What type of flexibility do the allow in their speed limits. Here in the east coast I think we are allowed 5-15 mph over. Or so it seems.
10 KM/Hr over is safe almost everywhere>
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Pretty much the same as anywhere in North America. I’ve never noticed any real difference in traffic enforcement between the two countries after living in Atlantic Canada for 27 years, and all over the US for the last 11 years. Only difference you’d probably notice is that its not customary for the officer (local cop or RCMP) to walk up with his hand on his weapon or half-drawn as he approaches the driver’s side of the vehicle during a traffic stop.
Generally the more affluent the community, the more rigid they are about the speed limits. On Trans Canada highways (equivalent of Interstates), the RCMP will generally not hassle you if you don’t go over by more than 10%, but it once again depends on where you are - some detachments/local forces are more strict than others.
-John
exactly. I would say 10km in the city, 15k on the freeway.
of course these are the usual upper limits, I have gotten tickets going slower than this so be safe out there. 
10% is normally given. Not because they are ok with it, but simply because if you want to fight the ticket, and it’s within 10%, it will be dismissed because it’s within the accuracy of the radar used, combined with how it was used, calibrated etc.
You never want to get busted doing more than twice the posted limit…
Cheers and we look forward to your Forum Favourites selections!
Thanks a lot. I think it’s funny too.
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Beware they also have a rule prohibiting U Turns, keep an eye out for orange plastic bags with sand in them as these are considered traffic cones!
I can’t wait to get to the land of yellow nylon rope and Bema buoys, 'leave for the airport in an hour and listening to Gordon Lightfoot to get warmed up.
PS Also bring some tweezers as splinters are inevitable because everything is made of wood.
In Quebec 120 is OK in a 100 zone.
I agree with the above assuming we are talking about an officer with a radar gun. Photo radar (and there’s lots of it up here) isn’t quite so forgiving. If you see a white van parked in front of a playground (without a jar of candy on the dash) you’ll want to be slowing down…
Photo radar (and there’s lots of it up here) isn’t quite so forgiving.
Agreed. I got a speeding ticket( my only one) a number of years ago in Vancouver via photo-radar. I was going along with the flow of traffic and was nailed for 12km/h over the limit. I fought the ticket and it was tossed out. It’s one of the reasons that in many jurisdictions photo radar has come and gone - it was a quick cash-grab that clogged up the traffic courts, and in the end likely cost those jurisdictions more for court time and paper-work than it was worth.
Generally speaking the 10%+, rule seems to be in effect just about everywhere in North America. If you stay within that, you should be OK. Yes, every now and then you’ll get the stickler for being just over, but it seems to be rare.
Pretty much the same as anywhere in North America. I’ve never noticed any real difference in traffic enforcement between the two countries after living in Atlantic Canada for 27 years, and all over the US for the last 11 years. Only difference you’d probably notice is that its not customary for the officer (local cop or RCMP) to walk up with his hand on his weapon or half-drawn as he approaches the driver’s side of the vehicle during a traffic stop.
Generally the more affluent the community, the more rigid they are about the speed limits. On Trans Canada highways (equivalent of Interstates), the RCMP will generally not hassle you if you don’t go over by more than 10%, but it once again depends on where you are - some detachments/local forces are more strict than others.
-John
You have never driven through the Virginias have you? The speed enforcement is MUCH better going through the states than it is in Canada. When i drove down to Ohio and when I go visit my brother in North Carolina we always count the number of state troopers we see. Our record is 36 in a 12 hour period. I don’t think I have ever seen 36 OPP cars in my life.
The 401 corridor from London to Oshawa is an anything goes zone it seems.
If the OP is wondering because of Ironman Canada, I have one question: Why would you want to speed anywhere in British Columbia? Slow down, enjoy the scenery.
Contrast that to the 401 in Toronto, where if you’re not going 40k over the speed limit, you’ll get run off the road!
**The speed enforcement is MUCH better going through the states than it is in Canada. When i drove down to Ohio and when I go visit my brother in North Carolina we always count the number of state troopers we see. Our record is 36 in a 12 hour period. I don’t think I have ever seen 36 OPP cars in my life. **
So, Mark. What are you saying - that the U.S. is a Police State?
Agreed on the situation in Canada. You can drive the 401 from Windsor to Montreal and not see one police cruiser for the whole drive!
If your going to IMC, it’s BC, if it isn’t under construction… you’re lucky to be going the speed limit because of heavy traffic.
The 401 corridor from London to Oshawa is an anything goes zone it seems.
For many years, that was the case. Sadly, no more. They’ve cracked down on speeding (under the guise of “preventing Street Racing”) so the fines go up very sharply. I think 40kph over is your last “just a ticket” mark - after that it’s roadside arrest, car impoundment and a $10,000 fine. No, that’s not a typo. You also don’t need to have anyone near you (or even on the road) to be considered “racing”. The Ontario I once loved, with its near Autobahn-like freeways is dead and gone.
Photo radar (and there’s lots of it up here) isn’t quite so forgiving.
Agreed. I got a speeding ticket( my only one) a number of years ago in Vancouver via photo-radar. I was going along with the flow of traffic and was nailed for 12km/h over the limit. I fought the ticket and it was tossed out. It’s one of the reasons that in many jurisdictions photo radar has come and gone - it was a quick cash-grab that clogged up the traffic courts, and in the end likely cost those jurisdictions more for court time and paper-work than it was worth.
Generally speaking the 10%+, rule seems to be in effect just about everywhere in North America. If you stay within that, you should be OK. Yes, every now and then you’ll get the stickler for being just over, but it seems to be rare.
There is no longer photo radar in BC. Got rid of it years ago.
The Ontario I once loved, with its near Autobahn-like freeways is dead and gone.
Khai,
How fast do you want to drive? It’s many of these same people who are complaining about the price of gas. It’s simple: slow down - save money and be safer. Since gas prices spiked last summer, I have taken to in most cases to driving on the 400 series hwys at or near the speed limit of 100kmh in the right lane. Might even find a good truck to draft off of, for a bit. The fuel/money savings are impressive and I already drive one of the most fuel efficient cars on the road. I prefer the money in my pocket than that of the gas companies and the government.
These people ripping along at 120+kmh - why don’t they just throw $20 bills out the window?
The Ontario I once loved, with its near Autobahn-like freeways is dead and gone.
Khai,
How fast do you want to drive?
As fast as is safe and reasonable. On a dry, sunny day, on a relatively straight and flat freeway with three or four lanes in each direction, and with very little traffic, 180kph is perfectly reasonable. If I had a better (rental) car, I’d probably go faster. In the Yaris, I went significantly slower. 
10% is normally given. Not because they are ok with it, but simply because if you want to fight the ticket, and it’s within 10%, it will be dismissed because it’s within the accuracy of the radar used, combined with how it was used, calibrated etc.
that might have worked with radar guns, but now with laser in widespread use I am not so sure it would still work…