Reasons You Could Get Ticketed (Fined) While Living in Canada

Hello everyone, especially international students and those preparing to move to Canada! 👋
Life in Canada is great, but to maintain order and safety, the government has strict rules. Getting "ticketed" or receiving an administrative fine (ticket/fine) not only costs money but can also lead to unnecessary trouble.
Below are some common mistakes you should be aware of to avoid getting fined while living and studying in the land of maple leaves!

🚦 I. Common Traffic Violations (Moving Violations)
Canada's traffic laws are strict and strictly enforced, especially in large cities:
• Running a red light or failing to stop fully at a STOP sign: This is a serious offense. STOP signs 🛑 in Canada require vehicles to come to a complete stop for at least 3 seconds before proceeding, even if there are no other cars.
• Speeding: Canadian police can use both mobile speed guns and cameras to catch speeding, and fines increase rapidly with the amount of speed exceeded.
• Using a mobile phone while driving (Distracted Driving): It is strictly prohibited to hold and use a mobile phone while driving. Even holding a phone while stopped at a red light can result in a fine!
• Failing to yield to pedestrians: At crosswalks or when turning, you must yield to pedestrians.

🅿️ II. Parking Violations
Parking tickets are the most common and easy to get:
• Parking in a prohibited area: Always watch for "No Parking" or "No Standing" signs.
• Parking beyond the allowed time: Especially in metered parking areas.
• Parking too close to a fire hydrant: Typically, parking is prohibited within $3$ or $5$ meters of a hydrant.
• Parking in a bus lane or during peak hours in restricted areas.

🗑️ III. Violations Related to Community & Environmental Rules
In some countries, these may be normal actions, but in Canada, violations can result in hefty fines, such as the following basic mistakes:
• Littering: Even throwing cigarette butts or small bottle caps on the street.
• Improper waste sorting: Each city has its own regulations for green, black, and recycling bins. Failing to sort waste properly can lead to fines or unsorted garbage not being collected.
• Noise Pollution: Making loud noises at night (usually after 10 PM) or disturbing neighbors.
• Not cleaning up after pets (Poop and Scoop): If you have a pet, always carry a bag and clean up after them when they go to the bathroom in public places.

🚭 IV. Tobacco and Alcohol Violations
Canada has strict laws regarding the use of intoxicants:
• Smoking in prohibited areas: Including in restaurants, bars, workplaces, and near public entrances.
• Drinking alcohol in public places: Except in certain specially licensed areas, drinking alcohol outside of private residences is prohibited.
• Drinking alcohol while driving (Open liquor in vehicle): It is illegal to have an open alcohol container within reach of the driver, even if you are not drinking.

All of the above violations could affect your future citizenship application if you only have Permanent Resident (PR) status in Canada or a Study Permit. So, to have a wonderful experience living and studying in Canada, always remember:

Read and follow the signs: Especially traffic and parking signs.

Check local laws: Each province and city may have different bylaws. Take time to learn about the city you live in.

Respect shared spaces: Respect is key to integrating quickly and building good relationships with neighbors.

Canada is a safe country with strong laws. Understanding these regulations will help you avoid unnecessary trouble and focus fully on your studies/living.

Do you have any experiences with fines in Canada that you'd like to share with PathCAN? Please comment below!