Do Canadian cars use mph or kph?

From Miles to Kilometres: Canada’s Metric Road Revolution

Canada’s roads tell a story of metric conversion, a transition that fully took hold in 1977. Prior to that year, a mix of imperial (miles per hour – mph) and metric (kilometres per hour – km/h) units created potential confusion for drivers. However, a nationwide push for standardization resulted in a complete shift to the metric system for all road signage and vehicle speedometers. This means that since 1977, Canadian cars definitively use km/h.

The decision to embrace the metric system wasn’t a sudden one. It followed a period of careful planning and phased implementation. Recognizing the global trend towards metrication and the potential benefits for trade and international communication, the Canadian government embarked on a comprehensive program to convert various sectors, including road transportation.

The 1977 milestone marked the culmination of this effort on Canadian roads. Existing speed limit signs displaying mph were replaced with km/h signage. Furthermore, all newly manufactured vehicles within Canada were equipped with speedometers calibrated in km/h. This ensured that drivers received consistent information, minimizing the risk of misinterpretation and promoting road safety.

The conversion, while significant, wasn’t without its challenges. Educating the public and ensuring a smooth transition required considerable effort. Public awareness campaigns were launched to familiarize drivers with the new units and help them adapt to thinking in kilometres rather than miles. Over time, km/h became the norm, solidifying Canada’s place among nations using the metric system on their roads.

Today, any car manufactured for the Canadian market uses km/h, and all speed limits are posted in km/h. Visitors to Canada, especially those from countries using mph, should be mindful of this difference and ensure they understand the speed limits to avoid any unintentional violations and maintain road safety. The complete metrication of Canada’s roads stands as a testament to the country’s commitment to standardization and global integration.