Parking in Ontario can be confusing because rules vary by city. In larger cities such as Toronto, many areas have different parking rules. Though this may seem tedious, isure is here to help you with their extensive guide to parking in Ontario! This way, you can avoid parking tickets and not have to worry when you’re out and about with your car. If it’s parallel parking or parking on a hill, you can read below to learn everything there is to know about parking in Ontario.
General Ontario Parking Rules
As mentioned before, parking rules in Ontario can change from road to road and city to city. This is why the signs posted around the province are going to be your best friend when you’re looking for a place to park your car. These signs may include multiple pieces of information, but may not always include all parking bylaws. Most signs will state that you may not stop or will post a limit on stopping, standing, or parking.
Common Ontario Parking Laws to Remember
There are a few basic rules to follow when parking in Ontario, especially when parking on the side of the road. These rules include:
- Never park on the travelled part of the road; always drive onto the shoulder.
- Never park on a curve, hill, or anywhere you do not have a view of at least 125 metres in both directions.
- Do not block any parked vehicles, sidewalks or crosswalks.
- Do not park within three metres of a fire hydrant.
- Do not park within 100 metres of a bridge.
- Do not park within six metres of a public entrance to a hotel, theatre, or public hall when it is open.
- Do not park within 15 metres of an intersection if it contains traffic lights.
- Do not park where you will get in the way of traffic or snow clearing.
- Never open the door to your parked vehicle without first checking for traffic or bikers.
Once you are parked, turn off your lights and ignition, remove your key and lock your doors. Before leaving your parking spot, always signal and check for traffic to ensure it is safe to exit.
Understanding Ontario Parking Signs
Some parking signs in Ontario can be hard to understand. Below are some of the common ones you may see around your city, and how to read them:
Photo via ontario.ca
Please don’t park in this area between the signs. This means you may not stop your vehicle except to load or unload passengers or merchandise.
Photo via ontario.ca
This sign indicates that you may park in the area between the signs during the posted hours.
Photo via ontario.ca
When this sign is present, do not stand in the area between the signs. This means you may not stop your vehicle in this area except to load or unload passengers.
Photo via ontario.ca
If you see this sign, you cannot stop your vehicle in the area between the signs, even for a moment.
Photo via ontario.ca
This parking space is only for vehicles displaying a valid Accessible Parking Permit (see below for more information).
Photo via ontario.ca
A sign like this reserves the curb area for vehicles displaying a valid Accessible Person Parking Permit when picking up or dropping off passengers with disabilities.
Accessible Parking Permits
If you have a disability in Ontario, you can receive an Accessible Parking permit. This is a laminated card displayed on your dashboard or rearview mirror that indicates the driver has a disability. This permit authorizes the vehicle owner to park in designated parking spaces and to stand in designated stopping areas. This permit is free of charge to qualified individuals and is issued to the permit holder, not a specific vehicle. To qualify for this type of parking permit, you must have one of the following people certify you:
- Licensed physician
- Chiropractor
- Nurse practitioner
- Physiotherapist
- Occupational therapist
Remember, it is illegal to park in a space designated for people with disabilities if you do not have a permit.
How to Parallel Park in Ontario (Step-by-Step)
Parallel parking in Ontario is something many drivers dread doing! Parallel parking is when you park a vehicle with its wheels parallel to the curb, usually sandwiched between other cars. Of course, this is only done where it’s allowed, as some signs state that cars must be parked at an angle. Remember to park on the right side of the road and face the direction of traffic.
To do this properly, you must find a space about 1.5 times the size of your vehicle. Check for traffic and turn on your signal when you plan to pull over. Pull ahead of the space you wish to park and leave about a metre between the vehicles. From there, follow the steps below to perfectly parallel park:
- Slowly reverse into the space, turning the steering wheel towards the curb.
- When you spot the outside corner of the vehicle in front of your space, straighten your wheels and continue reversing.
- Turn your steering wheel fully towards the road and align yourself with the curb. If you are not parallel to the curb, you can just drive forward to straighten up.
- Once properly parked, set your parking brake and move your gear into park. If you have a manual transmission, shift into first or reverse gear.
- Turn off your engine and remove the key from the door. From there, lock your vehicle and remember to check for traffic before opening your door!
Parking Safely on a Hill
Parking on a hill can be tricky in Ontario, and many people avoid it. However, when done correctly, parking on a hill can be a safe and easy option. Other times, you may not have a choice. When you are facing downhill, turn your front wheels towards the curb so that your car does not roll into traffic. If you are facing uphill and there is no curb beside you, turn your wheels sharply to the right. This will ensure that your vehicle pulls to the side of the road rather than into traffic if it rolls.
It is also essential to always set your parking brake and move your gear into park. If your vehicle has a manual transmission, shift into first or reverse gear. As always, be sure to lock your vehicle and check for traffic before exiting.
Roadside Stops and Emergency Parking Rules
If you need to stop on the side of the road without parking, there are also directions to follow. This way, you can safely check maps or look for directions, legally.
- Before slowing down, check your mirrors and blind spots to make sure you are clear from traffic.
- Turn on your signal before you slow down. If drivers are waiting to enter the road between you and the point where you stop, wait until you have passed so that drivers do not think you are turning.
- Reduce your speed and pull over to the side of the road, making sure you stop parallel to the curb. Make sure you are not blocking any entrances or traffic!
- Turn off your signal and turn on your hazard lights.
If you are parking on a hill, please follow the above instructions by moving your wheels against the curb in the right direction to prevent your vehicle from rolling. When you are ready to resume driving, release the parking brake and move the selector to drive. From there, you can check your mirrors and make sure you are clear of vehicles or cyclists. You can return to the road by accelerating smoothly and blending with the traffic around you.B
Parking Near Stop Signs and Intersections in Ontario
When parking near intersections or stop signs in Ontario, you must leave enough space to avoid blocking the visibility of drivers and pedestrians. Failing to do so can result in a ticket and create dangerous blind spots.
Here are the general rules to follow:
- Stop signs: Do not park within 9 metres (30 feet) of a stop sign.
- Traffic lights: Do not park within 15 metres of an intersection that has traffic control signals.
- Crosswalks and pedestrian crossings: Never park within 9 metres of a crosswalk to ensure pedestrians are visible to drivers.
- Yield signs and school crossings: Leave extra space to keep sightlines clear for drivers and children crossing.
Parking too close to these areas makes it harder for other drivers and pedestrians to see approaching traffic, increasing the risk of accidents. Always check posted signs, as some cities may enforce stricter rules.
Avoid Parking Tickets and Protect Your Vehicle
Familiarizing yourself with parking safety and the basic parking rules in Ontario that don’t always appear on signs is a great way to ensure you are obeying the law and keeping everyone around you safe. Remember, if you are looking for auto insurance, request a quote with isure and take advantage of our top-tier customer service and best rates.
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