Speeding

Part IX of the of the Ontario Highway Traffic Act (starting at s. 128) deals with speed limits on roads and highways within the province. Here are the key points of this section:

1. Speed Limits on Highways:

   • The default speed limit on highways (which includes all public roads) is 50 km/h unless otherwise posted.

   • On highways designated as having higher speed limits, the limit may be set at 80 km/h, 90 km/h, 100 km/h, or another posted speed.

2. Speed Limits in Municipal Areas:

   • In municipalities, the speed limit is generally 50 km/h unless otherwise posted.

   • Municipalities have the authority to set lower or higher speed limits on certain roads within their jurisdiction.

3. School Zones and Playground Zones:

   • In designated school zones, municipalities may reduce the speed limit, typically to 40 km/h during certain times when children are likely present.

   • Similarly, speed limits may be reduced in playground zones.

4. Penalties for Exceeding Speed Limits:

   • Driving over the speed limit can result in fines, demerit points, and, in cases of excessive speeding, potential license suspension.

   • Specific penalties increase based on how much the driver exceeds the speed limit, with more severe consequences for greater violations.

5. Community Safety Zones:

   • In community safety zones, which are often near schools or areas with high pedestrian traffic, fines for speeding may be doubled.

This section is designed to regulate vehicle speeds to enhance road safety across various types of roadways and environments.