What is an insurance excess?

The excess is the amount you'll only be liable for in case of damage (under Collision Damage Waiver) or theft (under Theft Protection) of the vehicle. Information about the excess will be clearly stated in the price inclusion when you reserve a car on QEEQ.

How can I add an additional driver?

You are advised to make a request upon your arrival at the rental counter. Additional charge per day will incur unless '1 Additional Driver Included' is stipulated on the rental. Please note that the same licence and age requirement applies to the additional driver. The additional driver is supposed to present the required licence document along with the main driver at pickup.

Canada traffic rules and self driving car rental tips

Speed Limit and Traffic Signs

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 Limit

Unlike 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 Signs

Notably, 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

Canada_Traffic_Sign_Distances_in_Kilometres_to_Towns_and_Citiies_on_the_Road

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 and Child Safety

Seatbelt Laws

As 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 Laws

Children 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.

Parking, Fuel and Toll

Parking

Parking 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.

Canada Paid Parking Sign (Image from i.cbc.ca)

Canada Paid Parking Metre (Image from cbc.ca)

· No Parking

Street parking in some residential areas is not allowed in the winter. There are signs indicating when parking is not allowed.

Canada No Parking

Fuel Prices

The average price for Canada gasoline price in January 2018 is 1.36 Canadian dollar, while diesel cost 1.01.

Toll

There 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.

Canada Toll Road (Image from o.canada.com)

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.

Traffic Violation

DUI Laws

Canada 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 Fines

Speeding 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).

Driving Licence and Age Requirements

To legally rent and drive a car in Canada, you will need a driving licence issued by the government which has been held for at least 2 years. If your domestic driving licence is not in English, an International Driving Permit (IDP/IDL) or an official translation in English is required when you drive in Canada.

The minimum driver age for renting a car at a Canadian rental office is 21 years old. This age may vary according to the state and car category rented.

Guest reviews

1 /

Anonymous

November 2, 2026

Destination: Calgary

8Very good

Pick-up and return were really quick and hassle-free.

November 1, 2026

Destination: Vancouver

10Excellent

What I really like about Alamo is that they have a whole row of cars in the lot, and you can just pick whatever you want within the category you booked. I ended up grabbing a Jetta with only 10,000 km on it and almost brand‑new tires. I did kind of regret not choosing the Mazda 3 once I drove off… That said, it was super fuel‑efficient. Out of everyone in our group, we drove the most miles but spent the least on gas.

Destination: Windsor

It's fine

October 30, 2026

Destination: Toronto

Absolutely satisfied with the whole experience.

October 29, 2026

Communication in English was a bit challenging, but there was absolutely no hard selling at all, which I really appreciated. Overall, super satisfied!

Destination: Montreal

Absolutely excellent.

October 28, 2026

No lines at all and the service was great.

October 27, 2026

A really trustworthy company with great value for money—I'd definitely book with them again!

October 26, 2026

Everything was great.

October 25, 2026

The staff were really friendly and took the time to carefully explain everything I needed to know about crossing the border.

My flight landed late, but since it was at night there was no line at the rental counter, which was great.

October 24, 2026

Super efficient, no lines and returning the car was a breeze.

October 23, 2026

It was decent overall, nothing special but nothing to complain about either.

October 22, 2026

Great service with a friendly attitude, no hard-selling or hidden charges at all, so the whole experience felt really good.

Very satisfied, everything was explained really clearly.

Picked up the car around 6am and there were plenty of options. They offered three different models to choose from. There wasn’t a Toyota RAV4 available, so I went with a Mitsubishi SUV instead. The car was very new, only a bit over 20,000 km on the clock, and there was absolutely no hard sell on extra insurance the whole time.

October 21, 2026

Walked in and got everything sorted right away, no waiting in line, and the staff were really patient and friendly.

The car was pretty much brand new (seven-seater), no issues at all aside from being a bit pricey.

Super satisfied – their service attitude was absolutely amazing.

We originally booked a Camry but ended up with a Kia K4 instead, which was still in great shape with about 20,000 km on it. Pick-up and drop-off were really quick and easy, and the return lanes at Vancouver Airport are super clearly marked.

October 20, 2026

Excellent experience overall – pickup and return were super quick and easy, the car was in great shape, and everything went smoothly from start to finish. Highly recommend!

Front desk staff were super efficient – checking my license, swiping the card for the deposit, and getting all the paperwork signed was done in no time. They gave me a VW ATLAS and when I picked it up I realized it was a mid-to-large SUV from May 2026, which was such a nice surprise!

Destination: Halifax

Picking up the car at the airport was really easy and fast, with no upselling and no hidden charges at all.

October 19, 2026

Pick-up and return were super quick and hassle-free.

The staff, especially the Indian and Pakistani guys, were really professional and knew what they were doing.

Our original Jeep booking fell through, but they upgraded us to an Audi Q5 on the spot. The car was smooth, easy to drive, and felt really safe. Both pickup and drop-off were easy to find. Highly recommend this Avis location.

Overall, the whole process went smoothly and customer service responded really quickly.

October 17, 2026

Not being allowed to drive across provincial borders was a bit inconvenient.

October 16, 2026

Loved the free upgrade—the car was practically brand new, and my deposit was refunded the same day.

They charged me an extra 2 bucks and I have no idea what that fee was for.

October 15, 2026

Ended up with a Hyundai Venus in the end, and it felt a bit small once we tried to fit two 23kg suitcases in.

Very professional, no unnecessary upselling at all.

October 14, 2026

Staff were friendly, but they did add an extra mileage charge.

October 13, 2026

Destination: Quebec City

Really good experience overall. Picking up and dropping off the car was super easy and efficient — at dropoff I just parked, they scanned the car and I was done. About three hours before returning the car I asked to change the dropoff location within the same city, and they accommodated it, which saved me a lot of hassle and extra driving. No upselling, no pressure for extra insurance or anything like that.

October 12, 2026

Hertz cars are always in great shape, I’d definitely book with them again next time.

Staff were really friendly and helpful

October 11, 2026

Paperwork was really straightforward, and since they didn’t have a Grand Cherokee at the branch, they upgraded me to a GMC instead. The car only had 120,100 km on it, basically felt like new.

The rental company gave us a car that already had some scratches, but luckily we took a video when we picked it up, so we avoided any hassle arguing about it later. QEEQ was great too, really helpful with a very good attitude.

You can scan a code to fill in your details in advance, so pickup is super fast. With a Hong Kong driver’s license you can get the car directly, no extra documents needed.

October 10, 2026

Really solid rental company. I’ve used them several times and it’s always been a good experience. They refund the deposit on the same day you return the car, which is impressively fast.

Everything was fine, nothing special to mention.

October 9, 2026

Super quick and efficient.

Really friendly service, no hard selling, and everything was processed super fast.

October 8, 2026

As expected from a big company – they’ve got counters right in the airport, super convenient.

October 7, 2026

Fuel consumption was a bit on the high side.

Super quick and easy process, deposit was refunded right after we returned the car, and the staff were really friendly.

October 6, 2026

The car was really new and everything was super easy to use.

Pretty satisfied overall.

Canada Car Rentals

The Complete Canada Driving and Rental Guide