Almost everyone who has ever been to Canada has at some point crossed the street using one of the pedestrian crossings. Like all things in Canada, there are rules associated with using them. If you’re not familiar with them, you could easily find yourself in trouble with the law.
So, whether you’re a tourist or a long-term resident, brush up on your pedestrian crossing skills with this guide to the pedestrian crossing rules in Canada!
What are the Pedestrian Crossing Rules?
Federal and provincial laws govern the pedestrian crossing rules in Canada. They were designed to ensure that pedestrians and vehicles do not collide on the road and protect pedestrians from injury if they do. But don’t worry – you still have the right of way!
Rules for General Pedestrian
The pedestrian crossing rules in Canada consist of the following:
- You must use designated crosswalks. These are marked by painted lines, signs, or other indicators on the road surface. It is perfectly legal to cross at any point within a crosswalk, but don’t forget to give vehicles turning onto another street.
- If there is no pedestrian crosswalk sign present, you must walk to either side of the road before crossing, giving cars the right of way to turn onto another street.
- At pedestrian crossings, you should wait for a gap in the traffic before crossing. If one does not appear, cross at a steady pace so as not to startle drivers with your sudden appearance in front of them.
- The only time it’s safe to cross a one-way street is when there is no traffic moving in either direction.
- If you can’t use a pedestrian crossing or an intersection because it’s too dangerous for some reason, you can cross the street anywhere it’s safe to do so.
Rules for Drivers
Drivers must be cautious of pedestrians at all times, especially when approaching intersections and pedestrian crossings.
- Stop before the white line when a pedestrian is standing in your lane or your ‘mirror’ image lane beside you on a multi-lane street. If no pedestrians are present, continue slowly until you have passed this point.
- Don’t pass other vehicles in the same lane unless approaching an intersection, pedestrian crossing, or driveway to which you must yield. It is illegal to pass another vehicle in the same lane at a marked pedestrian crossing.
- At intersections, wait for pedestrians to cross the entire street length before proceeding. Also, remember that if you are turning right at an intersection with a pedestrian crossing, you must yield to pedestrians in both directions.
- It is illegal to pass another vehicle at a pedestrian crosswalk or crossing while someone is waiting there or has just started crossing.
- Do not use your horn at a pedestrian crosswalk, as this may startle pedestrians and is very dangerous.
Some Specific Crossing Rules
Here, we look at more specific pedestrian crossing rules that you should be aware of:
Zebra Crossing
These crossings are high visibility crossings that have been painted with black and white stripes. They show pedestrians where they can cross safely and help alert motorists of their presence. When approaching a zebra crossing, slow down as soon as you see it and give pedestrians the right of way.
Pelican Crossing
At pelican crossings, the lights are controlled by pedestrians. Pressing a button makes the red light go out and activates the amber flashing light to tell pedestrians safely to cross. Make your way carefully through the crossing once you see the green light come on.
Puffin Crossing
Puffin crossings are similar to pelican crossings except that they are placed over the road and have sensors that activate the green light when pedestrians are waiting. It also has CCTV built-in for better visibility.
These crossings do not have a controlled light system. In this case, you must stop and give pedestrians the right of way when they are already crossing the road or about to cross.
Toucan Crossing
A toucan crossing is where pedestrians and cyclists can cross together. The pedestrian light lets pedestrians know when safe to cross, while the green cycle symbol tells cyclists that they should only cross when the light has turned green.
Pedestrian Crossing Rules in Alberta
In a crosswalk, pedestrians have the right of way unless a police officer or traffic control device specifies otherwise. This means that even if a crosswalk isn’t clearly defined, cars still have to stop and let people through.
Drivers must be alert for elderly or disabled pedestrians, as they might take longer to cross. An $810 fine and 4 demerit points will be given for failing to yield to a pedestrian at a crossing. Even though you have the right of way, you must still exercise reasonable caution as a pedestrian and wait until all cars have given way before crossing the street.
Pedestrian Crossing Rules in Ontario
Drivers, including cyclists, must stop so pedestrians can cross the street. Drivers and cyclists can only move forward until school crossing guards and pedestrians have crossed and are secure on the sidewalk. Within 30 meters of a pedestrian crossover, no vehicle can pass. Never drive through a vehicle that has stopped so a pedestrian can cross the street.
Penalties for Drivers Who are in Violation of the Laws
Suppose you’re caught in violation of any pedestrian crossing rules. In that case, you could face a fine and demerit points on your license. Some penalties are:
- A fine of up to $1000 and 4 demerit points is issued for failing to yield at a pedestrian crossing.
- There is a fine of up to $1000 and 3 demerit points for not stopping at a red light.
- There is a fine of up to $2000 and 7 demerit points for not remaining at the collision scene.
Conclusion
Like most countries worldwide, Canada has strict rules for pedestrians and drivers. For this reason, it is essential to know these pedestrian crossing rules before beginning your journey.
You can have a safe and fun time driving through Canada by following these rules. And you can also feel safe walking around knowing that there is no danger at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is the list of frequently asked questions and their answers.
Who Has Right of Way at a Pedestrian Crossing?
For a pedestrian crossing, the right of way goes to the pedestrians. This means if pedestrians are already at the crossing or have just started, motorists must stop and give them enough time to cross the road.
Do Cars Have to Stop at a Pedestrian Crossing?
Yes, they do. Suppose pedestrians are waiting on a pedestrian crossing or already crossing the road. In that case, cars must stop and allow them to cross the street before continuing fully.
Do You Always Give Way to Pedestrians?
When it comes to pedestrian crossings, you always have to give way. This means that if pedestrians are already crossing the road or about to do so, cars must stop and let them finish.
When Can You Stop on a Pedestrian Crossing?
You can stop on a pedestrian crossing if you are yielding to pedestrians or cyclists crossing. You must also give way if you are about to turn at an intersection.
How to Cross Road in Canada?
- If there is a crosswalk, use it as a pedestrian.
- If there is a pedestrian crosswalk system, follow its instructions.
- If there isn’t a crosswalk, turn left at the corner and follow the traffic lights.
