Car speed limits in Ontario (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Where no limit is posted the maximum is 50 km/h in cities, towns and villages and 80 km/h elsewhere; selected provincial highway sections are posted at 110 km/h. Municipalities may set lower limits near schools on school days by by-law. Speeding in a construction zone while a worker is present carries double fines.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Built-up areasPassenger car on public roads | 50 km/h in cities, towns and villages where no speed limit is posted [1] |
| Outside built-up areas (single carriageway)Passenger car on public roads | 80 km/h elsewhere where no speed limit is posted [1] |
| MotorwaysPassenger car on public roads; Provincial highways | 110 km/h on selected sections of provincial highways, previously posted at 100 km/h [2] |
| School zonesPassenger car on public roads | Municipalities may set a lower limit by by-law on the part of a road next to a school entrance or exit and up to 150 metres beyond the school land, on school days, at times set in the by-law. The limit only applies once signs are posted. [3] |
| Roadworks zonesPassenger car on public roads | A lower limit may be posted in a designated construction zone. Speeding there when a worker is present carries double the normal per-km/h fine. [3] |
Notes
- Municipalities and the province can post other limits. The Highway Traffic Act and its regulations were not read directly; the figure is from the official driver's handbook.
- The limit is posted by sign. The province has raised the posted limit from 100 to 110 km/h on selected sections; other sections stay at 100 km/h.
Sources
- Government of Ontario (Ministry of Transportation): The Official Ministry of Transportation (MTO) Driver's Handbook: Driving along (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Government of Ontario (Ministry of Transportation): Raising speed limits on Ontario highways (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- King's Printer for Ontario (e-Laws): Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8 (current consolidation, Word version) (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
Ontario and neighbouring provinces and territories
| Province or territory | Built-up areas | Outside built-up areas (single carriageway) | Outside built-up areas (dual carriageway or expressway) | Motorways |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | 50 km/h | 80 km/h | — | Passenger car on public roads, Provincial highways: 110 km/h (selected sections) |
| Manitoba | 50 km/h | Passenger car on public roads: 90 km/h Passenger car on public roads, Listed highway sections: 100 km/h (listed sections) Passenger car on public roads, PTH 1 (listed portions): 110 km/h (PTH 1 portions) | — | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Quebec | 50 km/h | Passenger car on public roads, Paved highways: 90 km/h Passenger car on public roads, Gravel highways: 70 km/h | — | 100 km/h (min. 60) |
More rules in Ontario
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal within limits (19+) · Growing at home: Yes, up to 4 plants per home
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceEarliest age to drive a car supervised: 16, with a supervising driver
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Power-assisted bicycle · Minimum age: 16 years
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $17.95 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free, touch limited
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 19 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 19
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.05% (7-day suspension) · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: Zero if 21 or under or G1/G2/M1/M2
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.