Newfoundland Travel tips

Driving Essentials:
Speed limits vary for the different types of roads and are specified in Kilometers Per Hour (KM/hr). Highways are generally 100KM/hr. Main Arteries are generally 80KM/hr and local roads are usually 50KM/hr.

Seat Belt Laws:
In Newfoundland and the rest of Canada, seat belts are mandatory. Children under 40 lbs, must be restrained in a child-booster seat. Infants must be restrained in a rear-facing infant safety seat.

Traffic Regulations
Drivers must carry a valid Driver's Licence, Vehicle Registration Certificate and Proof of Liability Insurance Coverage. In case of an accident involving personal injury, proof of such insurance must be produced within 24 hours or driving privileges could be suspended. The driver and all passengers must wear seat belts. A child weighing less than nine kilograms must be secured in either an infant carrier or a convertible car seat adjusted to the rear-facing position. The driver is responsible for ensuring all passengers under the age of 16 are properly restrained by seat belts.
Radar detectors are illegal.
It is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol limit exceeding .05 per cent.

Watch Out for Moose
There are about 125,000 moose on the island of Newfoundland, and most highways go through good moose habitat. Moose are great to look at - from a distance. If you see one on or near a highway, slow down immediately and prepare to stop. Like all wild animals, moose are unpredictable. Be sure the moose has either crossed the highway or gone back into the forest before resuming your drive. Also, if you see a vehicle stopped on or near the highway, the driver may have spotted a moose, so be cautious. Avoid driving at night if possible, and if you must drive, slow down. Scan both sides of the highway with your lights on high beam unless overtaking other traffic, and pay attention to warning signs. A road sign like "Caution, moose next 11 kilometres" means moose cross there frequently.

Winter Travel
During the winter, all primary highways are kept open except for short periods during or immediately after a severe snowstorm. For information on road conditions, contact these Department of Works, Services and Transportation regional offices:
Deer Lake - (709)635-2162
Grand Falls-Windsor - (709)292-4300
Clarenville - (709)466-7953
St. John's - (709)729-2381/2391
Happy Valley-Goose Bay - (709)896-2108

� RCMP/GRC 2002