Rules for motorcycles and scooters

The same traffic rules that apply to all road vehicle drivers also apply to motorcycle or scooter drivers. However, you must also comply with certain rules specific to the use of this type of vehicle.

A motorcycle is a passenger vehicle, other than a power-assisted bicycle, having two or three wheels that has at least one characteristic different from the characteristics of a moped.    

A moped, also known as a scooter, is a passenger vehicle having two or three wheels and a maximum speed of 70 km/h, equipped with an electric motor or a motor having a piston displacement of not more than 50 cm³ and with automatic transmission.

When driving a motorcycle or scooter, you must:

• remain seated on the seat;
• keep hold of the handlebars;
• drive in zigzag formation when driving in a group in the same lane.

When riding a motorcycle, scooter or in a sidecar, you must wear a helmet, which must be correctly adjusted and firmly attached. Moreover, if you are driving on roads where the maximum authorized speed limit is over 50 km/h, your helmet must be fitted with a visor; otherwise, you must wear visual protection.

On a public highway, it is prohibited to pass between:

• two rows of vehicles moving in contiguous lanes;
• the side of the roadway and another vehicle travelling in the same lane;
• a parked vehicle and a vehicle travelling in the same lane.

You cannot drive on a limited-access highway, such as a freeway, with:

• a motorcycle equipped with a motor having a piston displacement of 125 cm³ or less;
• a motorcycle with an electric motor having a power rating of 11 kW or less;
• a moped.

You may not drive your vehicle, or let anyone else drive it, if the sound level of the exhaust system exceeds the value permitted in decibels.

When the vehicle engine is running at a constant or variable speed, the sound level must not exceed:

• 100 decibels for motorcycles;
• 90 decibels for mopeds.    

You may carry another person if you are 16 years of age or older and your vehicle is equipped with:

• a permanently fixed seat designed for that purpose;
• footrests fixed on each side.

In addition, the passenger must wear a helmet while on your motorcycle or scooter.

All passengers must also be seated facing the handlebars and with both feet on the footrests.

You cannot drive a motorcycle or a moped if the passenger does not comply with these requirements.

Your motorcycle or scooter must be parked not more than 30 centimetres from the near edge of the roadway and facing the same way as the traffic, unless otherwise indicated.

On a slope, your motorcycle or scooter must be parked so that if it moves ahead of its own momentum, it will do so toward the near edge of the roadway and not the middle. 

However, your motorcycle or scooter may be angle-parked against the near edge of the roadway, in the same direction as the traffic, so that if it moves of its own momentum it will do so toward the near edge of the roadway.