Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. Peel Regional Police is committed to lowering the number of deaths and injuries on our roads by working with our road safety partners. We cannot do this alone, we need your help to keep the roads in our region safe.
Our objective: Vision Zero. Any injury or death on a Peel Region road is unacceptable.
We are working alongside the City of Brampton Fire and Emergency Services, the City of Mississauga, the Peel Regional Paramedics Services and the William Osler Health System to create a campaign working towards our Vision Zero by Taking the Pledge.
Watch this video to learn how to Take The Pledge and be the change on our roads.
The Take The Pledge campaign will address three concerns on our roads:
Aggressive Driving
Impaired Driving
Pedestrian Safety
Take the Pledge Downloads
Be the Change and download your printable pledge. Download a colouring pledge certificate for kids too.
Or, share your support. Download to mobile, then take and post a selfie. #TakeThePledgePeel
Under Ontario's Highway Traffic Act (HTA), a bicycle is classified as a vehicle, just like a car or truck. As a cyclist, you will need to share the roadway with these vehicles in a safe manner.
Roads and You
Keep yourself safe on the road by following these rules:
Obey the rules of the road, including all traffic signs and signals. Under the Highway Traffic Act, all rules and regulations are the same for driving a motor vehicle or driving a bicycle on a roadway.
Wear brightly coloured clothing and use reflective lights in the front, side and rear to make you visible from all directions.
It is safest to ride single file.
Be aware of your surroundings; know what is behind and in front of you.
Use hand signals to communicate your travel intentions.
Make sure your brakes are in working condition.
Bike on the right hand side of the road with the flow of traffic.
Always cross the street at intersections.
Always wear a helmet.
If you are driving your bicycle on the roadway, you can drive through the intersection like a vehicle when it is safe to do so, or the lights indicate it is your turn.
For younger people, who are riding bicycles on the sidewalk, stop at the end of the sidewalk, get off your bike, when it is safe, walk your bicycle across a roadway.
Bicycle Theft Prevention Tips
Use a good quality lock, such as a hardened steel U shaped lock or a hardened steel chain and padlock - weak, inexpensive locks can be broken/cut.
Lock your bicycle, including the wheels, to an immovable object that cannot be easily cut or broken.
Peel Regional Police offers online bicycle registration. By registering your bicycle, your chances of having your bicycle returned if it's lost or stolen, greatly increases.
Online Reporting Criteria and Information
You must have a valid email address.
You must provide the bicycle(s) serial number.
Only applications with addresses in the area serviced by Peel Regional Police will be accepted.
You can register multiple bicycles per report by clicking on add property.
Press yes in the registration to have mailed to you a free Bicycle Registry sticker decal. One decal per bicycle. This sticker is to show that your bicycle is registered with the police to discourage theft.
A confirmation email will be sent to you once police have received the request, followed by an email with your report number.
Please Note
You may be contacted by email or phone if further information is needed.
Filing a false police report is a criminal offence.
Identifying Your Bicycle
Manufacturers mark bicycles with a serial number, commonly found under the crank case. If yours doesn't have a serial number, engrave a unique identifying number (I.e. your driver's licence number) on the frame. Consider engraving the same number on other removable components like the wheels.
Ebikes
An ebike is a bicycle that can run by electric power and by pedaling.
Ebike Safety Requirements
To operate an ebike on Ontario's public roads, you must follow these vehicle safety and operator requirements:
Ebikes can't weigh more than 120 kg (including the weight of the battery).
The diameter of the wheels must be greater than 35 cm (350 mm).
Ebikes must have steering handlebars, working pedals and an electric motor not stronger than 500 Watts.
Ebikes can only run at a maximum speed of 32 km/hr.
Ebikes must have a permanent label in both French and English from the manufacturer that says your ebike follows the federal definition of a power-assisted bicycle.
Operators and passengers must be at least 16 years old.
Operators and passengers must wear an approved bicycle or motorcycle helmet.
All electrical terminals must be covered.
Follow the same rules of the road as regular cyclists.
Ebike FAQ's
Where can I Ride my Ebike?
You can ride your ebike on most roads and highways where regular bikes are allowed. The following are some exceptions where you can't ride your ebike:
On certain provincial controlled access highways – i.e. 400 series, Queen Elizabeth Way, Queensway in Ottawa or Kitchener-Waterloo Expressway.
On municipal roads, including sidewalks.
On municipal roads, sidewalks, bike paths, bike trails or bike lanes that do not allow ebikes.
Can I Remove the Pedals from my Ebike?
No. If you remove the pedals it is no longer considered an ebike and is now considered an illegal vehicle under the Highway Traffic Act. You could be ticketed for operating a motor vehicle without registration and insurance.
Can I Modify my Ebike to Make it go Faster than 32 km/hr and/or have a Power Output Greater than 500 Watts?
No. it is illegal to modify your ebike's motor to make it more powerful than 500 Watts or to increase the speed to run faster than 32 km/hr.
My Ebike Weighs More than 120 kg; can I Ride it in Ontario?
Only ebikes that weigh 120 kg and under are allowed on Ontario's public roads. If your ebike weighs more than 120 kg, you may face moped or limited-speed motorcycle licensing, registration and insurance requirements.
Can I Operate an Ebike if my Driver's Licence has Been Suspended?
It depends on why your licence is suspended. If your licence has been suspended because of a conviction under the Criminal Code of Canada that says you can't drive, then you are not allowed to operate an ebike. If your licence is suspended due to other reasons, discuss your situation with a licensed legal practitioner to find out if you are allowed to operate an ebike.
Can I Carry Passengers on my Ebike?
If your ebike is designed for more than one person and if the passenger is 16 years or older, then you can carry a passenger. Check the manufacturer's information to see if your ebike was designed to carry more than one person.
What are the Penalties for Riding an Ebike While Drunk?
Under the Criminal Code, the definition of a motor vehicle includes ebikes, anyone operating an ebike intoxicated can be charged for impaired driving. If convicted, you will be subject to the Criminal Code penalties, including a fine and/or jail and a driving ban.
Car Seats
Not properly restraining children in a car is unsafe for you and your children and also a violation under the Highway Traffic Act (HTA).
How to Buckle a Child
In order to properly restrain a child:
The child-seat must be secured properly.
The child must be secured properly within the child-seat.
All harness, straps and buckles need to be properly adjusted and securely fastened.
Straps should be snug, with no more than one finger slack. The chest clips must be at armpit level.
Car Seat Laws
Infants less than 20 lbs. must be secured in a rearward-facing child-seat.
Toddlers 20-40 lbs. must be secured in a child restraint.
Preschool to primary school children 40-80 lbs., with a height of less than 145 cm (4'10”), or a maximum age of 8, require booster seats.
Penalties
The penalty for improperly restraining a child is a fine of $240 and two demerit points placed against your licence.
Important Information
Points to consider to protect your child in a vehicle:
Drivers are responsible for all passengers under 16 years of age.
Passengers under 12 years of age are safest in the back seat; they should be kept away from air bags.
You must replace child-seats if they've been involved in a collision, whether or not the seat was being used at the time of the collision. Most insurance companies cover the replacement cost of a child-seat as a part of the collision claim.
Child-seats older than 10 years, or showing signs of damage, or are older than the manufacturer's expiry date, should not be used.
Additional Resources
Transport Canada is part of the Canadian government and helps develop policies and services for transportation.
The Major Collision Bureau is responsible for reconstruction investigations of motor vehicle collisions that have resulted in the death of one or more people. The unit also attends scenes of collisions were people are critically injured and offer assistance to all front-line officers in their collision investigations.
Driving while under the influence puts yourself in danger, as well as your passengers, other drivers and pedestrians. Driving over the legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit of 80+mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood is a criminal offence. Refusing to provide a breath sample when demanded by police is also a criminal offence. If you plan to drink, don't drive. Plan for a designated driver, take public transit, call a ride-sharing service, or arrange with a friend to stay the night.
Impaired Driving Enforcement Unit
This unit is responsible for testing the Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of those who are arrested for drinking and driving related offences, as well as those who may be operating a vehicle while impaired by drugs. Members of the unit also provide educational tools to the public to learn about laws and policies relating to impaired driving and driver's licence suspensions. Peel Regional Police has a zero tolerance policy towards impaired drivers.
Penalties for Driving Within the Warn Range
You don't have to be over the legal alcohol limit to face serious penalties. Police in Ontario can suspend your driver's licence if found driving with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 50 mg - 79 mg of alcohol in blood (referred to as the Warn Range).
Drivers 21 Years of Age and Under and Novice Drivers of All Ages
Novice drivers of all ages, and drivers who are under the age of 22 years old, must have a zero Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) when driving. If you are caught with any alcohol in your blood, your licence will be suspended for 24-hours. If also convicted, you will face a $60-$500 fine and an additional licence suspension of at least 30 days. You may also have your licence withdrawn, and will have to start the Graduated Licensing System from the beginning.
Impaired Driving FAQ's
I've Spotted a Possible Impaired Driver, Now What?
If you believe a driver may be impaired, call 9-1-1. Call only when it is safe for you to do so, if driving, pull over to make the call. Provide the police with as much detail as you can:
What you observed.
A licence plate.
A vehicle description.
A description of the driver.
What Happens if I am Charged with a Drinking and Driving Offence?
You will immediately have your licence suspended for 90 days, and the vehicle you were operating will be impounded for seven days. It doesn't matter who owns the car (if it was rented or borrowed). Penalties vary if convicted, and will increase with serious incidents and/or previous convictions.
What Happens if I am Found Driving After my Licence has been Suspended?
You will be arrested and charged. The Vehicle Impoundment Program (VIP) allows police to seize and keep the vehicle that you are driving for 45 days for a first offence, 90 days for the second and 180 days for a third offence.
Driving Under the Influence of Cannabis
It's illegal to drive impaired by cannabis or under the influence of any drug. If found impaired by drugs you could face:
An immediate licence suspension.
Financial penalties.
Vehicle impoundment.
Criminal record.
Jail time.
There will be zero tolerance for young, new drivers and commercial drivers. If you are a commercial driver or are under the age of 22 or have a G1, G2, M1, or M2 licence, you can't have any amount of non-prescribed drugs in your system while driving a vehicle. Your ability to operate a vehicle will be severely affected after consuming cannabis.
Standardized Field Sobriety Test
Police use the Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST) to determine if someone is an impaired driver at the roadside. Three tests make up the SFST: the horizontal gaze nystagmus (HGN), the walk and turn and the one leg stand tests.
Performing Poorly on the SFST
Performing poorly on the SFST will result in being arrested for impaired driving. If you refuse to comply with the demand for testing, a criminal charge will be laid, your licence will be suspended for 90 days and your vehicle impounded for seven days.
Impaired Driving Programs
RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere)
Peel Regional Police is committed to a zero tolerance policy regarding impaired driving. We conduct year-round RIDE and Festive RIDE programs. Assigned officers target specific locations that have a high rate of impaired driving incidents, and also conduct campaigns on holiday long weekends, community events and at major sporting events.
Last Drink Program
We actively work with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) to reduce impaired drivers who are served alcohol from licenced establishments. Police identify establishments that regularly over-serve alcohol, contributing to the problem of impaired driving. Corrective measures include informing the establishment of the problem and taking disciplinary actions if needed.
Ignition Interlock Program
If you are convicted of an impaired driving offence under the Criminal Code, you are subject to the Ontario's Ignition Interlock Program. For full information about this program, please visit the Ministry of Transportation.
Past Road Safety Initiatives
Below is a list of Road Safety Initiatives from previous years:
Super Bowl weekend.
St. Patrick's Day RIDE.
Vehicle Safety Inspection Lanes.
Commercial Vehicle Inspection Lanes.
Victoria Day weekend RIDE.
ERASE - Street Racing Enforcement.
Canada Day RIDE.
Trailer and Commercial vehicle Inspections.
Intersection Collision Reduction Project – targeting vehicle and pedestrian infractions.
Labour Day weekend RIDE.
Operation Safe Driver/School Zones.
Vehicle Safety Inspection Lanes.
Festive RIDE Season.
Matt Parr Apprehension, Academic and Auxiliary Awards
The Matt Parr Award recognizes efforts of officers who successfully stop impaired drivers. On October 26, 1996, Peel Regional Police officer Mathew Parr passed away when his vehicle was struck by a drunk driver. The Matt Parr Academic Award is presented to one recruit from each graduating class who demonstrates the highest standards of Peel Regional Police. The Matt Parr Auxiliary Officer Award is presented to an auxiliary member who has volunteered the highest number of hours during the year-long RIDE program.
A third report directed at the same plate owner will result in a third letter from the police, and a personal visit from a police officer. Depending on the circumstances, charges will be considered and an officer may be detailed to monitor that vehicle's actions to allow enforcement if the action is repeated.
Drivers need to take special care while driving around school zones where more children are walking and biking. Help our children walk safely by following these School Zone safety tips:
Be aware of school signs.
Reduce speed in school zones.
Be ready to stop at all times as children don't always notice oncoming traffic.
Be patient and wait for children to completely cross safely.
Towed and Seized Vehicles
When vehicles are seized, police ensure the vehicle is safe and secure. Seized vehicles are towed to the police impound yard that is assigned to the division of that officer. Police will then try to contact the registered owner of the vehicle. Only the registered owner can pick up the vehicle.
Claim Your Vehicle
The registered owner will need to attend the police division where the vehicle is being held. They must provide proper identification for the vehicle to be released to them. The police will provide a release form, which must be taken to the tow yard to claim the vehicle. After claiming the vehicle, the registered owner will be billed for towing and storage fees.
Reasons for Seizing a Vehicle
Impaired driving.
Highway Traffic Act offence.
Driver was arrested and cannot care for the vehicle.
Seasonal factors can create huge changes to our driving environment. It's important to minimize these seasonal risks and take proper safety precautions.
Driving Safe
Keep an ice scraper and extra washer fluids in your vehicle.
Pack an emergency bag and keep it in your vehicle, if you plan to take a long driving trip – include extra boots, coats, gloves, non-perishable foods (i.e. granola or protein bars, nuts).
Speak to a mechanic about getting your battery replaced, if needed.
Consider getting winter tires. Winter tires are more pliable in cold temperatures, allowing for shorter stopping distances.
Develop winter driving habits: smooth acceleration, braking and steering and practice leaving a minimum 2-3 second follow-distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.
General Car Travelling Tips
Have your vehicle tuned up, and check the tire conditions.
Maintain proper fluid levels, including the fuel level.
Use well-traveled roads.
Keep doors locked and windows rolled up when you can.
Don't stop and get out of your car if someone is having road trouble, instead call the police for them.
If you need to stop during a long distance trip, use well-lit and populated service stations or stores.
Car Troubles
Find a place of safety, inside a broken down vehicle on the side of the roadway is not safe, find a safe area away from the vehicle and road.
Keep the doors locked and the windows closed.
Keep the hood down to allow you to see oncoming people or traffic.
If you get a flat tire in an unsafe area, drive slowly on it to safety.
If a stranger offers to help, do not get out of the car. Ask them to call the police for you.
Pedestrians
Pedestrians are the most vulnerable of road users. They need to be fully aware of the movements of vehicles around them. Everyone must take extra care around school zones, intersections, crosswalks and public transit stops.
Pedestrian Safety
Be alert at all times to your surroundings.
Don't rely on traffic signals or stop signs, ensure it Is safe to cross the road before crossing.
Walk on sidewalks when possible.
Use crosswalks to cross the street when possible.
Do not allow young children to play near roadways, unsupervised.
After dark, wear reflective clothing or carry a lit flashlight so drivers can see you.
Where sidewalks are not provided, walk along the left side of the road facing oncoming traffic, as close to the left edge as possible.
Crossing Intersections
Stop before entering into the roadway.
Push the pedestrian button (when available).
Wait for the pedestrian walk signal.
Stop, look all ways and listen for traffic.
Increase visibility and indicate to motorist you want to cross.
Look in all directions before crossing and cross safely when the road is clear by walking; not running.
Watch for turning vehicles and cross safely when the road is clear.
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