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 |
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)).
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)).