Security guards and the Highway Traffic Act in Ontario: what they can and can't enforce

Traffic authority in Ontario isn’t as simple as a single badge. Here’s a clear, real-world look at who can enforce what, where, and why it matters for security professionals.

Myth busted: security guards and the Highway Traffic Act

True or False: Security guards are only allowed to enforce the highway traffic act on private property?

A quick answer: False. The Highway Traffic Act is the law that police and certain designated officers enforce on public roads and highways. Security guards don’t have blanket authority to enforce it on public streets. On private property, though, they can play a key traffic-management role if the property owner authorizes it and if local rules allow it. So the line isn’t about private versus public property alone; it’s about where the enforcement powers actually come from and who grants them.

Let me explain the big distinction

Think of a highway as a public stage where police are the usual performers. They’re trained, they carry the powers, and they enforce the HTA on public roads. On a private property—like a shopping center, office park, or construction site—the scene changes. The property owner sets the rules, signs, and flow, and security personnel can help enforce those rules. They can direct traffic, monitor parking, and issue warnings or private property notices as part of keeping people safe and moving smoothly. But that doesn’t turn them into HTA officers on the public road. If someone is speeding on a public street, or driving in a way that violates the HTA, that’s a police matter.

Where security guards fit best, practically speaking

On private property, security teams often handle traffic-related duties that support safety and operations. Here are the kinds of tasks you’ll typically see:

• Directing vehicle flow in parking lots and garages, especially during peak times or after events.

• Managing entry and exit points to prevent vehicular bottlenecks and to ensure that designated lanes and signs are followed.

• Enforcing posted rules and signs, such as speed limits within the property, no-turn zones, or reserved parking.

• Issuing warnings or ticketing for private-property infractions, under the property owner’s authorization, and coordinating with towing if needed.

• Calling police for any HTA violations observed on the property that spill onto public roadways or require police presence.

Why this matters for security practice (and for those studying the field)

Security teams aren’t just door attendants; they’re often the first line of response to traffic-related issues inside a facility’s boundary. Understanding where their authority begins and ends helps avoid overstepping or creating confusion. It also keeps everyone safer—drivers, pedestrians, and staff alike. On a practical level, knowing the difference helps you set proper expectations with property owners and tenants. If you’re on a site in Ontario, you’ll often hear, “Please slow down in the parking structure,” or “Park in the designated spots,” and that’s a private-property enforcement task, not HTA enforcement.

Special cases: when a security role can be expanded

There are exceptions, but they’re specific and require formal process. Some security personnel can hold a special designation, often called a “special constable” status, which may come with authority to enforce certain municipal by-laws or provincial statutes. These appointments are not automatic; they’re granted to particular agencies—think large campuses, airports, or government-related facilities—after training and a formal appointment. Even then, the scope of powers is limited and clearly defined. It’s not a general license to police public roads. If a guard holds such status, they’ll be explicit about what they can enforce and where.

A few real-world scenarios to make it stick

• A busy shopping center: You see a guard directing traffic at a jammed entrance, confirming that vehicles are in the correct lanes, and helping pedestrians cross safely at a crosswalk within the property’s boundary. They’re not writing HTA tickets on the road, but they’re enforcing the property’s own rules to protect people and goods.

• A university campus: Closing hours require controlled access. Security might manage parking lots, ensure only authorized vehicles enter certain zones, and call for police if there’s dangerous driving near campus roads. Again, the focus is private property and safety, not HTA enforcement on public streets.

• A construction site: Temporary traffic patterns are common. Guards direct trucks and workers, ensure the site’s traffic routes are followed, and maintain clear sight lines for backing vehicles. This keeps everyone out of harm’s way and aligns with the site’s safety plan.

What students and professionals should keep in mind

• Authority isn’t universal. HTA enforcement on public roads remains a police matter. On private property, the owner’s rules and the security contract govern what can be done.

• Clear scope matters. If a site uses security for traffic control, there should be documented procedures, training, and good communication with local police in case a situation escalates.

• Training helps. A solid grounding in traffic safety, rapid assessment, beacon and signal use, and how to direct without creating new hazards makes a big difference. Some teams also train on conflict de-escalation, because directing vehicles and pedestrians can raise tensions if people are in a hurry.

• When in doubt, call for backup. If something crosses from private property into public road behavior or a potential HTA violation, contacting local law enforcement is the prudent move. It keeps the response appropriate and within legal boundaries.

A quick note on terminology and how it plays in the field

You’ll hear a lot of terms that can be confusing if you’re new to the field. Keep in mind:

• HTA enforcement refers to the Highway Traffic Act violations on public roads and highways.

• Private-property enforcement covers directives, rules, and corrective actions within the property boundary, where the owner or manager sets the standards.

• Special constable status is a specific designation that some agencies hold, allowing limited authority beyond the usual security role. It’s not the default and requires formal approval.

Why this distinction is useful in everyday work

Picture this: a driver speeds through a parking garage that has tight corners and pedestrians around. A security guard projects calm, raises a hand, slows the vehicle, and uses clear, concise directions to guide the car to a safe lane. The driver leaves with no incident, nobody gets rattled, and the crowd breathes a sigh of relief. That’s the everyday value of understanding authority—knowing when to act, when to communicate, and when to call for professional backup.

A few practical takeaways for people in the field

• Know your boundaries. Before you respond to a traffic issue, be sure you’re operating within the property’s rules and your contract’s scope.

• Communicate clearly. Use visible signals and simple language. People react better to calm, well-structured directions than to a stream of commands.

• Document and report. If you observe a potential hazard or a policy violation, log it and notify the appropriate parties. Documentation helps maintain safety and accountability.

• Build rapport with local police. A good working relationship can speed up responses when a situation spills beyond private property.

Closing thoughts: the big picture

So the statement about security guards enforcing the HTA only on private property is a common misconception. The real picture is more nuanced and practical. On public roads, HTA enforcement sits with police and certain designated officers. On private property, security teams play a crucial role in managing traffic, enforcing posted rules, and supporting safe, orderly environments—always within the scope granted by the property owner and the applicable rules. If you’re entering the field or building your skill set, focus on understanding these boundaries, practical traffic management techniques, and how to coordinate with law enforcement when it’s appropriate. That blend of know-how and tact will serve you well, whether you’re working at a busy mall, a campus, or a corporate site.

If you’re curious to see how these principles apply in different settings, take note of the ways each site communicates traffic rules, how guards position themselves to maximize visibility, and how they respond when a driver isn’t following posted directions. It’s not about catching people out; it’s about maintaining safety, ensuring accessibility, and keeping daily life rolling smoothly—one well-directed turn at a time.