One of the most common car accidents on Canadian roadways occurs as a result of speeding, which is why the Highway Traffic Act prohibits vehicles from going over the speed limit. If you've ever been caught by police using excessive speed, you've likely been issued a traffic ticket and had points put on your driver's licence.
So, what about driving too slowly? Can drivers be ticketed for driving below the posted limit? Stick around to find out.
Understanding "normal and reasonable movement of traffic" in the Highway Traffic Act
The Highway Traffic Act is a statute in Ontario that regulates car licensing, registration, the classification of driving offences, and more.
According to the Traffic Act, section 132 (1) states that "no motor vehicle shall be driven on a highway at such a slow rate of speed as to impede or block the normal and reasonable movement of traffic thereon except when the slow rate of speed is necessary for safe operation having regard to all the circumstances."
Can a slow-moving vehicle get a ticket for not driving the posted speed limit in Canada?
Based on the excerpt from the Traffic Act above, driving too slowly in comparison to other traffic moving in the same direction is a prohibited offence unless you are doing so in order to safely operate your motor vehicle.
Driving too slowly, contrary to other drivers and the normal flow of traffic, can pose serious risks and possibly be frustrating for other drivers on the road, especially on the highway. And because driving too slow can lead to a highly dangerous situation on the roadway, a police officer does have the legal right to ticket someone.
It should be noted that a designated slow-moving vehicle that is travelling in the slow lane, like a semi-truck or tractor, will not be ticketed for failing to drive at the normal speed that is listed.
How slow is too slow to get a ticket?
There is no specific speed limit stated in the Traffic Act that outlines what "too slow" is. Ultimately, it is up to police officers to evaluate the circumstances at hand and determine if the driver's reduced speed is contributing to a dangerous safety hazard to other cars.
If you do get a ticket for driving too slowly, you are able to seek legal services and attend Ontario court to appeal your offence. Note that setting a court date and seeking legal services will not guarantee that you will win your appeal. Additionally, if you do lose your appeal, drivers are typically required to pay more than the original fine issued for their alleged offence.
Will my insurance increase after I get an impeding traffic ticket?
Yes, similar to how an accident affects car insurance rates, you can face an insurance increase after a ticket. While a single ticket may not be enough for a driver to face significant increases in their premiums, having several points on their licence and other offences in addition to the tickets will. Ultimately, insurance companies view those with multiple offences as "dangerous" or "high risk" to insure. To counteract this, providers will increase premiums to ensure they are protected against potential claims in the future.
Can a driver get a fine for driving too slow in a school zone?
Driving slowly in a school zone is mandatory to ensure the safety of children is upheld at all times. So, when it comes to school zones and fines, a driver will likely not get charged with an offence for driving too slowly unless their actions are causing significant danger to other cars and pedestrians in the area.
How can I check my driver's licence status in Ontario?
There are numerous reasons why someone may want to check their driver's licence status in Ontario. The easiest way to do this is by logging onto the Ontario Ministry of Transportation’s website.
How do I check the demerit points on my licence?
If you've recently received a traffic ticket or been convicted of another driving offence, you may want to check the number of demerit points on your licence. Checking demerit points is incredibly straightforward. With your driver's licence handy, you can log onto the Service Ontario website and make your request. Alternatively, you can go to a Service Ontario location in your neighbourhood and request a copy of your records in person.
How do I report a car accident to my insurance company?
Reporting a car accident to your insurance company is recommended, regardless of how minor the damages or injuries may appear. Once you've exchanged information with the other vehicles involved and sought medical attention for your injuries, you can go ahead and give your insurance company a call. Inform the agent that you want to file a claim. They will ask you a series of questions and send your request to an adjuster, who will contact you in a couple of days to help you navigate the remainder of your insurance claim.
Do I have to report a car accident in Ontario?
Having to report a car accident in Ontario can be a daunting experience if you've never done so prior. According to Ontario traffic laws, whether or not reporting a car accident is legally mandated depends on the circumstances surrounding the collision. Typically, certain parameters need to be met, such as injuries, the involvement of multiple vehicles, damage over $2000, and the involvement of pedestrians. To ensure that you fulfil your legal duty to report a collision, make sure you review the traffic laws in your area by checking online.
Protect your vehicle on the road with quality car insurance
To ensure your vehicle is protected while on and off the road, having the right types of auto insurance in place is crucial. While certain policies and coverage minimums are legally required, depending on the province or territory you live in, there are additional policies you can purchase to supplement your plan overall, including the following:
Note: This is not a complete list of available policies. Coverage options will vary between insurance providers.
Contact BrokerLink today
At BrokerLink, we help Canadians find affordable car insurance options. With access to some of Canada's top insurance providers and multiple auto insurance policies, our experienced brokers are able to help customize your plan to your unique driving habits and budget.
If you're interested in working with a broker from your team, come in for a face-to-face appointment at one of our many locations across the country! If we're not in your neighbourhood, feel free to give us a call over the phone during regular business hours. You can also get a free competitive insurance quote within minutes from the comfort of your own home using our online quote tool!
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