Cycling Laws and Regulations
Under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, a bicycle is considered a vehicle and cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities to obey all traffic law as motorists.
Cyclists can be ticketed for:
| Offence | Section | Set Fine |
| Improper bicycle lighting | 62(17) | $85 |
| Improper brakes on bicycle | 64(3) | $85 |
| No or defective bell/horn | 75(5) | $85 |
| Fail to wear proper helmet | 104 (2.1, 2.2) | $60 |
| Cyclists riding in crossover or crosswalk | 140 (6) & 144(29) | $85 |
| Fail to signal a turn | 142(1) | $85 |
| Fail to obey stop sign | 136 (1a) | $85 |
| Fail to signal for turn | 142(1) | $85 |
| Fail to stop at a red light | 144(18) | $260 |
| Attaching to a vehicle | 178(1) | $85 |
| Carry a passenger on a bicycle | 178(2) | $85 |
| Fail to stop and identify self when stopped by police | 218(1) (2) | $85 |
“Dooring”:
Driver or passenger of a vehicle can be penalized for improper opening of a vehicle door that interferes or endangers another person or vehicle. The set fine is $300 upon conviction and 3 demerit points (Section 165 (1)(a)).
One Metre Passing Law:
In 2005, Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act was changed where motorists must leave at least one metre of space between their car and a person riding a bicycle. This may mean waiting to pass until the roadway ahead is free of other/oncoming traffic and leaving at least one metre when you do pass. The set fine is $85 (Section 148 (6.1)).
