h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Hi, there. I just wanted to add my two cents about driving in Canada:

If you're going to be driving in the Province of Ontario in Canada, if you wait at an intersection for a green light to turn right, generally people will honk at you. In the Province of Quebec, however, it is illegal to turn right on a red light, and people will therefore honk at you.

If you're going to be driving in the City of Montreal, Quebec, you should be aware that the position of the text on the overhead signs on the highways going into and out of Montreal has nothing to do with whether a particular exit or entry will be from the left or the right. Do not be fooled into changing lanes until you see the actual on- or off-ramp itself.

If you're going to be driving in the City of Toronto, Ontario, you should be aware that most of the downtown streets have two lanes only. This means you must be prepared for delivery trucks, taxis and friends giving friends a lift to stop dead in the right lane at any time. If you get stuck behind a stopped vehicle in the right lane, it will be some time before the left lane drivers let you in (if indeed any of them do voluntarily). Generally, driving in Toronto requires both courtesy and assertiveness.

Good luck,

Indigo

Nice to know the driver on my trip to Montreál was breaking the law.

Another thing to add, perhaps, is that although officially Canadians are supposed to observe lane discipline (the Ontario Driver's Guide sez so at least) Canadians are completely unaware of this; honestly I've asked them and they looked at me funny.

Er... lane discipline? What's that? (I did read my Ontario Driver's Guide when I was studying for my license, but that was some thirteen years ago...)

You might not call it that. The basic idea is that on a multi-lane highway (I learnt the lingo), you generally keep to the right (left in Britain, but let's not complicate things) and always overtake on the left.

That Idea changes from place to place, In Idaho it is illegal to drive in the left lane except when overtaking (on a highway) but on a feeway it is ok to drive in the left lane as long as you move over for people overtaking you, however, in california it is ok to drive wherever you want on any freeway or highway (excepting the opposite traffic's lane...)

Granted, but I was specifically refering to Ontario.

Is a feeway one where you have to pay a toll?

A freeway is a limited access road that has no stopping at any time, other than checkpoints for food, or other police/immigrations checkpoints, and is hence the name "Free" a Tollway has a toll that you must pay both have two or more lanes in each direction. A highway is a free access road that is two lanes or more, there are also limited access highways where strict traffic signals and turning regulations are enforced, they are usually two lanes in each direction. I know Canada is mostly highways, Oh how I love Alberta, I wish to move to Calgary someday...

I was, in fact, pointing out that you missed the "r" out of freeway.

Oh I missed that... I just saw that you wrote that on accident and assumed that... well there is where assuming gets you... Makes an ass out of you and me!

Glad you can forgive...

Oh, don't worry. Most of my jokes tend to be unfunny to everyone but me.

Well it is funny after I realize how stupid I must sound...

I must say that all this stuff about driving in Canada is making my head spin! I have learned one
VERY valuable thing though.Wherever you are and wherever you need to drive, you can always
be sure that about 75% of the OTHER people driving are making up their own rules as they go.
And, that said, you need to do the same just to survive. (Be prepared, however, to not be surprised
when your rules conflict with the local authorities...in a worse case scenario, just say you are from Ohio,
or Montreal or something. It might help, or it may land you in jail. Good luck!)

Yes, very good point, there are even discrepancies from town to town, a town south (only about 40 miles) of mine in Idaho you get pulled over for anything because they think we "Look suspicious"!