, 2025
Destination: Vancouver
We picked up the car in the city center without waiting at all. The process was straightforward. Returning the car was also very smooth—once the staff received the car, they quickly checked it and said everything was fine.
View moreMarch 8, 2025
Destination: Vancouver
AVSI is the most satisfying car rental company among all. If the reserved vehicle is not available, they offer an upgraded version without additional cost.
View moreMarch 5, 2025
Destination: Kelowna
Very satisfied
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