Is it illegal to pass a snowplow in Ontario?

by | Aug 8, 2022 | Careless Driving Blog

With the Canadian winter upon us, it is more important then ever to use extra caution when driving. This includes pre-planning your commute and giving yourself extra travel time. If you find yourself running late due to the weather and come upon a snowplow, it may be tempting to passing it. Before you make that decision, here is what you should know about the laws and potential hazards of passing a snowplow.
Although it is not illegal to pass a snowplow in Ontario, it can be extremely dangerous and could lead to you being charged under the Highway Traffic Act with Careless Driving. Careless Driving falls under section 130(1) of the Highway Traffic Act and carries six demerit points, a minimum fine of $400.00, and usually causes big insurance problems.

The Dangers Of Passing A Snowplow Include

  • Snowplows have large blades that extend into the right-hand lane, reducing room to pass. 
  • When activity plowing, snowplows blow snow, restricting visibility to vehicles around them.
  • The road behind the snowplow is always safer to travel on than the road in front of it. 

Have You Been Charged With Careless Driving In Ontario?

If you’ve been charged with careless driving in Ontario you should contact us as soon as possible. We have skill and experience in helping drivers just like you respond to accusations of careless driving and provide free, confidential consultations to empower you to fight your charges. We help drivers throughout Ontario including CambridgeGeorgetownLondonWindsor and from our home office in KitchenerContact us online or call us directly at 1.866.591.9206 or text us a copy of your ticket to 226-240-2480.

<a href="https://www.otdlegal.ca/about-us/ron-harper/" target="_self">Ron Harper</a>

Ron Harper

Author, Owner of OTD Ticket Defenders Legal Services and Licensed Paralegal

Licensed Paralegal & Founder of OTD Ticket Defenders Ron Harper holds a BA in Psychology, a Certificate in Public Administration, and an Honours degree in Political Science, along with a Master’s in Judicial Administration. With over 40 years of experience in traffic law, including years of experience as a Prosecutor, Ron Harper leads one of Ontario's top traffic ticket defence firms.

Related Posts

Icy Roads In Ontario and the Law

Icy Roads In Ontario and the Law

Ontario has seen some incredibly dangerous weather this winter.  Temperatures have fluctuated wildly above and below the freezing mark leading to freezing rain, icy roads, and very dangerous road conditions.  This has lead to many Ontarians finding...

FREE CONSULTATION & QUOTE

Get A Free Quote & Consultation For Your Ticket

We have the skill and experience to help drivers just like you, all while protecting your best interests in the process. We provide free, no obligation, confidential consultations. To start a free consultation, text a copy of your ticket to 226-240-2480 or email a copy to help@otdlegal.ca. Once we receive a copy of your ticket, we will call you. As always, we can also be contacted toll-free by calling 1-844-647-6869.

RESOURCES

Our Recent Videos

Do Police Actually Have Ticket Quotas?

Do Police Actually Have Ticket Quotas?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05AxFPuLIYo The idea of a quota system in traffic policing raises questions about whether law enforcement focuses more on revenue than safety. In Canada, there's often debate over whether ticket quotas exist and how they affect police...

read more
Being Pulled Over and Bodycams

Being Pulled Over and Bodycams

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clmVmGlNji8 When you encounter a police officer in Ontario, there's a good chance that the interaction is being recorded by a body camera. As these devices become more common, it will be assumed that police interactions are recorded,...

read more