Speed LimitsCanada Highway Speed: 100 km/h — Ontario Seizes Speeders' Cars
A single number does not tell the whole story in Canada. Conditions, road type and licence age all affect your legal speed. Details below.
The speed limit on motorways in Canada is 100 km/h.
It’s km/h here — and Ontario impounds fast drivers
Unlike its US neighbour, Canada posts everything in km/h, not mph — highway limits are typically 100 km/h, rising to 110 or 120 in parts of the west (British Columbia’s Coquihalla is the fastest). The rule that catches drivers is Ontario’s stunt-driving law: go 40 km/h over on slower roads or 50 over on faster ones and it’s not just a ticket — your licence is suspended at the roadside and the car is impounded on the spot, with heavy fines and possible criminal consequences. Photo radar is expanding in Alberta and Ontario, and the RCMP use LIDAR. The alcohol limit is 0.08 federally, lower in some provinces. Distances are huge, so watch for wildlife and fatigue.
Speed Limits in Canada — Full Breakdown
Speed limits in Canada vary by road type and vehicle category.
| Road Type | Cars | Trucks |
|———–|——|——–|
| Urban | 50 km/h | 50 km/h |
| Rural | 80 km/h | 80 km/h |
| Motorway | 100 km/h | 100 km/h |
Urban Speed Limits
The urban speed limit in Canada is 50 km/h for passenger vehicles. Watch for variable speed signs in city centres.
Motorway Speed Limits
The maximum speed on Canada’s motorways is 100 km/h for passenger vehicles.
Speeding Penalties
A speeding fine for going 10 km/h over the limit is approximately CAD 50-100 (approx. EUR 35-70).
Check exact speed limits for your route
Open Speed Limit MapWhat Most Guides Don’t Tell You
Enforcement Reality
Canada has limited fixed camera coverage, but mobile radar traps are common on busy routes.
The typical enforcement tolerance is around 10 km/h above the posted limit. Anything beyond that triggers an automatic fine.
Officers can demand on-the-spot payment. If you cannot pay, your vehicle may be impounded until the fine is settled.
Alcohol and Speed
The BAC limit in Canada is 0.08. Combining alcohol with a speed offence significantly increases the penalty, including possible licence suspension.
How Canada Compares
| Country | Urban | Rural | Motorway | Driving Side |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | 50 km/h | 80 km/h | 100 km/h | Right |
| United States | 40 km/h | 88 km/h | 104 km/h | Right |
| Mexico | 40 km/h | 80 km/h | 110 km/h | Right |
Key Facts at a Glance
| Country | Canada |
| Urban speed limit | 50 km/h |
| Rural speed limit | 80 km/h |
| Motorway speed limit | 100 km/h |
| Truck motorway limit | 100 km/h |
| Driving side | Right |
| Blood alcohol limit | 0.08 |
| Camera density | Low |
| Enforcement tolerance | ~10 km/h |
| Emergency number | 911 |
More Resources
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Related Questions
The motorway speed limit in Canada is 100 km/h for cars.
The default urban speed limit in Canada is 50 km/h.