Canada → United States
Driving in the United States when you know Canada
Differences first, worst-to-get-wrong first. Rules that match are folded away at the bottom.
What's different (0)
Known on one side only (12)
Speed limit on the motorway
Varies by regionCanada · homeNo single national answer:
Ontario100 km/hPosted on the 400-series freeways; some sections are posted 110.Checked 6 Aug 2026
Québec100 km/hChecked 6 Aug 2026
United States · destinationNo single national answer:
Texas75 mphThe commission may set 80 or 85 where the road is designed for it — the highest signed limits in the country.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source
Speed limit on country roads
Varies by regionCanada · homeNo single national answer:
Ontario80 km/hThe default where no limit is posted, outside cities, towns and villages.Checked 6 Aug 2026
Québec90 km/hChecked 6 Aug 2026
United States · destinationNo single national answer:
Texas70 mphThe statutory maximum unless the commission raises it for a numbered highway.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source
California55 mphOn a two-lane undivided highway, and for anything towing a trailer.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source
Speed limit in towns and cities
Varies by regionCanada · homeNo single national answer:
Ontario50 km/hThe default in cities, towns and villages where no limit is posted.Checked 6 Aug 2026
Québec50 km/hChecked 6 Aug 2026
United States · destinationNo single national answer:
Texas30 mphThe default through an urban district unless zoned otherwise.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source
How much alcohol you may have in your blood
Varies by regionCanada · home80 mg/100mlThe criminal offence threshold, nationwide. Most provinces also suspend licences at 50 mg/100ml under administrative rules — being under the criminal limit does not mean you are safe to drive.Checked 6 Aug 2026
United States · destinationNo single national answer:
Whether you need an International Driving Permit
Varies by regionCanada · homeNo single national answer:
OntarioNot requiredFor visits under 3 months, a valid licence from your own country is enough. Staying longer needs an International Driving Permit issued at home before you arrive.Checked 6 Aug 2026
United States · destinationDepends on where your licence is fromDepends on your licence country and on the state. Not every state requires an International Driving Permit, and the US does not issue them to visitors — get one at home before travelling. Check the destination state's motor vehicle department.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source
Holding a phone while driving
Varies by regionCanada · homeNo single national answer:
OntarioNot allowedEven holding the phone is an offence. First conviction from 615 dollars, three demerit points and a 3-day suspension.Checked 6 Aug 2026
United States · destinationNo single national answer:
Turning at a red light
Varies by regionCanada · homeNo single national answer:
QuébecAllowedAfter a complete stop, everywhere in Québec except the whole island of Montréal, where turning right on red is banned — signs mark the island's entry points. 100 to 200 dollar fine and 3 demerit points.Checked 6 Aug 2026
United States · destinationNo single national answer:
CaliforniaAllowedAfter a complete stop at the limit line, yielding to pedestrians, unless a NO TURN ON RED sign is posted.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source
Winter tyres
Varies by regionCanada · homeNo single national answer:
QuébecRequired between set datesAll vehicles registered in Québec — including rental cars — must have four winter tyres from 1 December to 15 March. Fine 200 to 300 dollars.Checked 6 Aug 2026
British ColumbiaRequired where signs say soOn signed highways — most mountain and interior routes — winter tyres (M+S or mountain-snowflake, 3.5 mm tread minimum) are required from 1 October to 30 April; some routes end 31 March. Police can turn you back and fine you.Checked 6 Aug 2026
United States · destinationNot yet verified
Alcohol limit for professional drivers
Varies by regionCanada · homeNot yet verified
United States · destinationNo single national answer:
California0.04 % BACCommercial vehicles, and passenger-for-hire driving.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source
How long you may drive on your own licence
Varies by regionCanada · homeNo single national answer:
Ontario3 monthsAs a visitor, on your own country's licence.Checked 6 Aug 2026
United States · destinationNot yet verified
Hands-free phone calls
Varies by regionCanada · homeNo single national answer:
OntarioAllowedEarpiece, Bluetooth or mounted — touch it only to start or end a call.Checked 6 Aug 2026
United States · destinationNo single national answer:
CaliforniaAllowed, with restrictionsAdults may use hands-free mode. Drivers under 18 may not use a phone at all.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source
When winter tyre rules apply
Varies by regionCanada · homeNo single national answer:
Québec1 December to 15 MarchChecked 6 Aug 2026
British Columbia1 October to 30 AprilOn the designated routes; some end 31 March.Checked 6 Aug 2026
United States · destinationNot yet verified
Same in both (1)
- Emergency number — 911 official source