Canada G2 Licence Rules Updated For 2025 – Key Restrictions Every Driver Should Know
If you just earned your G2 licence (Ontario’s intermediate licence), 2025 brings a few reminders and enforcement updates you must know.
The core rules—like zero alcohol or cannabis, seatbelts for every passenger, and late-night passenger limits for teens—still apply, but provinces and police are emphasizing tougher action on distracted driving and novice-driver compliance this year.
Below is a simple, clear guide to help you stay legal, safe, and ready for your full G test.
What Is A G2 Licence?
The G2 is the second step in Ontario’s graduated licensing system.
You can drive alone, on any road, and at typical speed limits—but certain restrictions apply until you pass the G road test (usually after at least 12 months of G2 driving).
2025 Key Rules You Must Follow
Zero Alcohol And Zero Cannabis
All novice drivers (G1/G2) must maintain zero blood alcohol and zero cannabis in their system when driving.
Any presence can trigger immediate penalties and suspensions.
This “zero-tolerance” standard remains firmly in effect in 2025.
Seatbelts For Everyone
You cannot carry more passengers than there are working seatbelts.
As the driver, you’re responsible for ensuring everyone is properly buckled before you move.
Night Passenger Limits (Drivers 19 And Under)
If you’re 19 or under, passenger limits apply between midnight and 5 a.m.
- First 6 months with G2: only one passenger aged 19 or under.
- After 6 months (until full G): up to three passengers aged 19 or under.
Exceptions: accompanied by a fully licensed driver (4+ years) or passengers are immediate family.
Distracted Driving: Phones And Screens
Using a hand-held phone or other device while driving is illegal.
Novice drivers convicted of distracted driving face the same fines as fully licensed drivers but, instead of demerit points, receive 30-day suspension (1st), 90-day (2nd), and licence cancellation/removal from GLS (3rd).
Enforcement remains a top priority in 2025.
Quick Reference : G2 Rules (2025)
| Rule/Area | Who It Applies To | What It Means In 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Zero Alcohol/Drugs | All G2 drivers | Zero BAC and zero cannabis required at all times. |
| Seatbelts | All G2 drivers & passengers | Do not carry more people than working seatbelts available. |
| Night Passenger Limits | G2 drivers 19 & under | Midnight–5 a.m.: first 6 months = 1 passenger (≤19); after 6 months = 3 passengers (≤19). Family/accompanied driver exceptions apply. |
| Distracted Driving | All G2 drivers | Hand-held use banned; novice penalties: 30-day, 90-day, then cancellation for repeat offences. |
| Highways/Anywhere | All G2 drivers | You may drive alone on any road, subject to above restrictions. |
| Path To Full G | All G2 drivers | Typically 12 months of G2 driving before booking G test. |
(See citations in sections above for official rules and penalties.)
Validity, Renewal, And Next Steps
Your novice licence period is time-limited. If you let your G2 lapse, you generally cannot renew an expired G2 and may need to start over unless you had a road test booked before it expired.
Plan ahead: aim to pass your G within the novice window and book early for test dates.
Practical Tips To Stay Compliant
- Keep your vehicle free of distractions—mount your phone and use hands-free only when legal.
- Never drive after consuming alcohol or cannabis—zero truly means zero.
- If you’re 19 or under, plan rides home before midnight to avoid passenger-limit surprises.
- Book your G test well in advance once you have the required experience.
Ontario’s G2 licence gives you freedom to drive alone, but it comes with clear 2025 must-know rules:
zero alcohol and cannabis, seatbelts for all, teen night-passenger limits, and strict distracted-driving penalties.
Follow these to stay safe, protect your licence, and build clean driving experience toward your full G—and book that test early so you’re ready when the time comes.
