As we step into 2025, Ottawa drivers are faced with several new traffic laws and regulations designed to improve safety, reduce environmental impact, and promote responsible driving. Whether you’re commuting daily, visiting the city, or a new driver, it’s essential to stay up to date with these changes.

Ottawa’s traffic enforcement strategies are evolving, with a focus on reducing road fatalities, which saw a 5% increase in the past year. In response, stricter impaired driving penalties, expanded stunt driving laws, and new vehicle idling regulations have been introduced. By following these laws, drivers can contribute to a safer and more sustainable road environment.

In this blog, we’ll break down the key updates to Ottawa’s driving laws in 2025, explain how they impact drivers, and provide helpful tips on staying compliant. Read on to understand the essential changes and what they mean for you.

Collision Reporting: New Thresholds for 2025

The Ontario government has raised the threshold for reporting collisions. Starting in 2025, drivers involved in accidents with property damage under $5,000 no longer need to call the police. This change aims to streamline the process, reducing the administrative burden on both drivers and law enforcement.

What This Means for Ottawa Drivers:

• Previous Threshold: $2,000 in property damage.
• New Threshold: $5,000 in property damage.

Damage Range	Action Required
Under $5,000	No police report required. Drivers exchange insurance information.
Over $5,000	Report to the police and file an official report.

For drivers, this means you can resolve minor accidents more quickly and avoid unnecessary paperwork, though you should still document the incident for your records.

2. Stricter Impaired Driving Penalties

Impaired driving remains one of Ottawa’s leading causes of traffic accidents. Starting in 2025, penalties for impaired driving will be even stricter, with offenders facing more severe consequences. First-time offenders will have their licenses suspended immediately, and repeat offenders can expect a lifetime ban.

Key Changes:

• Ignition Interlock Device: Mandatory for repeat offenders and those convicted of impaired driving causing serious injury.
• Fines: Increased fines ranging from $2,000 to $10,000.
• License Suspension: For first-time offenders, a 30-day suspension. For repeat offenders, a lifetime ban.

Offense	Penalty
First-Time Impaired	License suspension, mandatory education programs.
Repeat Offenders	Lifetime license suspension, ignition interlock, fines up to $10,000.
Impaired with Injury	Lifetime ban, jail time, and mandatory rehab.

Ottawa is committed to reducing road fatalities, and these tougher penalties aim to make drivers think twice before getting behind the wheel while impaired.

3. Enhanced Stunt Driving Laws

Ottawa’s roads have seen an uptick in stunt driving, including street racing and excessive speeding. In response, the city has expanded its stunt driving laws for 2025. The new laws focus on aggressive driving behaviors, which endanger public safety.

What Qualifies as Stunt Driving:

• Excessive Speeding: 40 km/h over the limit on roads with posted speeds under 80 km/h, or 50 km/h over the limit on highways.
• Street Racing: Participating in or facilitating a race on public roads.
• Dangerous Maneuvers: Spinning tires, excessive drifting, or deliberately losing control.

Penalties for Stunt Driving:

• Vehicle Impoundment: Immediate 14-day impoundment for offenders.
• Fines: Ranging from $2,000 to $10,000.
• License Suspension: 30-day immediate suspension for first-time offenders.

Offense	Penalty
Excessive Speeding	Immediate license suspension, vehicle impoundment, fine.
Street Racing	Fines up to $10,000, 30-day suspension, and vehicle impoundment.
Dangerous Driving	License suspension, mandatory driver education, and fines.

These enhanced laws aim to deter dangerous behaviors and ensure a safer driving environment for all.

4. Ottawa’s Vehicle Idling Control By-law

In 2025, Ottawa introduced a new vehicle idling control by-law to reduce air pollution and improve air quality in the city. The law places limits on how long drivers can let their vehicles idle, with penalties for exceeding the limit.

Key Points:

• Occupied Vehicles: Idling limited to 1 minute per hour when outside temperature is between 0°C and 27°C. If the temperature is higher or lower, the limit increases to 5 minutes per hour.
• Unoccupied Vehicles: Maximum idling time is 1 minute, regardless of temperature.

Temperature Range	Idling Limit
0°C to 27°C	1 minute (occupied), 1 minute (unoccupied).
Below 0°C or Above 27°C	5 minutes (occupied), 1 minute (unoccupied).

Fines for Non-Compliance:

• Drivers who exceed the idling limit will be fined $125.

This change is part of Ottawa’s ongoing efforts to improve environmental sustainability and reduce the city’s carbon footprint.

5. Road Safety Action Plan for 2025

Ottawa’s Road Safety Action Plan (RSAP) for 2025 is focused on protecting vulnerable road users—pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. This year, the city will be implementing several initiatives to improve road safety.

Key Initiatives:

• Educational Campaigns: The “Be Safe, Be Seen” campaign encourages cyclists and pedestrians to improve visibility, particularly during darker months.
• Pedestrian Signals: The installation of leading pedestrian intervals (LPIs) at busy intersections.
• Accessibility Upgrades: New crosswalks, bike lanes, and safer pedestrian pathways across the city.

Initiative	Details
Be Safe, Be Seen Campaign	Increase visibility for cyclists and pedestrians.
Pedestrian Signals	Introduction of LPIs to prioritize pedestrian safety.
Infrastructure Upgrades	New crosswalks, bike lanes, and pedestrian-friendly pathways.

These measures aim to reduce accidents and ensure that all road users—whether in a car, on foot, or cycling—can navigate Ottawa’s streets safely.

Conclusion:

Ottawa’s 2025 driving law changes are a step forward in making the city’s roads safer and more sustainable. With tougher penalties for impaired and stunt driving, new vehicle idling regulations, and a comprehensive road safety action plan, Ottawa is taking significant steps to improve traffic safety.

As a driver, it’s important to stay informed about these changes and comply with the new laws. Whether you’re avoiding idling, staying within speed limits, or avoiding impaired driving, your actions can contribute to a safer Ottawa. Together, we can create a better driving environment for all.

For more tips and updates on driving laws in Ottawa, stay connected with Ottawa Drivers and make sure you’re always prepared for what’s on the road ahead. Safe driving starts with knowledge—stay informed, drive responsibly!