Canadian Laws You Should Know

• It is illegal to drive without a driver's licence, registration and insurance.
• It is illegal to drive if you have been drinking alcohol.
• The driver and all passengers must wear seat belts at all times when driving in Canada.
• Babies and children who are too small to wear seat belts must be placed in properly installed infant or child car seats, appropriate to the age and weight of the child.
• Children under 12 years of age cannot be left at home alone, or to care for younger children.
• All children aged six to 16 must attend school.
• Smoking is not permitted in federal buildings, in elevators, on Canadian airlines, on buses and on other public transportation, nor in many banks, shops, restaurants and other public places (some municipalities have banned smoking in all public buildings).
• Depending on which part of Canada you live in, you must be either 18 or 19 years old to buy or drink alcohol in any form.
• It is against the law to hit your spouse or children, either in the home or in public.
• It is illegal to use, buy or sell marijuana, heroin, cocaine and other addictive drugs.
• It is illegal to make any kind of sexual remarks or advances if the other person does not like them.
• Never try to give money to a police officer. Canadians do not bribe police officers. It is a serious crime to do this.