Frequently Asked Questions

• Who manages and operates the TRIP website?
• How often is the highway information on the site updated?
• How can I make a comment or suggestion regarding TRIP?
• What do the different symbols on the TRIP map mean?
• What does it mean when a highway is bare showing no icons?
• Where can I get driver training for winter road conditions?
• Where can I find ferry information?
• Who has the authority to close a highway?
• Is it legal to overtake a snow plow?
• Why are 3 plows used on one highway?
• As a resident or visitor do I need snow tires, all season on studded tires in Ontario?
• Where can I find road condition information on regional or county roads?

Who manages and operates the TRIP website?

The Ministry of Transportation manages and operates the TRIP website.

How often is the highway information on the site updated?

The highway information is updated at regular intervals approximately 7 times a day and more frequently in the event of a winter storm.

How can I make a comment or suggestion regarding TRIP?

Click on mtoinfo@ontario.ca to send us your questions and comments about TRIP.

What do the different symbols on the TRIP map mean?

Please refer to the legend at the bottom of the webpage.

What does it mean when a highway is bare showing no icons?

It means there are no closures, construction or road conditions to be reported.

Where can I get driver training for winter road conditions?

Please click on Winter Driving to consult our Winter Driving Guide.

Where can I find ferry information?

Please click on ferry for information on the Kingston area ferries.

Who has the authority to close a highway?

Control of accident sites lies with the OPP. In most cases when there is a collision the OPP carry out an investigation to determine the cause and support any charges that may be laid. If there is a fatality or a potential fatality, then they do a thorough reconstruction of what happened. This needs to be done before the lanes are opened to traffic and the evidence is destroyed.

Is it legal to overtake a snow plow?

Remain a safe distance back from maintenance equipment when you see their blue flashing lights. Passing can be dangerous.

Why are 3 plows used on one highway?

Echelon plowing is the practice of staggered snowplows operating across all lanes of a highway in one direction. It is the safest and most efficient snow removal method for multi-lane highways, though sometimes annoying to drivers. Please click on Snow and Ice Control to view our guide for more detailed information.

As a resident or visitor do I need snow tires, all season or studded tires in Ontario?

The use of snow tires is not mandatory in Ontario, however, they can be beneficial. Please click on Road Safety - Winter Tires for more information concerning winter tires and other topics.

Where can I find road condition information on regional or county roads?

Many regions/counties offer road condition information. You may find the region/county phone number by looking in the blue pages of your telephone directory under Municipal government Services or Roads, Highways and Bridges.

Top of page