It’s a wise choice to brush up on a country before heading there. Exchange rates and city maps give you a general overview of where you are going and how much you can anticipate on spending. But what about driving?
Drinking and driving, as well as speeding, are universal laws that you can assume elsewhere when you are behind the wheel. Beyond having too many drinks and flying down a highway like a madman, what else can get you into trouble?
Here is a look at three things that are illegal while driving in the neighboring country of Canada.
Driving Without Insurance
For Americans and Canadians alike, it’s illegal to drive without insurance. Being insured on the road, not only protects your car and the passengers in it, but it also protects those driving around you.
But you don’t have to get into a car accident to rack up thousands of Canadian dollars worth of fees. For starters, first-time offenders caught without car insurance pay fines as high as $10,000, and a permanent mark gets placed on your driving abstract (record) that can impact future insurance policies.
If you plan on driving through or live in Canada, click to learn more information about driving without insurance. Another wise action to take before heading north is to check in with your insurance company to be sure you have coverage while driving in Canada.
Distracted Driving
So many drivers think it an innocent action to shoot a quick message or check their Facebook page while driving. But with 1.6M crashes attributed to cell phone use yearly in the United States, it’s no surprise the Canadians have put restrictions on what is considered legal while driving.
Things like texting, entering information on your GPS device, and putting on make-up are illegal. Even if your driving is not affected by these things, you can still be charged with distracted driving.
Another point of consideration is driving with pets. Make sure to follow the standard laws of having your favorite furry friend secure in the correct carriers to reduce the risk of injury and potential fines if pulled over.
Motorcycles Cannot Drive Between Lanes
It’s widespread to see motorcycles in the U.S. cruising between cars backed up, waiting for traffic jams to lighten up or for a light to turn green up ahead.
Although there is some debate about the topic, driving a motorcycle between lanes is illegal in Canada.
Make it a Habit to Brush up on Laws Before Traveling
When traveling as a tourist, don’t expect to be let off any hooks when it comes to breaking the law. Learning about another country before arriving there is a habit we should all develop. Many times, we find ourselves in slightly uncomfortable situations and wish we had known better.
Before you set out on your journey, be sure to familiarize yourself with the rules of that country.
0
0
