Jason Tchir - The Globe and Mail

Jason Tchir

FreelanceReporter

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Area of Expertise

Automotive

Jason is a columnist and car critic for the Globe and Mail's Drive section. He focuses on green mobility, road safety and trends in transportation. Previously, he wrote for the CBC and The Toronto Sun.

Latest articles

September 27, 2026

Left, straight or right? Three lane street.

Left, straight or right? Three lane street.

Can you turn left from a lane with a straight arrow?

3 min read

September 20, 2026

Two kids ride on an electric scooter in Toronto, on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Keito Newman

Two kids ride on an electric scooter in Toronto, on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Keito Newman

What insurance coverage do I have on an e-scooter?

5 min read

September 13, 2026

A new vehicle for sale is seen at an auto mall in Ottawa, on Monday, April 26, 2021. Deciding whether to fix your aging car again or trade it in for a new one can be a tough calculation at the best of times, let alone when financing costs have significantly jumped and car prices have soared. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

A new vehicle for sale is seen at an auto mall in Ottawa, on Monday, April 26, 2021. Deciding whether to fix your aging car again or trade it in for a new one can be a tough calculation at the best of times, let alone when financing costs have significantly jumped and car prices have soared. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

My dealer wants me to trade in my EV. Should I consider it?

5 min read

September 6, 2026

Car Insurance forms

Car Insurance forms

My dealer wants to sell me gap insurance. What exactly does it cover?

5 min read

August 30, 2026

A lone pickup truck drives through golden autumn forest toward the jagged peaks of the Canadian Rockies in Alberta, Canada. The golden hour light casts a warm glow on the scene, emphasizing the contrast between the vehicle, the open road, and the vast wilderness ahead. This image captures themes of freedom, adventure, and the open road—ideal for lifestyle, travel, and outdoor storytelling.

A lone pickup truck drives through golden autumn forest toward the jagged peaks of the Canadian Rockies in Alberta, Canada. The golden hour light casts a warm glow on the scene, emphasizing the contrast between the vehicle, the open road, and the vast wilderness ahead. This image captures themes of freedom, adventure, and the open road—ideal for lifestyle, travel, and outdoor storytelling.

Is it legal for cars to speed up when I’m trying to pass them?

3 min read

August 23, 2026

Ontario Street, a one-way going southbound, meets Adelaide Street East, a one-way going eastbound in downtown Toronto. A one-way street to another one-way is the only place you can legally turn left on a red light in Ontario.

Ontario Street, a one-way going southbound, meets Adelaide Street East, a one-way going eastbound in downtown Toronto. A one-way street to another one-way is the only place you can legally turn left on a red light in Ontario.

Can I ever legally turn left on a red light?

3 min read

August 16, 2026

Ebike maintenance and charging

Ebike maintenance and charging

Should I be worried about my e-bike catching on fire?

4 min read

August 9, 2026

An e-scooter rider crossing Bay St. in Toronto’s Financial District is photographed on Sept 5, 2024.

An e-scooter rider crossing Bay St. in Toronto’s Financial District is photographed on Sept 5, 2024.

I see e-scooters everywhere – but where are they actually allowed?

4 min read

August 7, 2026

A screengrab from a Ford video announcing new details of the Fathom, its affordable all-electric truck. Ford has released few details, but said it will cost less than $40,000.

A screengrab from a Ford video announcing new details of the Fathom, its affordable all-electric truck. Ford has released few details, but said it will cost less than $40,000.

Starting at less than $40,000, could Ford’s Fathom bring a sea change to electric truck sales?

3 min read

August 2, 2026

A woman bikes along Harbord Street in Toronto on May 12, 2026. With consolidations of certain streets, and shifting some road use from driving to cycling, existing streets could accommodate more people.

Canadian cities are growing in an uneven manner. Within each region, and even within the cities of Toronto and Vancouver proper, there are zones of growth and zones of shrinkage. There is infrastructure being built and infrastructure being left underused – even closed down -- at the same time.(Laura Proctor/The Globe and Mail)

A woman bikes along Harbord Street in Toronto on May 12, 2026. With consolidations of certain streets, and shifting some road use from driving to cycling, existing streets could accommodate more people.

Canadian cities are growing in an uneven manner. Within each region, and even within the cities of Toronto and Vancouver proper, there are zones of growth and zones of shrinkage. There is infrastructure being built and infrastructure being left underused – even closed down -- at the same time.(Laura Proctor/The Globe and Mail)

Are Vespas and mopeds allowed in Toronto bike lanes?

5 min read

July 26, 2026

Is it safe and legal to camp out in the centre lane on a highway?

4 min read

July 19, 2026

How much liability coverage do I really need for my car?

4 min read

July 12, 2026

Miniature black vintage second hand car model on coins stack on wooden table. Business, finance or budget plan money saving for buying a used car and auto insurance concept. Road trip for holiday traveling.

Miniature black vintage second hand car model on coins stack on wooden table. Business, finance or budget plan money saving for buying a used car and auto insurance concept. Road trip for holiday traveling.

What is one-way car insurance and could it save me money?

4 min read

July 9, 2026

At the Level 2 charter at Zarowny Motors in St. Paul, Alberta, about 200 kilometres northeast of Edmonton.

At the Level 2 charter at Zarowny Motors in St. Paul, Alberta, about 200 kilometres northeast of Edmonton.

In rural Alberta, driving an EV is getting easier. But you’ll still need to plan

5 min read

July 5, 2026

A motorway or highway near Montreal, Canada in the morning with light traffic.

A motorway or highway near Montreal, Canada in the morning with light traffic.

Is the left lane for passing only?

3 min read

June 30, 2026

Hit the road prepared: Your guide to summer breakdown risks

5 min read

June 28, 2026

A close-up photo of Car with front lights in the rear view mirror

A close-up photo of Car with front lights in the rear view mirror

What should I do if I’m passing cars and still being tailgated in the passing lane?

4 min read

June 21, 2026

A person in a reflective vest takes a photo of a damaged car with a smartphone after a traffic accident. The image on the phone screen shows the front-end damage clearly. This scene is ideal for illustrating mobile insurance claims, accident documentation, roadside assistance, and vehicle emergencies.

A person in a reflective vest takes a photo of a damaged car with a smartphone after a traffic accident. The image on the phone screen shows the front-end damage clearly. This scene is ideal for illustrating mobile insurance claims, accident documentation, roadside assistance, and vehicle emergencies.

How does no-fault insurance work – and is it driving up rates?

4 min read

June 14, 2026

Schoolboy rides electric scooter on road in empty summer park. Child in black t-shirt and denim shorts rides on scooter along marked asphalt road

Schoolboy rides electric scooter on road in empty summer park. Child in black t-shirt and denim shorts rides on scooter along marked asphalt road

Do kids get any health benefits from riding e-scooters - and do they outweigh the risks?

4 min read

June 7, 2026

Boy riding a bike

Boy riding a bike

Is there a minimum age for kids to ride e-bikes?

5 min read