Ontario Bans Passing Across Double Yellow Lines

Summary#

Bill 79 (Chad’s Law) would change Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act to make it illegal to pass another vehicle if you must cross double solid yellow lines to do it. The bill sets a fixed fine and adds demerit points. It would take effect as soon as it receives Royal Assent.

• Makes it illegal to pass across double solid yellow centre lines, even if the road looks clear.
• Applies to anyone operating a vehicle (cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other vehicles).
• Penalty: $400 fine and at least three demerit points.
• The rule targets passing only; it does not change rules for turning left across the lines where that is otherwise legal.
• Gives police a clear basis to ticket drivers who overtake across double yellow lines.

What it means for you#

• Drivers and motorcyclists

  • You must not move into the oncoming lane to pass if there are double solid yellow lines. Wait until the lines change to broken, the road widens, or there is another legal way to pass.
  • This includes going around a slow or stopped vehicle if doing so would cross the double yellow.
  • If you break the rule, you face a $400 ticket and at least three demerit points. Points can add up and may lead to licence problems; a conviction can also affect insurance rates.
  • Left turns across double solid yellow lines into a driveway or side road are still allowed, if otherwise legal. This bill covers passing, not turning.

• Cyclists and drivers near cyclists

  • Drivers would not be allowed to cross the double yellow to pass a bicycle. They must wait until passing can be done without crossing the lines.
  • Cyclists are considered vehicle operators, but this rule mainly affects overtaking that uses the oncoming lane.

• Rural and small-town residents

  • On two‑lane roads with long stretches of double yellow, traffic may back up more behind slow vehicles, farm equipment, or bicycles.
  • Travel times on these roads could be a bit longer because drivers must wait for a passing zone.

• Law enforcement

  • Clearer authority to ticket for crossing double yellow lines to pass, which may improve consistency in enforcement.

Expenses#

Estimated annual cost: minimal; enforcement would use existing police resources.

• No new markings or equipment are required; double yellow lines already exist.
• The province may see some fine revenue from tickets.
• Any public education (if the government chooses to do it) would have small, short‑term costs. No publicly available estimates.

Proponents' View#

• Improves safety by reducing head‑on and sideswipe crashes. Double solid yellow lines mark places with poor sightlines or higher risk.
• Creates a clear, simple rule that drivers can understand and police can enforce.
• Aligns the law with what many people already believe double yellow lines mean: no passing.
• The $400 fine and demerit points add a real deterrent against dangerous overtaking.
• Honors the safety intent behind “Chad’s Law” by preventing tragedies linked to risky passing.

Opponents' View#

• Too rigid for real‑world driving. There are no written exceptions for very slow vehicles, farm equipment, or bicycles, which could trap drivers behind them for long stretches.
• May increase driver frustration, leading to tailgating or risky moves as soon as a passing zone appears.
• Could have a bigger impact in rural areas, where double yellow lines are common and alternate routes are limited.
• The $400 fine and demerit points may be heavy for lower‑income drivers who rely on two‑lane roads for work and errands.
• The bill does not spell out allowances for going around temporary hazards (for example, a stopped vehicle blocking the lane), which could create grey areas in enforcement.