Road Safety

Aggressive driving includes behaviours such as:

• Speeding or driving too fast for road conditions
• Following too closely
• Failing to obey traffic signals
• Failing to yield
• Improper passing

Report Aggressive Driving

• Call: 905-546-1768
• Email: aggressivedriver@hamiltonpolice.ca

When reporting, include:

• Your name and contact number
• Date, time, and location of the incident
• Licence plate number and vehicle description

A warning letter may be sent to the registered owner.

Safe Driving Tips 

• Keep a safe following distance
• Keep right except to pass
• Avoid gestures or confrontation
• Use your horn only when necessary
• Avoid eye contact with aggressive drivers
• Allow extra travel time
• Stay focused and avoid distractions
• Do not respond to aggressive behaviour

Using a phone or other devices while driving significantly increases the risk of a collision.

Prevention Tips

• Only use your phone when parked
• Let calls go to voicemail or have a passenger assist
• Pull over safely if needed
• Set GPS and controls before driving
• Avoid eating, grooming, or other distractions
• Keep your focus on the road

Penalties

Distracted driving offences can lead to significant fines, demerit points, and licence suspensions.
Learn more: https://www.ontario.ca/page/distracted-driving  

Impaired driving includes operating a vehicle while affected by alcohol, drugs, or both.

This includes cars, motorcycles, boats, and off-road vehicles.

Prevention Tips

• Plan a designated driver
• Use public transit
• Use a rideshare service
• Stay overnight if needed

Penalties
Impaired driving is a criminal offence and can result in fines, licence suspensions, and a criminal record.
Learn more: https://www.ontario.ca/page/impaired-driving  

Street racing and dangerous driving are serious offences.

Dangerous Driving (Criminal Code)

• Up to 5 years imprisonment
• Up to 14 years if injury or death occurs
• Criminal record and licence suspension

Careless Driving (HTA)

• Fines from $400–$2,000
• Possible jail (up to 6 months)
• Up to 2-year licence suspension
• 6 demerit points

Criminal Negligence

• Up to 14 years imprisonment (bodily harm)
• Possible life imprisonment (death)

Stunt Driving

Stunt driving includes exceeding the speed limit by more than 50 km/h.

Penalties may include:

• 6 demerit points
• Fine of $2,000–$10,000
• Possible jail time (up to 6 months)
• Immediate 7-day licence suspension
• Vehicle impoundment
• Possible long-term licence suspension
• Increased insurance rates

Waiting for the Bus

• Arrive at least 5 minutes before your scheduled pickup time
• Wait at a safe distance from the road
• Do not approach the bus until it has come to a complete stop
• Avoid pushing or shoving when boarding
• Use the handrail when getting on

On the Bus

• Sit facing forward
• Always remain seated
• Keep hands and feet inside the bus
• Do not throw objects or stick anything out of windows
• Keep the aisle clear

Getting Off the Bus

• Exit carefully and walk, do not run
• Cross in front of the bus only
• Look both ways before crossing
• Pass the crossing arm and wait for the driver’s signal before crossing

Drivers must stop for a school bus when its red lights are flashing and stop arm is extended.

• Stop at least 20 metres behind a bus when approaching from the rear
• Stop at a safe distance when approaching from the opposite direction
• Do not proceed until the lights stop flashing, the stop arm is withdrawn, and the bus begins to move

Penalties

Failing to stop for a school bus can result in:

• First offence: Fine of $400 to $2,000 and 6 demerit points
• Subsequent offences: Fine of $1,000 to $4,000, 6 demerit points, and possible licence suspension or imprisonment

The CAA School Safety Patrol Program is a partnership between the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA), police services, and school boards. It is a voluntary program in elementary schools where students are trained to help promote safety for their peers.

Participants learn:

• Safe crossing practices
• Bus safety procedures
• Emergency evacuation skills

The program helps students develop responsibility, leadership, and community awareness.

Each year, approximately 60 schools in Hamilton participate, with 800 to 900 students trained.

How to Enroll 

To enroll, visit: https://www.caaschoolsafetypatrol.com/en/Schools/School-Registration

• Look both ways before crossing and watch for turning vehicles
• Avoid distractions such as mobile devices
• Cross only at marked crosswalks or traffic signals
• Begin crossing only on a green light or walk signal
• Do not cross on a yellow light, flashing “Don’t Walk,” or red signal
• Make sure drivers see you and have come to a complete stop before crossing
• Be extra cautious in poor weather or low-light conditions
• Wear bright or reflective clothing at night
• Enter and exit vehicles on the curb side
• Avoid alcohol, as it can impair judgment
• Allow enough time to reach your destination safely

• Use caution at intersections, even when you have the right of way
• Be especially alert at night, early morning, and when visibility is reduced
• Slow down for children and older pedestrians
• Watch for pedestrians in residential areas and school zones
• Always yield to pedestrians and treat them with respect

In Ontario, all drivers and passengers must wear a seatbelt that is properly fastened and adjusted.

Drivers are responsible for:

• Ensuring every passenger has access to a working seatbelt
• Making sure passengers under 16 are properly secured
• Ensuring children are in the appropriate car seat or booster seat

Passengers aged 16 and older are responsible for wearing their own seatbelt.

Penalties

If convicted, you may face:

• Fines between $200 and $1,000
• 2 demerit points

You can also be fined if a seatbelt in your vehicle is not in working condition.

Exemptions

Seatbelt use is not required in certain situations, including:

Vehicles:

• Buses (including school buses)
• Some large commercial vehicles
• Older vehicles not originally equipped with seatbelts

Passengers:

• Individuals with a valid medical exemption
• Workers who must frequently enter and exit the vehicle at low speeds
• Emergency personnel and certain public service roles
• Taxi drivers while transporting passengers
• Individuals travelling in reverse

• The shoulder belt should be worn across your chest, not under your arm or behind your back
• The lap belt should sit low across your hips, not your stomach
• Ensure the belt fits snugly and is not twisted

For expectant mothers:

• Wear both lap and shoulder belts
• Position the lap belt low across the hips, below the abdomen

Learn more about seatbelt safety here.

If your vehicle has been towed by Hamilton Police:

1. Visit a police station to obtain a vehicle release form
2. Bring valid identification to confirm ownership
3. Take the release form to the tow compound
4. Pay all applicable towing and storage fees

Police will attempt to notify the registered owner. Only the owner can retrieve the vehicle.

For assistance:
905-546-4759
towing@hamiltonpolice.ca

Service                                                 Light          Heavy          E-Bikes & Scooters

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Towing Fee                                          $300           $440                      $75

Secondary Tow                                   $140                -                         $20

Storage (Per Day)                                $65              $95                       $10

Fee                                                         $50              $95                       $20

* (In Excess of One Hour at Scene of Tow) (Per Half Hour)

Hamilton Police have contracts with the following tow companies:

• A-Action
• ABC 
• Abrams 
• Classic
• Extreme
• Gemax
• JKM
• Mike’s
• Mills
• Precision
• Safeway
• H Towing
• Trotters

If you arrange your own tow, fees are between you and the tow company. Hamilton Police is not responsible for non-contracted services.

Tow Company Hours

• Monday to Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• After-hours release: $75 fee applies

• Slow down and adjust your speed for weather and road conditions
• Increase following distance to allow for longer stopping times
• Be prepared for changing conditions such as snow, slush, black ice, and reduced visibility
• Avoid tailgating and aggressive driving
• Do not drive impaired
• Always wear your seatbelt
• Allow extra time to reach your destination
• Check weather and road conditions before travelling
• Stay alert and take breaks if you become tired

• Check oil, coolant, and other fluid levels
• Keep your windshield clean and ensure mirrors are properly adjusted
• Make sure wipers are in good condition
• Ensure all lights and signals are working
• Check tire condition and pressure; consider using winter tires
• Keep your fuel tank at least half full

Carry a winter safety kit that may include:

• Blanket
• Shovel
• Flares or flashlight
• Non-perishable food and water
• Road salt or sand
• Fully charged cell phone