CA Quebec Driver Manual-2 PDF

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Edition produced by: This publication was prepared by
Les Publications du Qubec the Socit de lassurance automobile
1000, route de lglise, du Qubec in cooperation with
bureau 500, Qubec, the Service de lexploitation
(Qubec) G1V 3V9 of Transport Qubec.
Project officer Updated version researched

Pierre Fortier and written by :
Sandra Gauthier
Art direction
Lucie Pouliot With the cooperation of:
Service des usagers de la route
Digital publishing adviser
Alexandre Poulin Direction des communications
ric Lambert
Production
Marjolaine Rondeau English translation
Elizabeth Doyle
Illustrations
Jean-Michel Girard
Graphic design and layout

Deschamps Design
Legal deposit 2009

Bibliothque et Archives nationales du Qubec
National Library and Archives Canada
ISBN 978-2-551-19828-3 (Print)
ISBN 978-2-551-19860-3 (PDF)
ISSN 1182-8722 (Print)
ISSN 1923-9394 (PDF)
Gouvernement du Qubec 2009
All rights reserved for all countries.

Reproduction, by any means, and translation, even partial,
are prohibited without authorization by the Publications du Qubec.
INTRODUCTION
This publication, intended for road users, condenses the

Highway Safety Code and attendant regulations. It reiterates
theirmajorprovisions,remindsthereaderoftherulesoftheroad
andofferspracticaladvice.
Allroadusers,whethertheyarepedestrians,cyclists,motor
vehicleoperatorsorpassengers,willfindtheirrightsandobligations
setforthinthisHandbook.
Thiseditionincludestheparticularrequirementsofeachclass
oflicence,thetermsforobtainingadisabledparkingpermit,new
measuresthatconcernthedrivingofamotorvehicleunderthe
influenceofalcohol,includingtheobligation,atthefirstoffence,
to submit to a summary evaluation conducted by a specialist
fromtheFdrationqubcoisedescentresderadaptationpour
les personnes alcooliques et toxicomanes for individuals with
addictions,andrequiringthemandatoryuse,insomecases,ofan
alcoholignitioninterlockdevicebeforealicencecanbereinstated.

TheHandbookalsoreviewsstandardsfortheinstallation,replace-
ment anddeactivationofairbags.
Thechapteronroadsignsandtrafficsignalsprovidesdescrip-
tionsofeachtypeofsignandexplainstheiruse.
Thetrafficruleschapterdetailsthefinepointsofturningrightat
aredlight.Itpresentsnewstandardsconcerningthemandatory
useofachildrestraintdeviceadaptedtoachildssizeandprovides
a brief explanation of air bags, conditions for use of electric
power-assistedbicyclesonpublicroadsandreinforcedsafetyrules
fortheuseoffootscootersonroadways.Italsolistssafetytipsfor
driversapproachingaroadworkarea,rulesfortravelonlogging
roads,providesanoverviewofheavyvehicleuseandurgesdrivers
totakeotherroadusersintoconsiderationtomakeroadssafer.
Forlegalpurposes,thereaderisurgedtorefertotheofficial
textofthelegislation.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1 THE DRIVER 1 ......................................................................1
THE DRIVERS LICENCE .....................................................................................................3

A first licence ............................................................................................................4
Licence classes..........................................................................................................9
Licence upgrade ...................................................................................................10
Health requirements..........................................................................................20
Responsabilities of a driver ..........................................................................22
Responsabilities of persons from outside Quebec ........................25
A REVOKED OR SUSPENDED LICENCE......................................................................27
Suspension for an unpaid fine ...................................................................28
Demerit points......................................................................................................28
Excessive speeding .............................................................................................29
Criminal Code offences ....................................................................................35
Penalties for alcohol-impaired driving ..................................................36

Vehicle seizure .......................................................................................................42
Fines for driving during a penalty period ...........................................43
Right of challenge ..............................................................................................45
FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE DRIVING .......................................................................45
Vision ..........................................................................................................................46
Physical disorders ...............................................................................................48
Fatigue ........................................................................................................................49
Cell phone ...............................................................................................................49
Alcohol ......................................................................................................................51
Drugs and medication .....................................................................................54
A drivers mind-set .............................................................................................55
Observation ............................................................................................................56
Exercising judgment ..........................................................................................56
D R I V E R S H A N D B O O K VII
CHAPTER 2 THE VEHICLE ......................................................................59
VEHICLE REGISTRATION ...............................................................................................61

In general .................................................................................................................61
Vehicles exempt from registration ............................................................62
Obtaining a vehicles registration and
the right to operate the vehicle ..................................................................63
Conditions relating to vehicle registration .........................................64
Change of ownership .......................................................................................67
RULES GOVERNING VEHICLES AND ACCESSORIES ...............................................68
Mandatory identification numbers ..........................................................68
Compulsory equipment and accessories..............................................68
Lights and signals ...............................................................................................69
Brakes .........................................................................................................................71
Alteration of seat belts.....................................................................................71
Air bags ...................................................................................................................71
Radar warning devices ....................................................................................72
Horns ..........................................................................................................................72

Exhaust system .....................................................................................................72
Windshields and windows............................................................................73
Rearview mirrors.................................................................................................73
Speedometer and odometer .........................................................................74
Bumpers ....................................................................................................................74
Tires .............................................................................................................................74
Fenders.......................................................................................................................74
Natural gas and propane vehicles ..........................................................75
Modifying a vehicle ...........................................................................................75
MECHANICAL INSPECTION ...........................................................................................75
Compulsory inspection ...................................................................................76
Inspection outcome ...........................................................................................77
YOUR OWN INSPECTION ...............................................................................................78
VIII D R I V E R S H A N D B O O K
CHAPTER 3 ROAD SIGNS AND TRAFFIC SIGNALS ........83
SIGNAL LIGHTS .................................................................................................................85

Traffic lights ............................................................................................................86
Flashing lights .......................................................................................................88
Pedestrian lights ...................................................................................................88
Cyclists lights .........................................................................................................89
Lane use lights ......................................................................................................90
Railway crossing signals .................................................................................90
Regulated parking lights ................................................................................91
Work site lights ....................................................................................................91
Bus priority lights ...............................................................................................93
Inspection station lights .................................................................................93
PAVEMENT MARKINGS ...................................................................................................94
Purpose of pavement markings..................................................................94
Colour of pavement markings ....................................................................95
Lines, arrows and symbols ...........................................................................96
ROAD SIGNS ...................................................................................................................100

Shapes and colours of the main types of signs ..........................101
Identification and meaning of road signs and traffic signals .....106
Regulatory signs ..................................................................................106
Warning signs .......................................................................................128
Road work signs .................................................................................150
Information signs................................................................................160
Signs for cyclists ...............................................................................................180
HIGHWAY SAFETY CODE PROVISIONS CONCERNING
ROAD SIGNS AND TRAFFIC SIGNALS......................................................................187
CHAPTER 4 TRAFFIC RULES ............................................................189
PROTECTION ..................................................................................................................191
Seat belt .................................................................................................................191
Air bag ..................................................................................................................192
Headrest.................................................................................................................193
D R I V E R S H A N D B O O K IX
TRAFFICRULES..............................................................................................................194
Trafficlanedivision ........................................................................................194
Laneuse .................................................................................................................195
Speedlimitsanddistancebetweenvehicles ...................................198
Passing ....................................................................................................................199
Turning ...................................................................................................................203
Indicatingyourintentionsandpresence ..........................................207
Yieldingtherightofway .............................................................................208
Schoolbuses .......................................................................................................212
Levelcrossings ...................................................................................................213
Drivinginreverse ............................................................................................214
Sharingtheroadwithheavyvehicles .................................................214
Heavyvehicleblindspots ..........................................................................215
APPROACHINGAROADWORKAREA ....................................................................216
STOPPINGANDPARKING ...........................................................................................218
Obligations ..........................................................................................................218
Restrictions ..........................................................................................................219

Spacesreservedfordisabledpersonsandparkingpermits .........220
UNLAWFULPRACTICES ...............................................................................................221
Drivingprohibitedwhereandwhen? .......................................... 221
Vehiclerestrictions...........................................................................................222
Restrictionsontheuseofpublicroadways ....................................223
SPECIALRULESFORCERTAINUSERS.....................................................................224
Pedestrians............................................................................................................224
Bicycles ...................................................................................................................226
Footscooter .........................................................................................................229
Motorcycles,mopedsandscooters.......................................................230
Emergencyvehicles .........................................................................................231
Vehiclesusedtocarryschoolchildren ...............................................231
Vehiclestravellingonloggingroads ....................................................232
Loads .......................................................................................................................234
Heavyvehicles ...................................................................................................235
Off-roadvehicles...............................................................................................239
X D R I V E R S H A N D B O O K
CHAPTER5-ACCIDENTS ........................................................................245
AUTOMOBILEINSURANCE .........................................................................................247
InQubec .............................................................................................................247
OutsideQubec ................................................................................................248
Non-residents ......................................................................................................248
Typesofaccidentexcluded ........................................................................249
Specialcases ........................................................................................................250
Compensation ....................................................................................................250
Rightofchallenge ...........................................................................................251
PROPERTYDAMAGE ....................................................................................................252
HIT-AND-RUNANDINSOLVENCY .............................................................................252
Accidentsinvolvingpropertydamage ................................................252
WHATTODOINTHEEVENTOFANACCIDENT ..................................................253
Atthesceneofanaccident .......................................................................254
Firstaid ..................................................................................................................255

CHAPTER6OFFENCESANDFINES ...........................................257
OFFENCESANDFINES .................................................................................................259
Licencestodrive ...............................................................................................259
Vehicleregistration ..........................................................................................260
Vehiclesandaccessories ..............................................................................261
Traffic .......................................................................................................................262
Speeding ................................................................................................................264
Mechanicalinspection ..................................................................................265
Motorcycles,mopedsandscooters.......................................................265
Bicycles ...................................................................................................................266
Footscooters.......................................................................................................267
Pedestrians............................................................................................................267
INDEX ...........................................................................................................................269
D R I V E R S H A N D B O O K XI
CHAPTER1
THEDRIVER
T ooperateamotorvehicleonapublicroadway
inQubec,anindividualmustholdalicence
oftheclasscorrespondingtothetypeofvehicle.
DependingonwhichprovisionsoftheHighway
SafetyCode applytothepersonssituation,the
SocitdelassuranceautomobileduQubec(SAAQ)
istheagencywhichissuesalearnerslicence,a
probationarylicence,aregulardriverslicenceor
arestrictedlicence.
Over4,400,000Quebecersholdadriverslicence.
Havingadriverslicenceisnotaninherentright.
Gettingandkeepingalicencedependsonmeeting
requirementsandspecificconditions.Alicence
is also subject to withdrawal when a holders
behaviourorstateofhealthrepresentsadanger
tootherroadusers.
Drivers must take their state of health into

considerationandbeawareofhowthiscould
influencetheirdriving.
THEDRIVERSLICENCE
D R I V E R S H A N D B O O K 3
CHAPTER1
THEDRIVER
AFIRSTLICENCE
Afirstdriverslicenceisissuedfortheoperationofapassenger
vehicle(class5licence).AQuebecermayqualifyforafirstdrivers
licenceafterholdingalearnerslicence,andifage16through24,
aprobationarylicence.
BASIC REQUIREMENTS
Toobtainadriverslicenceforapassengervehicle,aperson
mustbeatleastage16.Thewrittenconsentofaparentalauthority
(father,mother,guardian)isrequiredforpersonsunderage18.
Applicantsmustalsopresenttwopiecesofidentification:the
firstmustbeanofficialbirthcertificateissuedbytheDirecteur
deltatcivilduQubecoracivilauthorityrecognizedelsewhere
inCanada,acertificateofCanadiancitizenship,aPermanent
Resident Card or a Canadian passport. The second piece of
identificationmaybeaprovincialhealthinsurancecard.
KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENT

Prospectivelicenceholdersmustfirstacquireacertainamount
oftheoreticalknowledgeabouttheHighwaySafetyCode,road
signs,trafficsignalsandtechniquesbeforedrivingapassenger
vehicle.Thistheorycanbelearned:
bystudyingreferencematerialpreparedbytheSocit
delassuranceautomobile,includingthisHandbook,which
containsinformationforprospectivelicenceholdersondriving
techniques, and the manual entitled Driving a Passenger
Vehicle.These documents are sold in Publications du
Qubecoutletsandbookstoresthroughout Qubec;
bytakingadrivingschoolcourse.
4 D R I V E R S H A N D B O O K
CHAPTER1
THEDRIVER
CHOOSING A DRIVING SCHOOL

Drivingschoolcoursesareoptional.However,ifyoucomplete
apracticalcourseatadrivingschoolrecognizedbyCAA-Qubec
ortheQubecSafetyLeague,youcancutfourmonthsoffthe
minimumlengthofthetrainingperiod,whichwillbe8months
instead of a year from the date a learners licence is issued.
Under the Highway Safety Code, a learner who has passed a
coursecanthentaketheSocitsroadtest.
Forinformationonrecognizeddrivingschools,contact:
CAA-Qubec QubecSafetyLeague
444,rueBouvier Associationqubcoisedutransport
Qubec(Qubec)G2J1E3 etdesroutes
Montral:(514)861-7575 533,rueOntarioEst,suite206
ElsewhereinQubec:1800924-0708 Montral(Qubec)H2L1N8
Montral:(514)523-6444
LEARNERS LICENCE
Apersonmustholdalearnerslicencebeforelearningtodrive.
Alearnermust:
certify on a medical declaration that he/she is able to
drivewithoutrisktopublicsafetyandmustmeetmedical
requirements;
passtheSocitsvisiontest;
CHAPTER1
THEDRIVER
pass a knowledge test, which concerns the Highway

SafetyCode,roadsigns,trafficsignalsandtechniquesof
drivingapassengervehicle.
It is possible to rewrite the test in the event of failure.The

applicantrewritesonlythosepartsofthetesthe/shehasfailed.
However,applicantsmustwaitaminimumof7daysbetweentests.
PRACTICE

Alearnerslicenceallowsitsholdertoacquiretheknowledge
andskillsnecessarytodriveapassengervehicleontheroad.
Whenpractisingontheroadway,apersonwhohasheldavalid
driverslicencetodriveapassengervehicleforatleast2years
mustaccompanyalearner.Thispersonmustbeseatednexttothe
learnerandbeprepared toprovidehim/herwithassistanceand
advice.Apersonwhoholdsaprobationarylicenceisnotqualified
toaccompanyalearnerduringpracticedriving.
CHAPTER1
THEDRIVER
Duringthelearningperiod,theholderofalearnerslicence
issubjecttoparticularrules.Themaximumnumberofdemerit
pointsis4anditiscompulsorytomaintainazerobloodalcohol
level.Maintainingazerobloodalcohollevelmeansthatalearner
isprohibitedfromdrivingafterhavingconsumedanyalcoholatall.
ROAD TEST
To qualify for a road test, the applicant must have held a
learners licence for at least 12 months, or 8 months after
completingadrivingcourseatarecognizedschool.
AroadtestenablestheSocittoevaluateaprospectivedrivers
knowledgeandskills.Duringaroadtest,theapplicantwillbe
required to perform manoeuvres relevant to roadway driving:
drivinginastraightline,takingacurve,stoppingorgoingthrough
anintersection,turning,changinglanesandbackingup.
Duringaroadtest,anapplicantmust:
obeytrafficrules;
demonstrate an ability to adapt to different driving

situations;
showsafedrivingtechniques;
followtheexaminersinstructions.
Ifanapplicantfailsaroadtest,heorshemustwaitaminimum
of21daysbetweentests.
CHAPTER1
THEDRIVER
GETTING A LICENCE
Oncearoadtesthasbeenpassed,alicenceapplicantage16
through24isissuedaprobationarylicence.Driversage25and
overareissuedadriverslicence.
At a Socit service outlet, a driver is issued a temporary
licence which he/she must keep until a plastic licence bearing
his/herphotographisreceivedbymail,usuallywithin10days.
Uponreceiptofthephotolicence,thedrivermustdestroythe
temporarylicence.
ProbationaryLicence

Aprobationarylicenceisvalidfortwoyearsoruntilage25,
whichevercomesfirst.Aprobationarylicenceholderwhoturns
25withinthetwo-yearperiodmayobtainadriverslicenceata
Socitserviceoutlet.
Probationarylicenceholdersaresubjecttothesamerestrictions
thatapplytoalearner(maintainingazerobloodalcohollevel
andamaximumof4demeritpoints).Aprobationarylicence
holder is not allowed to serve as the accompanying rider for
someonewhoholdsalearnersorprobationarylicence.
CHAPTER1
THEDRIVER
DriversLicence
Toreceiveadriverslicence,anewdrivermustpaytheamount
determinedunderregulation.Theseamountsincluderemittance
fees to the Ministre des Finances du Qubec, administration
feesandaninsurancepremiumunderthepublicplan.
Driverslicenceholdersaresubjecttoalegalbloodalcohol
limit of .08% (80 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood) and a
maximumof15demeritpoints.Failuretocomplywillresultin

licencerevocation.
LICENCECLASSES
There are twelve classes of licences in Qubec. Each class
authorizestheholdertodriveacategoryofvehicleonaQubec
road.
Onceapersonhasbeenissuedalicencetodriveaparticular
classofvehicle,otherclassesofvehiclesaregenerallyauthorized,
asshowninthefollowingtable.
CHAPTER1
THEDRIVER
LICENCEUPGRADE
Changingoneslicenceclasstoanotherisnotdonesimplyon
r equest.Beforeapplyingforaparticularclass,adrivermustmeet
certainpre-conditions,whichmayrequireadrivingexperience
of1to3yearsorahealthcareprofessionalsreportonfitness
todrive.
Togetalicence,anapplicantmustgotoaSAAQservicecentre
to take the knowledge and road test, after passing an initial
visiontest.
Someclassesalsorequiretheapplicanttoholdalearners
licenceorprobationarylicenceforacertainperiod.
Theseprincipalrequirementsaredetailedinthefollowingtable.
Specificinformationonlicenceclassescanbefoundinbrochures
available from Socit service centres, through its customer
relationscentre(1800361-7620)or,inFrench,attheWeb
site(www.saaq.gouv.qc.ca).
LICENCECLASSESAUTHORIZINGTHEHOLDERTODRIVEHEAVYVEHICLES
CLASS VehiclesAuthorized Requirements
36 months of experience as the holder of a class 5 drivers

Acombinationofvehicles,including: licence(passengervehicle)
OR
a road tractor with 2 axles, whose
netweightis4,500kgorover,that 24months ofexperienceifheorshehassuccessfullycompleted
oneofthefollowingprograms:
D R I V E R S H A N D B O O K
is pulling one or more trailers or

semi-trailers; a) atruckdrivingtrainingprogramauthorizedbytheMinistre
or delducation,duLoisiretduSportasarequirementfora
a road tractor with three or more vocationaldiploma;
axles that is pulling one or more b) a program that consists of 300 hours of driving a class 1
trailersorsemi-trailers; roadvehicleonapublicroad.
or The program must include at least 40 hours of driving dis-
aclass3truckthatispullingatrail- pensedbyatrainingschoolspecializedindrivingheavingvehi-

erorsemi-trailerwhosenetweightis clesANDpracticalon-the-jobtrainingthatincludesthenumber
4,500 kg or over and that is used
1
ofhoursnecessarytoaccumulatetherequired300hours.
solely for the purpose of transport-
Theprogramacandidatecompletesmustberecognizedbythe
ing equipment, tools and furnish-
Socit, which will request various documents, including the
ingsthatremainpermanentlyinside
dailylogsofthecandidateandtheaccompanyingrider,inthe
thetrailer;
caseofa300-hourprogram.
or
a class 3 truck that is pulling any TrainingPeriod
other type of trailer or semi-trailer 3 months of experience as the holder of a class 1 learners
thanthatdescribedaboveandwhose licence
netweightis2,000kgorover. OR
Note:Aroadtractorisamotorvehicle 1 month of experience if the candidate meets one of the fol-
thatdoesnothavecargospaceandthat lowingrequirements:
is permanently equipped with a fifth isenrolledinatruckdrivingtrainingprogramauthorizedby
wheel. theMinistredelducation,duLoisiretduSportleadingto
THEDRIVER
CHAPTER1
Classesincluded: 2,3,4A,4B,4C,5, a vocational diploma and successful completion of all the
6Dand8 mandatorypartsoftheprogrampriortodrivingontheroad
withoutanaccompanyingrider;
11
12
THEDRIVER
CHAPTER1
isage25orover ;
1 has 60 months of experience as the holder of a class 5 drivers

licence;
istheholderofaclass2or3driverslicence.
A bus with a seating capacity for 24 months of experience as the holder of a class 5 drivers
morethan24passengers. licence(passengervehicle).
TrainingPeriod
Classesincluded:
3months ofexperienceastheholderofaclass2learnerslicence
2 3,4A,4B,4C,5,6Dand8 OR
1month ifthecandidatemeetsoneofthefollowingrequirements:
isage25orover;
has 60 months of experience as the holder of a class 5
driverslicence;
holdsaclass3driverslicence.

astraight-bodytruck:atruckwith2 24 months of experience as the holder of a class 5 drivers
axles and a net weight of 4,500 kg licence(passengervehicle).
orover;
TrainingPeriod
atruckwith3ormoreaxles;
3 months of experience as the holder of a class 3 learners
a road vehicle pulling a trailer or a licence
semi-trailer:
OR
whosenetweightisunder2,000kg;
3 whosenetweightis2,000kgand
over,butunder4,500kgandthat
1 month of experience if the candidate meets one of the
followingrequirements:
is used solely for the purpose of isage25orover;

transportingequipment,toolsand has60monthsofexperienceastheholderofaclass5licence.
furnishings that remain perma-
nentlyinsidethetrailer.
any other type of vehicle, except
class 1 and 2 road vehicles and
motorcycles.
Endorsementsforclasses1,2or3
Holdersofaclass1,2or3driverslicencemusthaveanendorsementontheirlicence
certifyingauthorizationtodrivecertainheavyvehicles.Theseendorsementsareindicated
onthelicence:
F atteststhatthepersonisallowedtodriveaheavyvehicleequippedwithairbrakes;
M atteststhatthepersonisallowedtodriveaheavyvehicleequippedwithamanual
transmission;
T atteststhatthepersonisallowedtodriveadoubleroadtrain,requiringaspecialtravel
permit.Thisendorsementonlyappliestoclass1andrequirestheholdertohaveheldthis
classoflicenceforatleast5years.
Alicenceendorsementalsorequiresthattheholderpassaspecifictest.

Toobtainaclass1,2or3 1 learnerslicence,anapplicantmust:
haveadrivingrecordwithfewerthan4demeritpoints;
nothavehadhis/herlicencerevokedorsuspendedfordemeritpointsoradriving-related
CriminalCode offencewithintheprevioustwoyears;
provideamedicalexaminationorhealthassessmentreportshowingfitnesstodrive.
Tests
Successfullypassavisiontest,knowledgetest,pre-tripinspectiontestandroadtestwiththe
vehicleinquestion.
THEDRIVER
CHAPTER1
1.FurtherinformationontheselicenceclassesiscontainedinthebrochureProspectiveHeavyVehicleDriver,availablethrough
SAAQservicecentres,theCustomerrelationscentre(1800361-7620)ortheWebsite(www.saaq.gouv.qc.ca).
13
14
THEDRIVER
CHAPTER1
Anemergencyvehicle Two years experience as the holder of a

AMBULANCE (ex.ambulance,policevehicle,firetruck). class5licenceor holdaclass5licenceand
havepassedanemergencyvehicledriving
Classesincluded: coursegivenbytheQubecpolice training
4B,4C,5,6Dand8 instituteoritsequivalent.
4A
Atthetimeofapplication,submitamedical
examination or health assessment report
completedbyaphysicianshowingfitness
todrive.
Passavisionandknowledgetest.

Minibus: passenger motor vehicle with 2 Oneyearofexperienceastheholderofa
single-wheelaxlesandnomorethan5rows class5licence.
ofseats,or abuswithaseatingcapacityfor
Atthetimeofapplication,submitamedical
4B 24orfewerpassengers.
Classesincluded: completedbyaphysicianshowingfitness
todrive.
4C,5,6Dand8
Taxicab Oneyearofexperienceastheholderofa
class5licence.
Classesincluded:
5,6Dand8 Atthetimeofapplication,submitamedical
completedbyaphysicianshowingfitness
todrive.
No prior conviction within the last 5
4C years for an offence related to operation
ofataxi.
A person must hold a taxi permit, in

accordance with the Transportation by
TaxiAct andRegulation.TransportQubec
haspreparedtheQubectaxidrivershand-
book, whichprovidesmoreinformation.
THEDRIVER
CHAPTER1
15
16
THEDRIVER
CHAPTER1
Apassengervehicle(automobileormini- Applicants must be age 16 or over.The

van)ortruckwith2axleswhosenetweight writtenconsentofapersonwithparental
islessthan4,500kg; authority is required if the applicant is a
minor.
Amotorhome;
Oneyearofexperienceastheholderofa
Atoolvehicle:motorvehicleinwhichthe
learnerslicence,or8monthsinthecaseof
workstationiscontainedwithinthedrivers
apersonwhohaspassedadrivingcourse
compartment.Thevehicleismanufactured
atarecognizedschool.
tocarryoutataskanddesignedtotravel
atamaximumspeedof70km/h; Pass a vision test, knowledge exam and
5 A service vehicle: vehicle equipped to
roadtest.
supply,repairortowmotorvehicles. Holdaprobationarylicencevalidfor2years

oruntilage25.
Also authorized is any vehicle covered by
thisclasshaulingatrailerorinthecaseof
amotorhome,anothervehicle.
Classesincluded:
6D,8
Anymotorcycle. Seebelow.
6A Classesincluded:
6B,6C,6D,8
Amotorcyclewithacylindersizeof400cc Seebelow.
orless.
6B Classesincluded:
6C,6D,8
Amotorcyclewithacylindersizeof125cc Seebelow.
orless.
6C Classesincluded:
6D,8

REQUIREMENTSFORAMOTORCYCLE(Classes6A,6B,6C)
Applicantsforalicencetooperateamotorcyclemustgothroughthefollowingstepsandmeet
thedemandsofeach.
ToobtainaCLASS 6RLEARNERS LICENCE foramotorcyclethislicenceallowsmotor-
cycleoperationonlyforpurposesofadrivingcourseoraSocitroadtest.
Applicantsmust:
THEDRIVER
CHAPTER1
Beage16orover.Thewrittenconsentofapersonwithparentalauthorityisrequiredifthe
applicantisaminor.
17
18
THEDRIVER
CHAPTER1
PassavisiontestandknowledgeexamontheHighwaySafetyCode,roadsignsandtraffic
signalsandtechniquesforoperatingamotorcycle(anapplicantwhofailsmustwaita
minimumof28daysbetweentests).
ToobtainaCLASS 6ALEARNERS LICENCE thislicenceallowsoperationofamotorcycle

withanaccompanyingrideronanothermotorcycle.
Applicantsmust:
HavepassedamotorcycledrivingcoursegivenataschoolrecognizedbyCAA-Qubecor
theQuebecSafetyLeague.
Holdaclass6Rlearnerslicenceforatleast1month.
Passatestonaclosedtrack(anapplicantwhofailsmustwaitaminimumof14days
betweentests).

Toobtainaclass6A,6BOR 6CDRIVERS LICENCE.
Holdaclass6Alearnerslicenceforatleast7months.
Passaroadtestusingthetypeofmotorcyc lethatcorresp ondstothelicenc esought
(anapplicantwhofailsmustwaitaminimumof56daysbetweentests).
Hold,iftheapplicantdoesnothaveaclass5driverslicence,aprobationarylicencefor
2yearsoruntilage25(duringthisperiod,theruleofmaintainingazerobloodalcohol
levelappliesandnomorethan4demeritpointsareallowed).
Mopedormotorizedscooter Applicants must be at least age 14.The

Amopedormotorizedscooterisatwo-or writtenconsentofaparentalauthorityis
three-wheel passenger vehicle that can requirediftheapplicantisaminor.
travel at a maximum speed of 70 km/h, Read the guide entitled: Operating a
6D operates using an electric or maximum MopedorScooter,availableatPublications
50ccmotorandisequippedwithanauto-
duQubecandinbookstores.
matictransmission.
Passavisiontestandknowledgeexam.
Applicants must be at least age 16.

FarmTractor
The consent of a parental authority is

8 requirediftheapplicantisaminor.
Passavisiontestandknowledgeexam.
THEDRIVER
CHAPTER1
19
CHAPTER1
THEDRIVER
HEALTHREQUIREMENTS
Drivingsafelynotonlydemandsknow-howandskills,butalso
astateofhealththatisconsistentwiththeoperationofaparticular
typeofvehicleanditsuse.
Certainillnesses,disabilitiesorsituationscaninterferewitha
personsabilitytodrivesafely.TheRegulationrespectingaccess
todrivingaroadvehicleinconnectionwiththehealthofdrivers
describes these conditions.The most common include sight
disorders,cardiovasculardiseases,mentalillness,alcoholism,
drugdependencyandmedication,epilepsy,diabetes,kidneyand
lungdiseases.
Atthetimeofapplyingforalicenceoronrenewal,everyone
hasanobligationtoadvisetheSAAQofanyhealthcondition
thatmightaffectdriving,andaccordinglymustfilloutandsign
theDeclarationofIllnessorImpairmentform.TheSAAQmust
also be informed of any change in a licence holder's state of
healthwithin30days.
A persons particular health condition may affect eligibility

for classes of licences and restrict driving privileges.The most
common situation is one in which the Socit issues a licence
withconditions:
requiringthedrivertoweareyeglasses,contactlensesor
ahearingaid;
requiringtheinstallationofequipmentinthevehiclefor
driving;
limitingthetimeofday,periodandareafordriving;
limitingthetypesofvehicles;
requiringthepresenceofanotherlicenceholder;
allowingthepersontodriveonlyavehiclethatisequipped
withanalcoholignitioninterlockdevice.
CHAPTER1
THEDRIVER
One or more of the following conditions may appear on a

driverslicence:
A Mustweareyeglassesorcontactlenseswhiledriving
B Mustdriveonlyduringthedaytime
C Mustwearahearingaidwhendriving
G Mustundergoamedicalexaminationorhealthassessment
onrenewal
H Mustdriveonlyavehiclewithanetweightofless
than2,500kg
I Mustdriveonlyavehicleequippedwithanalcohol
ignitioninterlockdevice
J Mustdriveonlyavehicleequippedwithanautomatic
transmission
K Mustdriveonlyavehicleequippedwithpowersteering
L Mustdriveonlyavehicleequippedwithpowerbrakes

N Mustwearasafetyharnesswhendriving
P Mustdriveonlyavehicleequippedwithhand-operated
controls
Q Mustdriveonlyavehicleequippedwithamanual
dimmerswitch
R Mustdriveonlyavehicleequippedwithanaccelerator
ontheleft
S Issubjecttomedicalrestrictionsasindicated
V Mustdriveonlyavehicleequippedwithcontrolsadapted
tohis/herdisability
CHAPTER1
THEDRIVER
TheSocitmayrequireadrivertoundergoaproficiencytest,
medicalexaminationorhealthassessmentinthefollowingcases:
thelicenceholderis70yearsofage;
thelicenceauthorizeshim/hertodriveatractorsemi-trailer,
tractor-trailer,straight-bodytruck,roadtrain,busorminibus,
emergencyvehicleortaxicab;
thedriverhasnotundergoneanexaminationwithinthe
lasttenyears;
theSocithasreasonablegroundstoverifythedrivers
healthordrivingbehaviouronpublicroads.
Proficiencyexams(knowledgeorroadtest)mayberequired
ofapersonwhowishestochangealicenceclass.Amedical
examination or health assessment may be required before a
conditiononthelicencecanbechanged.
TheSocit may also requirea licenceholder tosubmita
periodic medical or optometric report where a disorder or
impairmentrequiresaperiodicfollow-up.

TheSocitmaysuspendthelicenceorlicenceclassofany
driverwho:
makes a false health declaration or fails to declare a
healthcondition;
refuses to undergo a medical examination or health
assessmentorfailstosubmittherelatedreport;
refusestotakeorfailsaproficiencytest;
isafflictedwithanillnessordisabilitythatcouldjeopardize
roadwaysafety.
RESPONSIBILITIESOFADRIVER
Anyoneoperatingamotorvehicleonapublicroadwaymust
carryavalidlicencebearinghis/hersignature.Adrivermustrespect
theconditionsindicatedonhis/herlicence.Alawenforcement
officer may seize the vehicle of a driver who does not hold a
licence for the class of vehicle driven and may impound it for
thirtydays.
CHAPTER1
THEDRIVER
Adrivermustalsohaveallthedocumentsrelatedtothevehicle,
thatis:
avalidregistrationcertificateforthevehicle;
proofofinsurancecoverageorsolvency;
aleasecontract(originalorcopy)foravehiclerentedfor
lessthana1yearperiod;
writtenproofoftheperiodoftheloanofavehiclebya
cardealer.
Avehicledriverorownerwithoutthird-partyliabilityinsurance
whobecomesinvolvedinanaccidentcausingmorethan$500in
propertydamageissubjecttolicencesuspension(driverslicence,
probationarylicenceorlearnerslicence).Theoperationofany
vehicleregisteredinthatpersonsnameisalsoprohibited,untilthe
SAAQisprovidedwithapaymentguaranteeorproofofsettlement
coveringthedamage.
The obligation of carrying documents not only applies to
travelonapublicroadway;somearerequiredforprivateroads

opentopublictraffic,onloggingroadsandonshoppingcentre
parkinglots.
Forholdersoflicenceclasses1,2or3,otherdocumentation
mayberequired,suchasthedrivinganddutytimelog,pre-trip
inspectionreportorcertaincertificates,dependingonthetypeof
loadorservicesprovided.
Alawenforcementofficermayrequireadrivertoproduceany
ofthesedocumentsforexamination.
ONLY ONE LICENCE
Itisanoffencetoholdmorethanonevaliddriverslicence,
probationarylicenceorlearnerslicenceissuedbytheSocitor
anotherauthorityinCanadaortheU.S.forthesameclass.Itisalso
anoffencetolendalicenceorknowinglygivefalseormisleading
informationtoobtainone.
CHAPTER1
THEDRIVER
CORRECT ADDRESS
The address that appears on a licence must be the holders
principalplaceofresidence.TheholdermustadvisetheSocit
ofachangeofaddress,followingwhichtheSocitwillsenda
confirmation,whichmustbekeptwiththelicence.
UnderthreatofpenaltiessetforthintheHighwaySafetyCode,
alicenceholdermustnotifytheSocitofachangeofaddress
within 30 days by mail, in person at a service centre or by
telephoneat1800361-7620.
LICENCE REPLACEMENT
Theholderofalicencethathasbeenlost,stolen,destroyed,
damagedoronwhichinformationhasbecomeinaccuratemust
requestareplacementfromtheSocit.TheSocitwillreplace
thelicenceonpaymentoftherequiredfeeandpresentationof
twopiecesofidentification.
RENEWING A LICENCE

Althoughaplasticlicencewithaphotoisintendedtolast4years,
theholderisrequiredtopayalicencefeeeachyear,evenwhere
he/shefailstoreceivenotice.Insurancepremiumsonthelicen-
cearesetaccordingtothenumberofdemeritpointsenteredon
the holders driving record. In the absence of payment, the
licence holder is not allowed to drive. Driving with an invalid
licenceisanoffencepunishablebyaminimumfineof$300and
additionalpenalties.
Oncealicencehasbeeninvalidforatleast3years,theperson
mustpassaknowledgetestandaroadtesttodriveagain.
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THEDRIVER
HEALTH DECLARATION
Alicenceholdermustdeclareanydiseasesordisorderswhen
theSocitasksforinformationonhis/herhealth,andmustfill
outandsignthedeclarationformwhenapplyingforalicence
oruponitsrenewal.LicenceholdersmustalsoadvisetheSocit
ofanychangeintheirhealth.
RESPONSIBILITIESOFPERSONS
FROMOUTSIDEQUEBEC

NEW RESIDENTS
A newly arrived resident of Qubec may drive a passenger

vehiclefor90daysprovidedhe/sheholdsavaliddriverslicence.
After 90 days, he or she must apply for a Quebec licence,
whichmayormaynotrequireaproficiencyexam:
Anypersonwhoholdsadriverslicenceforapassenger
vehicleissuedbyaCanadianprovinceorterritory,theU.S.,
Belgium,SouthKorea,France,Japan,orcertainOECD
member countries may, upon taking up residence in
Qubec,exchangethislicenceforaclass5licenceissued
bytheSocit.
CHAPTER1
THEDRIVER
ForapersonwhotakesupresidenceinQubecanddoes
notcomefromoneofthejurisdictionsidentifiedabove,
theconditionsvaryaccordingtothenumberofyearsthe
personhasheldavaliddriverslicencecorrespondingto
aclass5:
iftheapplicanthasheldalicenceforatleast1yearat
the time he/she takes up residence in Qubec,
he/she must pass a knowledge exam and road test
beforetheSocitcanissuealicence;
iftheapplicanthasheldalicenceforlessthan1year,
thelicenceisnotrecognizedbytheSocit;he/sheis
therefore subject to the same requirements as appli-
cantsfortheirfirstdriverslicence.
Detailsonlicenceexchangemaybeobtainedbycontacting
the nearest Socit service centre, customer information line
(514954-7771or1888356-6616)or,inFrench,attheWebsite
(www.saaq.gouv.qc.ca).

NON-RESIDENTS
Anon-residentmayoperateamotorvehicleinQubecfora
periodofnotmorethan6consecutivemonthswithoutobtaining
a Qubec licence.A non-resident must, however, hold a valid
drivers licence issued by a jurisdiction outside Qubec which
grantsthesamerighttoQubecresidents,mustdriveonlythose
vehiclescoveredbythelicenceandmustrespectanyattendant
conditions.
A student, co-operant or trainee who is a non-resident and
studyingataneducationalinstitutioninQubec,isexemptfrom
havingtoobtainaQubeclicencetodriveapassengervehiclefor
theperiodofstudiesortraining,providingtheissuingjurisdiction
grantsthesamerighttoQubecresidents.
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THEDRIVER
Anon-residentwhoholdsavalidinternationaldriverslicence
issued by his/her country of origin may for the period of its
validitydrivethemotorvehiclesauthorizedbytheholdersregular
licence,whichmustbevalidandkeptwiththeinternational
driverslicenceforpresentation.
AREVOKEDORSUSPENDEDLICENCE
Torevokealicencemeanstowithdrawthedrivingprivilege.
Apersonwhoselicencehasbeenrevokedisnotallowedtooperate
amotorvehicleandmustcomplywithconditionsprescribedby
theHighwaySafetyCode beforebeingissuedalicenceagain.
Alicencesuspensionisbynaturetemporary.Apersonwhose
righttoobtainalicencehasbeensuspendedcannotobtainany
licencefromtheSocitforafixedperiodoftime.
Revocationofalicence,itssuspensionorsuspensionofthe
righttoobtainalicencecanoccur:

as a result of an unpaid fine for an offence under the
Highway Safety Code or a municipal traffic or parking
bylaw ;
for an accumulation of demerit points due to Highway
SafetyCode offences;
followingaconvictionofadriving-relatedoffenceunder
theCriminalCode ;
as a result of being pulled over by a peace officer for
excessivespeeding.
TheSocitisnotifiedoftrafficoffencesthatarecommitted
by drivers in another Canadian province or a U.S. state with
whichQubechasareciprocityagreementanddemeritpoints
are entered on the drivers record as if the offence had taken
placeinQubec.
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THEDRIVER
SUSPENSIONFORANUNPAIDFINE
DriverswhodonotpayfinesforoffencesundertheHighway
SafetyCode oramunicipaltrafficbylawwillhavetheirlicence
suspended,ortheirrighttoobtainalicencesuspendedifthey
donotholdalicence.
This suspension is applied in accordance with the Code of
PenalProcedure andremainsineffectuntiltheSocithasbeen
notifiedthatthefinehasbeenpaid.Theoffenderisprohibited
fromoperatinganyvehicleforthedurationofthesuspension.
Failuretorespectthisrestrictioncouldresultinvehicleseizure
andimpoundmentfor30days.
DEMERITPOINTS
TheSocitentersdemeritpointsontherecordofdriversfor
certainoffencesundertheHighwaySafetyCode,atraffic-related
statute or bylaw.The following table lists offences and the
correspondingnumberofdemeritpoints.
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THEDRIVER
Speed-relatedoffencesthatresultindemeritpoints
ExcessiveSpeeding DemeritPoints
Zoneof
Exceedingthelegalorposted 60km/hto
60km/h 100km/hzone
speedlimitby: 90km/hzone
orless
11to20km/h 1 1 1
21to30km/h 2 2 2
31to39km/h 3 3 3
31to45km/h
40to45km/h 6 3 3
46to49km/h 10 5 5
46to60km/h 50to59km/h 10 10 5

60km/h 10 10 10
61to80km/h 14 14 14
81to100km/hh 18 18 18
101to120km/h 24 24 24
121km/horover 30ormore 30ormore 30ormore
Excessivespeeding
WHATISEXCESSIVESPEEDING?
Youcommitanexcessivespeedingoffencewhenyouexceedthe
speedlimitby:
40km/horoverina zoneof60km/horless;
50km/horoverina 60km/hto90km/hzone;
60km/horoverina 100km/hzone.
CHAPTER1
THEDRIVER
Otheroffencesthatresultindemeritpoints
Demerit
Offences
points
Drivingataspeedtoogreatforweatherorroadconditions 2
Tailgating 2
Acceleratingwhenbeingpassed 2
Passingabicycletoocloselyinatravellane 2
Failuretoyieldtopedestriansandcyclistsat
2
anintersection
Failuretoyieldtooncomingtraffic 2
Suddenbrakingwithoutcause 2

Failuretostopbeforeturningrightataredtrafficlight
3
(wherepermitted)
Failuretowearaseatbelt 3
Failuretowearahelmet(motorcycles,mopeds
3
&motorizedscooters)
Prohibitedpassingontheright 3
Prohibitedpassingontheleft 3
Prohibiteddrivinginreverse 3
Failuretoobeytheorderorsignalofapeaceofficer,
3
schoolcrossingguardorflagperson
CHAPTER1
THEDRIVER
Otheroffencesthatresultindemeritpoints
Demerit
Offences
points
Failuretoobeyaredtrafficlightorstopsign 3
Failuretocometoamandatorystopatalevelcrossing 3
Prohibitedcrossingofalinemarkingofflanes 3
Drivingwhileusingahand-helddevice
3
thatincludesatelephonefunction
Zigzaggingtopass 4
Prohibitedpassinginalanereservedfor
4
oncomingtraffic
Speedingorrecklessdriving 4
Drivingforawagerorstakeorinarace 6
Failuretostopwhenapproachingaschoolbusor
minibuswithitsflashinglightsinoperation,or 9
prohibitedpassingormeetingofsuchavehicle

Prohibiteduseofatunnelbyavehiclecarrying
9
dangeroussubstances
Failureofadriverinvolvedinanaccident
9
todohisorherduty
Failuretostopatalevelcrossingwhendrivingabus,
aminibusoraroadvehiclecarryingcertain 9
dangeroussubstances
For holders of a learner's licence, a probationary licence or a driver's

licence with an alcohol ignition interlock requirement. Also, for
anypersonunderage25whohasheldalicence,forlessthan5years,to
driveamoped,motorizedscooterorfarmtractoronly.
Drivingwithoutanaccompanyingrider(learner's
4
licenceholder)
Drivingwiththepresenceofalcoholinthebody 4
Failuretoprovideabreathsample 4
CHAPTER1
THEDRIVER
ACCUMULATION OINTS
OF DEMERIT P
A learners licence or probationary licence holder who has

accumulated4ormoredemeritpointsreceivesanoticefromthe
Socitinformingthedriveroflicencesuspension.
Adriverslicenceholderwhohasaccumulated7ormore
demeritpointsreceivesanoticefromtheSociturgingimproved
drivinghabits.Anadditionalnoticeissenteachtimenewdemerit
pointsareaddedtothatdriversrecord.Whenthenumberof
pointsreaches15,thelicenceisrevokedortherighttoalicence
suspended,whetherornottheholderreceivesnotice.
Apersonwhosedriverslicencehasbeenrevokedmustsurrender
the licence at the request of the Socit within 10 days of the
datetherevocationtakeseffect,failingwhichheorshebecomes
liabletoafineof$300to$600.
Heavy vehicle drivers covered by the Act respecting owners,
operatorsanddriversofheavyvehicles,anddriversofataxior
emergencyvehiclearerequiredtoinformthepersonresponsiblefor
thevehicle, ortheownerofthetaxioremergencyvehicle,when

their drivers licence (or class of licence) has been modified, sus-
pendedorrevoked.
LENGTH OF PENALTY
Apersonwhosedriverslicencehasbeenrevokedortheright
to obtain one suspended due to an accumulation of demerit
pointscanobtainanewdriverslicenceonlyafteraperiodoftime
setbytheHighwaySafetyCode.Timeperiodsvaryaccordingto
typeoflicenceandpointlimits.
4DEMERIT POINTS
Fornewdrivers:
apersonwhoholdsaclass5or6Alearnerslicenceand
whodoesnotyetholdadriverslicence;
CHAPTER1
THEDRIVER
apersonwhoholdsaprobationarylicence;
apersonwhoholdsaclass6Dlicence(mopedorscooter)
oraclass8licence(farmtractor),underage25andwho
hasheldthelicenceforlessthan5years.
The Code prescribes a 3 month licence suspension where the

driveraccumulates4pointsormoreinhisfile.Sinceprobationary
licence holders under age 25 must have 2 years experience
drivingwithavalidlicence,thelengthoftheirprobationperiod
willbeextendedanadditionalperiodequivalenttothesuspension
period.Whentheyareagaineligibleforalicence,theymustgo
toaSocitservicecentretoreinstatetheirlicenceanddriving
privilege.
15DEMERIT POINTS
Alicenceisrevokedortherighttoobtainalicencesuspended
foraperiodof3,6or12months,dependingonwhetherthe
driverhasaccumulated15demeritpointsforthefirst,secondor
thirdtimeintheprevious2years.

Toobtainanewdriverslicence,thepersonmustschedule
anappointmenttotakeaknowledgetestwhenhe/sheisagain
eligible to hold a licence and pay applicable test and licence
fees.Itshouldbenotedthatthecostofanewlicencewillbe
increasedbyahigherinsurancepremiumunderthepublicplan,
whichisestablishedonthebasisofadriversdemeritpoints.
POINTS WRITTEN OFF
Demeritpointsremainonadriversrecordfor2yearsafter
the conviction that brought about their entry on the driving
record,orpaymentofthefine(paymentofafineisequivalent
toaconviction).
CHAPTER1
THEDRIVER
When a licence has become subject to a penalty resulting

from the accumulation of demerit points, 4 or 15 points are
writtenofftheoffendingdriversrecord,dependingonthetype
oflicence.However,anydemeritpointsthatexceedthesenumbers
willremainontherecordfor2years.
For example, for a licence holder who has accumulated 14
demeritpoints,asubsequentoffencewillbringthatnumberto16.
Sincethe15pointlevelhasbeenreached,thedrivers licenceis
revoked and 15 points are erased. The remaining demerit
point stays on the drivers record for 2 years following the
latestconviction.
Nopointsarewrittenoffuponrenewalofadriversorlearners
licence,norupontheissueofafirstlicence,orofanewlicence
followingrevocation.
DEMERIT POINTS AND A RESTRICTED LICENCE
Adriverwhoselicencehasbeensuspendedorrevokedasa
r esultofafirst-timeaccumulationofdemeritpointsin2years

(4 points for probationary licence, or 15 demerit points for a
drivers licence) may obtain a restricted licence where his/her
livelihoodrequirestheoperationofamotor vehicle.Toobtaina
restrictedlicence,thepersonmustapplytoaCourtofQubec
judgeforarestrictedlicenceandnotifytheSocitoftheapplica-
tion. The applicant has to prove that driving is an essential
aspectofhis/herworkandpetitionthejudgetoobtaintheorder
authorizinghim/hertoholdarestrictedlicence.
Upon presentation of this order, the Socit will issue a
restrictedlicence.
CHAPTER1
THEDRIVER
CRIMINALCODE OFFENCES
A person convicted of any of the following Criminal Code
offenceswillseehis/herlicencerevokedortherighttoobtain
alicencesuspended:
criminalnegligenceofamotorvehiclecausingdeathor
bodilyharm;
manslaughter ;
dangerous driving (in light of weather, road and traffic
conditions at the time or reasonably expected use of
vehicle) ;
dangerousdrivingcausingdeathorbodilyharm ;
refusaltostopduringapolicepursuit ;
leavingthesceneofanaccident ;
hit-and-runcausingdeathorbodilyharm ;
refusal to submit to a breathalyzer test or to provide a
bloodsample ;
refusaltoobeytheordersofalawenforcementofficerto

provide a breath or blood sample or to submit to
a physical coordination test following an accident
resultinginthedeathofanotherperson ;
driving or having care of a vehicle while impaired by
alcoholordrugs ;
driving or having care of a vehicle while impaired by
alcoholordrugsandcausingdeathorbodilyharm ;
drivingorhavingcareofavehiclewhileonesblood
alcohollevelisover.08%(80mgofalcoholper100ml
ofblood).
Wheretheseoffencesarecommittedsimultaneously,they
willleadtoasinglepenalty.
TheSocitisnotifiedofdriving-relatedcriminaloffences
committedinanotherCanadianprovinceorequivalentoffences
inaU.S.statewithwhichQubechasareciprocalagreement.
Suchoffencesareenteredonthedriversrecordandresultinthe
samepenaltyasiftheoffencetookplaceinQubec.
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THEDRIVER
PENALTIESFORALCOHOL-IMPAIREDDRIVING
Measuresadoptedtocounteralcohol-impaireddrivingare
basedonprevention,thatis,theidentificationandmonitoringof
personswhohavedifficultydisassociatingalcoholconsumption
withdrivingavehicle.Measuresaremoresevereforrepeatoffenders
inanefforttopersuadethemtochangetheirbehaviourregarding

alcoholconsumption.
ZERO ALCOHOL RULE
UndertheHighwaySafetyCode,thefollowingpersonscannot
drive,orhavethecareorcontrolofamotorvehicleifthereis
thepresenceofalcoholintheirbody:
apersonwhodoesnotholdalicenceandwhohasnever
heldadriverslicenceotherthanthatwhichauthorizes
drivingonlyamoped,scooter(class6D)orfarmtractor
(class8);
apersonwhoholdsalearnerslicencewhichauthorizes
drivingapassengervehicle(class5)ormotorcycle(class6A),
unlesshe/shehaspreviouslyheldadriverslicencefora
classofvehicleotherthan6Dor8;
apersonwhoholdsaprobationarylicence;
CHAPTER1
THEDRIVER
a person who holds a drivers licence authorizing only

thedrivingofamoped,scooter(class6D)orfarmtractor
(class8),underage25andwhohasheldalicencefor
lessthan5years;
apersonwhoholdsarestrictedlicenceissuedfollowing
thesuspensionofaprobationarylicence;
apersonwhoholdsalicenceauthorizingonlythedriving
ofavehicleequippedwithanalcoholignitioninterlock
device;
apersonwhoholdsalicencerequiringthathe/shemust
maintainazerobloodalcoholleveltodrive,orhavethe
careorcontrolofamotorvehicle.
IMMEDIATE LICENCE SUSPENSION
Alawenforcementofficerimmediatelysuspendsthelicence
orrighttoobtainalicencefora90-dayperiod:
1. ofanypersonsubjecttothezeroalcoholrulewhodrives,
orhasthecareorcontrolofamotorvehicleandhasthe

presenceofalcoholinhis/herbody;
2. ofanypersonwhodrives,orhasthecareorcontrolofa
motorvehiclewhenhis/herbloodalcohollevelisover.08;
3. ofanypersonwhorefusestoprovideabreathorblood
sample.
LENGTH OF DRIVING PROHIBITION
WhenadriverisconvictedofanoffenceundertheCriminal
Code,ajudgecanimposeadrivingprohibitionperiod.Theperiod
variesaccordingtotheoffendersdrivingrecordandthetype
ofoffence.
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THEDRIVER
Aminimumfineof$1,000mayaccompanyadrivingprohibi-
tion periodinthecaseofafirstoffence;finesforsubsequent
offences are at the discretion of the judge.The offender may
alsobesubjecttoaprisonterm.
TheHighwaySafetyCode providesforrevocationofalearners
licence,probationarylicenceordriverslicenceaswellassuspension
oftherighttoobtainoneoftheselicences.Theminimumperiod
oflicencerevocationorsuspensionoftherighttoobtainalicence
is1,3or5years,dependingonthenumberoftimestheoffenders
licencehasbeenrevokedorsuspendedintheprevious10years
foranalcohol-relateddrivingconviction.
If a court imposes a driving prohibition period longer than
therevocationperiodprovidedintheHighwaySafetyCode,the
judges decision prevails and the driving prohibition period
shallapply.
CONDITIONS FOR REINSTATING A LICENCE
Apersonwhoselicencehasbeenrevokedfollowingacriminal

conviction for impaired driving is required to meet particular
conditionsbeforealicencecanbereinstated.TheHighwaySafety
Code providesthat:
forafirstoffence withinthelast10years:
theoffendermustsuccessfullycompletetheAlcofrein
drivereducationprogramrecognizedbythetheMinister
ofTransport that is intended to raise awareness about
drinking and driving problems and prevent a repeat
offence ;
theoffendermustundergoasummaryassessment
conductedbyadulyauthorizedpersonwhoworksin
anaddictionrehabilitationcentre.Thefinalassessment
report must show that the offenders behaviour is
consistentwiththesafeoperationofavehicle.
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THEDRIVER
Iftheresultsoftheassessmentarefavourable,theoffender
mayobtainalicenceattheendoftherevocationperiod.
If,however,theresultsoftheassessmentareunfavourable,
theoffendermustundergoacomprehensiveassessment
(the same proc ed ure a pplies to a repeat offend er).
Furthermore,oncethisprocesshasbeencompletedand
the offender would like to obtain a new licence, for a
periodof1year he/shewillonlybeallowedtodrivea
vehicleequippedwithanalcoholignitioninterlock;
forarepeatoffence within10years:
theoffendermustundergoacomprehensiveassessment
overaperiodof7to9months,thepurposeofwhichis
torenderhis/herrelationshiptoalcoholconsistentwith
thesafeoperationofavehicle.Beforeanewlicencecan
beissued,thisassessmentshouldclearlydemonstrate,
to the satisfaction of the Socit, that his/her alcohol
consumptionhabitsdonotcompromisethesafeoperation
ofamotorvehicle.Theassessmentmustbeconducted by

a duly authorized person who works in an addiction
rehabilitationcentreorservice;
themandatoryinstallationofanalcoholignitioninterlock
device is required for a period of 2 years for a second
convictionor3yearsforathirdconvictionormore.
FeestoregisterintheAlcofreinprogramandthecostsof
summary and comprehensive assessments must be assumed
byparticipants.
CHAPTER1
THEDRIVER
LICENCE REQUIRING USE OF AN ALCOHOL IGNITION INTERLOCK DEVICE
1. After the driving prohibition period handed down by the

court,thedrivermay applytotheSocitforarestrictedlicence,

whichwillbevaliduntiltheendofthedriverslicencerevocation
periodimposedundertheHighwaySafetyCode.Anoffendermay
alsoapplyforarestrictedlicenceduringthedrivingprohibition
period.A restricted licence authorizestheoffendertodrivea
vehicle on the condition that it is equipped with an alcohol
ignitioninterlockdevice.Thisdevicepreventsengineoperation
ifitdetectsthepresenceofalcoholinthedriversbody.
2. Attheendofthelicencerevocationperiod,useofanalcohol
ignitioninterlockdeviceismandatory inordertoobtainanew
licenceinthefollowingcases:
ifthedriverisarepeatoffender(2or3-yearmandatoryuse);
ifthesummaryassessmentisunfavourableforafirst-time
offendingdriver(mandatoryusefor1year).
CHAPTER1
THEDRIVER
3. Iftheoffendingdriverwishestodriveattheendofthepenalty
periodandifhe/shehasnotreceivedasatisfactoryassessment
report,theapplicantmay obtain,onavoluntary basis,alicence
authorizing him/her to drive only a vehicle equipped with an
alcoholignitioninterlock.However,theperiodduringwhichhe/she
drives usingthedevicewillnotreducetheperiodofmandatory
useimposed.
Toobtainalicenceauthorizingdrivingwithanalcoholigni-
tioninterlock,thedrivermustalsomeetthefollowing conditions:
havenootherpenaltyonhis/herrecord;
submitproofofanagreementtoinstallanignitioninter-
lockdevicebyaSocit-approvedshop;
observethetermsofusefortheinterlockdevice;
assumecostsrelatingtouseofthedevice.
Alicencerequiringuseofanignitioninterlockdevicecannot
beissuedformotorcycleclassesorforalearner.
Thelicenceclassesauthorizedarethoseheldbythedriverat

thetimethepenaltywasimposed.
IfthesupplierofanignitioninterlockdeviceinformstheSocit
that a driver is not complying with operating conditions, the
Socitmayrevokeorsuspendthelicence.
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VEHICLESEIZURE
Avehiclecanbeseized,towedimmediatelyandimpounded
for30days,whetherornottheoffendingdriveristhevehicle
ownerif:
thedriverslicencehasbeenrevokedorsuspendeddue
toaCriminalCode offence,anaccumulationofdemerit
points,anunpaidfineorformedicalreasons;
amotorvehicleisnotequippedwithanignitioninterlock
device,despitethefactthatthedriverslicenceauthorizes

him/hertodriveonlyavehiclefittedwiththisdevice;
thedriverfailstorespectignitioninterlockconditionsor
driveswiththepresenceofalcoholinthebody;
thedriverfailstorespectthetermsofarestrictedlicence
issuedbecauseofdemeritpoints;
thedriverdoesnotholdavaliddriverslicence,ofaclass
appropriateforthetypeofvehicleusedandcarryingthe
mandatoryendorsements(inthecaseofheavyvehicles);
theholderofalearner'slicenceforamotorcycle(6R)is
operatingthevehicleoutsideofadrivingschool'scourse
oraroadtestfortheSAAQ;
thedriverofaroadvehiclecommitsanexcessivespeed-
ingoffence;
thedriver(orindividualwhohascareofthevehicle)has
abloodalcohollevelabove0.16%(160mgofalcohol
per100mlofblood);
thedriverrefusestoprovideabreathorbloodsample.
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THEDRIVER
If the driver is not the owner of the motor vehicle, he/she is

required toimmediatelynotifythevehicleownerofitsseizure.
Thedriverisalsoresponsibleforsubmittingtothevehicleowner
acopyoftheseizurereport.
Inordertorecoverthevehicle,theownermustpayalltowing
and storage charges, and then take the appropriate steps for
reimbursementbytheoffender.
FINESFORDRIVINGDURINGAPENALTYPERIOD
Apersonwhodrivesavehiclewhilehis/herlicenceissubject
toapenaltymust,inadditiontodealingwithanimmediate
seizure,payafinegenerallybetween$300and$600.Ifapenalty
periodhadbeenimposedforimpaireddriving,thefinewillbe
$1,500to$3,000.
An owner who allows use of a vehicle by someone whose
licencehasbeensuspendedorrevokedisliabletoafineof$300
to$600;ifthepersonslicencehadbeenrevokedforimpaired
driving,theownersfinewillbe$1,500to$3,000.

Beforelendingorrentingoutavehicle,theownercancheck
thevalidityofthedriverslicencewiththeSocitbycalling
1 900 565-1212.There is a charge of $1.50 per call for the
automatedservice.
The table below lists the statutes and penalties imposed
undertheCriminalCode andHighwaySafetyCode followinga
convictionforimpaireddriving:
Inadditiontothecostofafine,offendersarerequiredtopay
registrationfeesandamandatorycontributiontothecrimevic-
tims assistance program (Indemnisation des victimes dactes
criminels).Additionalfeesmayalsoapply.
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THEDRIVER
CriminalCode HighwaySafetyCode
Driving Immediatelicencesuspensionfor90days
prohibitionof1yr Immediatevehicleimpoundmentfor30daysifthe
Possibleignitioninterlock bloodalcohollevelisinexcessof160mg/100ml
useafteraminimum orforrefusingtoprovideabreathsample
drivingprohibition Licencerevocationforaperiodof1yr1
of3months
MandatoryAlcofrein2 session
Fineofatleast$1000
Firstpenalty Summaryassessmentofadriver'salcoholordrughabitsto
determinewhethertheycompromisethesafeoperationofa
motorvehicle.
Ifsummaryassessmentisunfavourable:
comprehensiveassessment4
mandatoryignitioninterlockusefor1yrafterlicence
revocationonceanassessmentissatisfactoryfortheSocit
Driving Immediatelicencesuspensionfor90days
prohibitionof2yrs Immediatevehicleimpoundmentfor30daysifthe
Possibleignitioninterlock bloodalcohollevelisinexcessof160mg/100mlor
useafteraminimum forrefusingtoprovideabreathsample
Secondpenalty drivingprohibition Licencerevocationforaperiodof3yrs
of6months
Comprehensiveassessment4
Imprisonmentforat
least30days Mandatoryignitioninterlockusefor2yrsafterlicence
Drivingprohibition Immediatelicencesuspensionfor90days
of3yrs Immediatevehicleimpoundmentfor30daysifthe
Possibleignitioninterlock bloodalcohollevelisinexcessof160mg/100mlor
Thirdor useafteraminimum forrefusingtoprovideabreathsample
subsequent drivingprohibition Licencerevocationforaperiodof5yrs1
penalty of12months
Comprehensiveassessment4
Imprisonmentforat

least120days Mandatoryignitioninterlockusefor3yrsafterlicence
Accident* Imprisonmentforup
causing to10yrs
bodilyharm
Accident* Maximumlifesentence
causingdeath
Reference 10yrs
periodfor
calculating
arepeatoffence
Drivingwhileprohibited:vehicleimpoundmentfor30days
Other andfineof$1885to$3760**
provisions Zeroalcoholforholdersofalearnerslicence
oraprobationarylicence.
* whileimpaired,withabloodalcohollevelinexcessof80mg/100mlorforrefusing
toprovideabreathsample.
** TheseamountsaresubjecttochangeandincludefinesprovidedundertheHighwaySafetyCode,
registryfeesandacontributiontoIVAC(Indemnisationdesvictimesdactescriminels).
Pleasenotethatadditionalfeesmayapply.
1See the SAAQ folder,Criminal Code offences. Drivers licences. 2Alcofrein program : driver education program recognized by the
Minister ofTransport.The aim of the program is to raise awareness about the problems associated with alcohol and drug consumption
(session fee payable by offender). 3Summary assessment : aims to determine the likelihood of an individuals repeat impaired-driving
offence(feepayablebyoffender). 4Comprehensiveassessment : aimstoidentifythebehaviouralproblems,establishasupervisionand
followupplanaccordingtotheseverityofacaseandtheindividualsmotivation(severalmeetingsoveraperiodofsixtoninemonths,fee
payablebyoffender).N.B. : assessmentsareconductedbyrecognizedaddictionrehabilitationcentreprofessionalsworkinginthehealthand
socialservicesnetwork.
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THEDRIVER
RIGHTOFCHALLENGE
Anindividualwhoselicenceorrighttoobtainonehasbeen
suspendedfor30,60or90daysafterbeingstoppedforexcessive
speedingorfollowingarepeatimpaireddrivingoffence may file
anapplicationwiththeSocitforareviewofthesuspension
buthe/shemustassumetherelatedcosts.Ifasuspensionislifted,
theSocitreimbursescostsincurredbytheapplicant. Ifthesus-
pension is maintained following a review, the applicant may,
within 10 days, c ontest the decision before the Administrative
TribunalofQubec.
TheHighwaySafetyCode makesprovisionsforothercircum-
stanceswhichgiveanindividualtherighttocontestcertain
decisions of the Socit before the AdministrativeTribunal of
Qubec,within60daysofthedecision.Apersonmayappeal
totheTribunalwhentheSocithasrefusedtoissueorrenew
his/her driverslicence,probationarylicenceorlearnerslicence,
orsuspendeditonmedicalgroundsorforfailuretosubmitthe
requiredmedicalexaminationorhealthassessmentreport.

AvehicleownermaypetitiontheCourtofQubecorapply
totheSocitfortheliftingofavehicleseizure.
TheSocitmayreviewadecisionatanytimeunlessithas
beenchallengedbeforetheTribunaloracourt.
FACTORSTHATINFLUENCEDRIVING
Atfirstglance,adriverstaskappearsratherstraightforward.
Driving,however,requiresmorethansimplystartingtheengine,
steeringandbringingthevehicletoastop.Adriverhastomaster
driving techniques and traffic rules and understand that the
decisionshe/shemakesmusttakeintoaccountotherdriversas
wellasroadandtrafficconditions.
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THEDRIVER
Statisticsonaccidentsandtrafficoffences,nottomentionthe
numberofvictimsinjuredorkilledeachyearontheroad,bear
witnesstothecomplexityofthetask.
Drivingavehiclecallsonadriversknowledgeandtheinfor-
mation he/she picks up while driving.A driver must therefore
knowhowtointerprethis/hersurroundings,andbepreparedto
react and anticipate the reactions of others and before making a
decision. A drivers decisions reflect his/her assessment of a
situation.Onapproachinganintersection,forexample,thereis
more involved than simply recognizing a stop sign and stop-
ping.Thedriverhastoassessthedistancebetweenthevehicle
andthestopsignbasedonhis/herspeed,theroadconditions
andthepresenceofothersontheroadtodeterminetherateat
whichthevehiclemustslowandwhereitwillcometoastop.
New and experienced drivers will acknowledge that health,
personalityandsurroundingsareoftenfactorsthatplayarole
intheirdriving.Adriversdecisionsareinfluencedbydominant
charactertraits,moodandgeneralwell-being.
A motor vehicle operators physical and psychological state

arecrucialtosafeuseoftheroadway.
VISION
Safeoperationofavehicledependsoneyesight.Studieshave
shownthat90%ofadriversdecisionsarebasedoninformation
gatheredthroughtheeye.Lossofvisualacuityorfieldofvision
hasanimmediateaffectonperformance,primarilyatthetimea
decisionmustbemadeontheroadway.Thereinliestheriskof
anaccident,bothfortheoperatorandotherroadusers.
Anumberofelementscomeintoplayingivingthedriveran
accurate picture of his/her surroundings. Impairment of one
aspect,especiallyifthedriverisunawareoftheweakness,can
bedangerousandmayevenrenderthepersonunfittodrive.
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THEDRIVER
VISUAL ACUITY
Visualacuityistheabilitytoclearlydistinguishobjectsfrom
a distance. Acuity varies from one individual to another and
thosewithabelow-averageabilitytoseethingssharplymaynot
beawareofmanydetailstheyaremissing;theythinktheycansee
aswellasothers.Alossofvisualacuityisgenerallyassociated
withagingandapersonshealth.Onlyperiodiceyeexaminations
willrevealaprogressivedeteriorationofvisualacuity.
FIELD ISION
OF V
Thevisualfieldistheexpanseofspaceinwhichobjectsare
perceivedwhiletheeyesfocusononeparticularpoint.Thearea
ofadriversvisualfieldmustbelargeenoughtoviewataglance
any obstacle in front or on either side of the vehicle. It is as
important as good visual acuity since an impaired visual field
increasestheriskofaccidents.
A drivers field of vision narrows as the speed of a vehicle
increases. It is the same when the eye focuses on one object.

Drugs,alcoholandfatigueoftenproducethesameeffect.Aneye
conditionandneurologicaldisordermayalsoseriouslyimpairthe
fieldofvision.Evenwideeyeglassrimscanaffectthefieldofvision.
STEREOSCOPIC VISION
Stereoscopicvision,ordepthperception,isapersonsability
toaccuratelysituateobjectsinthree-dimensionalspace.Itenables
a driver to estimate the distance between his/her vehicle and
otherobjectsaroundevenwhenthoseobjectsareinmotion.
CORRECTIVE LENSES
Contact lenses and eyeglasses should be worn if required.

Someone with a drivers licence that bears the A condition
mustwearlensesorglassesfordriving.Failuretocomplyisan
offencepunishablebyafine.
CHAPTER1
THEDRIVER
AT NIGHT
It is always more hazardous to drive at night than during

theday,regardlessofadriversvisualacuity.Adaptingtonight
driving means reducing speed, given the limited scope of a
vehiclesheadlights.
Roadsignsarecoveredwithamaterialthatreflectsavehicles
headlight,allowingadrivertoseethemfromfartherawaythan
othernon-reflectiveobjects.Adriverthereforeshouldnotjudge
thereachofavehicleslightsbythereflectionfromasign.
Twofactorsarecrucialtonightdriving:
thedriversabilitytoseeunderlittlelight;
resistancetoglare.
Asapersonages,his/herabilitytoadjusttoglareisreduced.
Ifnightdrivingisparticularlydifficult,greatercautionisnecessary.
Wearingtintedglassesisstronglydiscouragedatnight;they
inevitablyreduceadriversvisualacuity.

PHYSICALDISORDERS
Somephysicalailmentsmaybethedirectcauseofanaccident.
Health care professionals can report the name and address of
anypatientage14orolderwhomtheydeemunfittodriveon
thebasisofhealthorvision.Aprofessionalwhomakessucha
reportcannotbesuedfordamages.
Byreasonofapersonsstateofhealth,theSocitmaysuspend
orrefusetoissuealicence,orchangetheconditionsonalicence.
Itmayalsorequiretheindividualinvolvedtosubmittofurther
examinationorassessmentbyahealthcareprofessional.Obviously,
aresponsibledriverwillcomplywiththerecommendationsof
his/herphysician.
Temporaryconditionssuchasheadachesandfevermakedriving
moredifficult.Apersonshouldobviouslynotgetbehindthewheel
ifthisisthecase.Adriverwhofeelsillwhiletravelingshould
findasafespotofftheroadtostopthevehicle.
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THEDRIVER
FATIGUE
Whenweretired,ourabilitytodriveisdiminishedandthe
consequencescouldbedisastrous.
Drowsiness has many causes. In some cases, it follows a
heavy meal. Most often it is the result of a lack of sleep, the
monotonyoftheroad,lackofpracticefornightdrivingorthe
temperatureinsideavehicle.
Drowsinesscanaffectalertness.Adrivermustconsiderthefirst
signsofdrowsinessaclearwarningoftheriskofanaccident.
Becausefatigueslowsmusclecoordination,adriverwhofeels
tired,whoyawns,whoseeyesareirritatedorwhohasshort
hallucinationsmuststopforawhile.Stretchingthelegsmaybe
allthatisneeded.Sometimesashortnapmayleaveadriver
feelingrefreshed.
Apersonsmentalorpsychologicalstateisalsoanimportant
factor in the safe operation of a motor vehicle. An individual
whoisexperiencinganextremeemotionsuchasangerorgrief
shouldthereforerefrainfromdriving.

CELLPHONE
SinceApril1,2008,useofanytypeofhand-helddevicewitha
telephone function has been prohibited while driving. The law
bansuseofanytypeofdevicewithatelephonefunctionthatcan
connecttoatelephonenetwork,whetherornotithasbeenacti-
vated.Theseinclude:
conventionalcellphones;
wirelessinformationdevices(BlackBerry);
cell phones with a transmitter-receiver function (walkie-
talkie), such as theTELUS Mike or cell phones that are
linkedtothe10-4serviceprovidedbyBELL.Thistypeof
device is prohibited, even if the cell phone function has
beendeactivated;
devicesthatdisplayemailsorthatenableausertobrowse
theInternet.
CHAPTER1
THEDRIVER
Simplyholdingthistypeofdeviceinyourhandwhiledriving,
regardlessofuse,isanoffence.Ahand-helddevicemeansone
wheretheentiredeviceisheldinthehandtomakeacall.
TheMeaningoftheExpressionWhileDriving
Adriverwhobringshisorhervehicletoastopincompliance
withroadsignsandtrafficsignalsorduetoobstructionoftraffic
continuestodrivethevehicle.Theindividualisconsideredtobe
controllingavehiclesoastocomplywithroadsignsandtrafficsig-
nalsortoavoidtrafficobstructions.Therefore,adriverwhoiswait-
ingataredlightorinatrafficjamisconsideredtobedrivinga
vehicleandthereforecannotuseahand-heldcellphone.
However,adriverwhobringsavehicletoasafeandlegalstop
atthesideofaroadtouseacellphoneisnolongerconsideredto
bedriving,evenifthevehiclesengineisstillrunning.
CBsAreAuthorized
Useofdevicesthathavebeeninstalledinthevehicledashboard
or are mounted on the dashboard and only the microphone or
receiverisheldinthehand,arenotprohibited.

This applies to high frequency radio communication equip-
ment,suchascentralbatterytelephonesystemsorportabletrans-
mitters-receivers, more commonly known as CBs and walkie-
talkies.
SafetyTips
Asamotorist,youareresponsiblefordrivingsafely.Youshould
thereforekeepthefollowingsafetyrulesinmind:
Turnoffyourphonebeforeyougetbehindthewheeland
letyourvoicemailtakeyourcalls.
Ifyouabsolutelyhavetouseyourphone,pulloverfirstto
alocationwhereyouareallowedtodoso,foryourown
safetyandthatofothers.Forexample:
on the side of the road where the maximum speed
limitislessthan70km/h;
CHAPTER1
THEDRIVER
inaparkinglot;
inaservicearea.
Rememberthat,exceptinanemergency,nooneisallowed
tobringtheirvehicletoastopontheshoulderofahigh-
wayoronahighwayentranceorexitramp.
You can also ask passengers in the vehicle to answer or
makeacallforyou.
ALCOHOL
Impaireddrivingisaserioussocialconcern!InQubec,alcohol
useisafactorinabout32%offatalaccidents,16%ofaccidents
causingseriousinjuryand5%ofaccidentscausingminorinjury.
On average, between 2002 and 2006, alcohol accounted for
200deathsand2,900injured.
Alcoholcompelsadrivertotakerisks.Today,itiscommon
knowledgethatalcoholimpairsapersonsabilitytodrive.The
moreapersondrinks,thepoorerhis/herabilitytoexercise
safejudgment.

Drivingundertheinfluenceofalcoholsignificantlyincreases
the risk of a serious accident, with its dire consequences and
increasinglyharsherpenalties.
Justoneglassofwinemayproducetheeffectsdescribedabove.
Evenifapersonsbloodalcohollevelisbelow.08%theseeffects
mayappear,sinceat.05%thefacultiesofanaverageadultare
significantlyaffected.Itisimportanttonotethatyoungdrivers
aremoreeasilyaffected,andbysmalleramountsofalcohol.
Adriveraged16to19withabloodalcohollevelof.03
is three times more at risk of becoming involved in a
fatalaccident.
Theeffectsofalcoholsurfacerelativelyquicklyifapersonis
tiredordrinksonanemptystomach.Themorealcoholingested,
themoreserioustheimpairment.Nopersonshoulddriveafter
drinking.
Sincealcoholisconsumedonanumberofdifferentoccasions,it
isimportanttoreducetheimpactofalcoholbyexercisingmodera-
tion andremindingguestsatareceptionoftheirresponsibility.
CHAPTER1
THEDRIVER
Somerecommendations :
drinkverylittleandslowly ;
havesomethingtoeatwhendrinking ;
servenon-alcoholicbeverages(includingwater) ;
spaceyourdrinks ;
stop serving alcohol at least an hour before the end of
thereception ;
takestepstoensurethatyoudonotoperateavehicleifyou
have had a drink have another person drive or take a
taxiorbus;
allowaguestwhohashadtoomuchtodrinktostayover;
planahead.
Many people believe that a person who is used to drinking

willbebetterabletohandlealcoholandavoidbeingimpaired.
Whileitistruethatthehabitualdrinkersbodyadjusts,theimpression
ofsobrietyisillusory,leadingthepersontooverestimate his/her

abilitytodrive.
Popularremediesforreducingtheeffectsofalcoholrarely
work.Somepeoplebelievethateatingwhiledrinkinghelpsthe
eliminationprocess.Thepresenceoffoodinthestomach,however,
merelyslowsdowntheabsorptionofalcoholintotheblood;
itdoesnotpreventthepersonfromreachingahigherblood
alcoholconcentration.
Thefactremainsthattheliverbreaksdown90%ofalcohol
consumedbyanindividual.Ahealthyindividualsliverworks
atasteadyrate,processingagivennumberofmginanhour,
regardlessoftheamountconsumed.Ittakesatleast5hours
forthebodytoeliminatetheamountofalcoholconsumedby
someonewitha.08%bloodalcoholconcentration.
Takingawalkorshowerwillnotspeedupthealcoholelimina-
tion process.There is no miraculous method for increasing the
bodys abilitytometabolizealcohol.Timeistheonlyremedy.
CHAPTER1
THEDRIVER
MAINEFFECTSOFALCOHOLONAVEHICLEOPERATOR
Onobservation
Rather than scanning the road ahead, to the sides and
occasionallybehind,adriverundertheinfluenceofalcohol
tendstofocusononespotorobjectahead:he/shepays
lessattentiontovehicles,personsandobjectsonornear
theroad.
Thedriverislessabletoestimatedistancesbetweenobjects.
Thedriverislessabletoadapttodarkness.
Atnight,adriverhasdifficultyfocusingafterencountering
theglareofanoncomingvehicleandthetimeittakesto
adjustafterthevehiclehaspassedislongerthannormal.
Thereisadecreasedsenseofdangerandthedrivertherefore
takesmorerisks.
Ondecision-making
Brainactivityisslowed.
Thedriverislessabletorecognizeaproblemsituation.

Makingaquickdecisionisdifficult.
Onexecution
Thestimulationprovokedbyalcoholresultsinoverconfi-
denceofonesabilities.
Slowerbrainactivityresultsinalossofmuscularcoordina-
tion. Sinceadriverisslowtorealizethathe/shemustact,
limbmovementsareoftenabruptandimprecise.He/she
findsitdifficulttostayinthelane,gothroughanintersection,
change lanes, make a turn, control the vehicle and even
cometoastop.Alcoholwillalsoaffectthesenseofbalance
ofamotorcyclerider.
CHAPTER1
THEDRIVER
DRUGSANDMEDICATION
It is common knowledge that drugs and some medications
have an impact on an individuals ability to operate a motor
vehicle.Theuseofdrugs(marijuana,cocaine,amphetamines,etc.)
ormood-alteringmedications(minortranquilizers,anti-depressants,
sedatives,etc.)increasetheriskofaccident.Incombinationwith
alcoholtheriskclimbssignificantly.
PRECAUTIONS
Adrivertakingmedicationmustmakeareasonableassessment
ofwhetheritsuseisconsistentwiththesafeoperationofavehicle.
Takenalone,somemedicationshaveeffectssimilartothose
producedbyalcohol.Thisisparticularlytrueforminortranquilizers
orsleepingpills.
Antihistamines(intheformofsyruporpills)torelieveallergy
or cold symptoms can cause drowsiness.A person using such
medicationshouldreadthelabelcarefullyandaskaphysician
orpharmacistaboutsideeffectsandthelikelyimpactonthe

abilitytodrive.
Adriverundermedicationshouldneverdrinkalcohol.Sucha
combinationisdangerousbecausethesideeffectsofthemedica-
tion aremultipliedbythoseofthealcohol.Thecombinedeffects
significantlyimpairapersonsabilitytoreactandmayleave
him/hercompletelyunabletodrive.
CHAPTER1
THEDRIVER
ADRIVERSMIND-SET
Althoughadriversphysicalhealthisimportant,his/hermental
ealth requires s erious consideration. Personality traits often
h
showupinbehaviouratthecontrolsofamotorvehicle,which
providesanindividualwithafeelingofindependenceandserves
asanoutletforemotions.
Somedriversshowself-respectandconsideration.Inadifficult
drivingsituation,theirdecisionsarebasedontolerance,patience
and foresight. Fully aware of the inherent danger involved in
operatingamotorvehicle,theirskillsanddrivinghabitsimprove
withexperience.
However,somesituationsaremorelikelytoleadtoconflicts
betweendrivers,forexample,cityrushhoursorgettingonandoff
highways.Peoplereactinawidevarietyofwaystotrafficjams. To
avoid making a bad situation worse, a driver must moderate
his/herbehaviourandanticipatepossible danger.
Regardlessofthecauseofatrafficproblem,itissometimes
bestjusttoslowdownand,ifnecessary,pullofftothesideofthe

road.Thisdoesnotmeanbeingpassive;itmeansbeingalert.
Agooddrivershouldplanahead,choosingtraveltimesand
routesthatmakeitpossibletoavoidtrafficcongestionandthe
likelihood of an accident.These are preferable alternatives to
using the shoulder of the road or stop-and-go tactics to move
forwardfasterthanthepersonahead.
CHAPTER1
THEDRIVER
OBSERVATION
Observing the immediate surroundings and checking on all
sidesofthevehiclearekeytodeterminingifonecansafelyovertake
avehicle,changelanes,proceedthroughanintersectionormerge
withtraffic.Adrivermustbasethedecisiontoproceedoryield
thewaytootherroadusersoninformationheorshereceives
throughdirectobservation.Adrivermustalsoadjusthis/herspeed
totrafficconditions.
Wemustthinkaboutwhathappenswhenadrivergoesthrough
anintersectionwithoutstoppingandmakingthenecessaryverifi-
cations, oradriverwhoovertakesavehiclewithoutcheckingfor
oncoming traffic. Serious accidents and victims who had the
misfortune of being in the wrong place at the wrong time are
commonplace.Negligenceincreasestheriskofaccident.
EXERCISINGJUDGMENT
Agreaternumberofaccidentsoccuratnightandonweekends;
vigilanceisespeciallycalledforduringthesetimes.Thepossibility

ofhumanerrorisallaround,inthevehicleaheadorbehind,in
theoncomingvehicleortheoneovertakingyou.Yourjudgment
maybecalleduponatanymoment.
Unexpectedsituationsmaycallforreducedspeed.Roadbuilding
orrepairwork,amishap,fog,etc.,maytestonespatienceand
leavelittletimeforproperresponse.
All drivers will encounter situations that are beyond their
control,forexampleatrafficlightmaybedefective,thedriver
infrontmayappearlostorisdrivingtooslowlyoranyother
unexpectedsituationmaycauseadrivertolengthenorchange
his/herroute.
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THEDRIVER
Thisiswhenadrivermustexercisejudgment.Obviously,no
onetakespleasureinyieldingtoorbeingintimidatedbyother
driversorbackingdownfromariskyventure.Ahurriedaction,
however,canleadtoadramaticsituation.Inconvenienceordelay
isthesmallpriceasmartdriveriswillingtopayforsaferroads.
CHAPTER2
THEVEHICLE
A llroadvehiclesmustberegisteredtobeused
onapublicroadwayinQubec.Ownersare
responsibleforhavingtheirvehicleregisteredat
a Socit de lassurance automobile du Qubec
servicecentre.
Ownersmustpaytheirregistrationfeesevery
yearsotheycancontinuetodrivetheirvehicle.
TheHighwaySafetyCode anditsregulations
also require vehicle o wners to maintain their
vehiclesproperlyandtoensurethattheyhavethe
featuresandaccessoriesrequiredbylaw.
VEHICLEREGISTRATION
INGENERAL
Everyroadvehiclemustberegisteredunlessexemptedunder
theHighwaySafetyCode.Theownerisresponsibleforapplying
totheSocitdelassuranceautomobileduQubecontaking
possessionofavehicleorbeforeexpiryoftemporaryregistration
fromavehicledealer.Avehicleownerwhotakesupresidence
inQubecmustapplyforregistrationwithin90days.
CHAPTER2
THEVEHICLE
Theregistrationremainsvalidforaslongasthevehicleand
theownerremainthesame.
When the vehicle is registered, the Socit issues a licence
plateandregistrationcertificatethatcorrespondstotheowner
categoryandvehicletype,useandplaceofoperation.
VEHICLESEXEMPTFROMREGISTRATION
Registration is not required for the following road vehicles,
whicharenotusedonpublicroads:
snowblowerswithanetweightof900kgorless;
farmtractorsthatarenotusedonpublicroads;
snowmobiles with a net weight of 55 kg or less and a
maximumspeedunder15km/h;
snowmobiles,withanetweightof450kgorlessthat
areownedbyapersonwhodoesnotresideinQubec
providedthatthesnowmobileisregisteredincompliance
withthelawsoftheownersplaceofresidenceorhead

office;
motorizedtoyvehiclesthatcancarryoneperson;
golfcarts;
garden tractors, not including farm tractors, and riding
mowersthatcarryoneperson;
roadvehiclesusedexclusivelyinsideabuilding;
farmmachineryownedbyafarmer.
CHAPTER2
THEVEHICLE
OBTAININGAVEHICLESREGISTRATION
ANDTHERIGHTTOOPERATETHEVEHICLE
REQUIREMENTS
Toregisteravehicleandobtaintherighttooperateitonthe
road,ownersmust:
meetthetermsandconditionssetoutbyregulation;
paythefeessetbyregulation;
following the purchase of a used vehicle, submit the
odometerreadingatthetimeofregistration.
Aswell,theirdriver'slicencemustnotbecurrentlysuspend-
edforunpaidfines.
Ownersofheavyvehicles(trucksorbuseswithanetweightof
morethan3,000kg)andownersoftowtrucksorroadvehicles
usedtotransporthazardousmaterialmustentertheirvehiclesin
theregisterofownersandoperatorsofheavyvehicleskeptby
theCommissiondesTransportsduQubec.

COST OF REGISTRATION
Thecostofregistrationvariesaccordingtovehicletype,use
andplaceofoperation.Itincludes:
theregistrationfee;
theQubecautomobileinsuranceplanpremium;
administrativecharges;
acontributionofmotoriststopublictransit,ifapplicable;
salestax.
Additionalchargesareaddedforpassengervehiclesthatare
nomorethansevenyearsoldandvaluedatover$40,000.
CHAPTER2
THEVEHICLE
MANDATORY LIABILITY INSURANCE
TheAutomobileInsuranceActrequireseveryvehicleownerto
havethird-partyliabilityinsurancecoverageintheamountofat
least$50,000.Thisisalegalobligationforanyonewhoplans
todriveonpublicroadsinQubec.
SPECIAL INORS
REQUIREMENT FOR M
MinorswhowishtoregisteravehiclemustprovidetheSocit
withwrittenconsentfromtheirparentorlegalguardian.
CASES ENIED
IN WHICH VEHICLE REGISTRATION MAY BE D
TheSocitwillnotregisteravehicleiftheapplicantcannot
provesoleorjointownership,orprovethatthevehicleisowned
byabusinessinwhichhe/shehasaninterest.
CONDITIONSRELATINGTOVEHICLEREGISTRATION

SIGNATURE
Thepersoninwhosenamearegistrationcertificateisissued
mustsignitassoonashe/shereceivesit.
CHANGE DDRESS
OF A
Thepersonwhosenameappearsontheregistrationcertificate
mustinformtheSocitofanychangeofaddresswithin30days.
MOTOR VEHICLE LIABILITY INSURANCE CARD
Apersonwhodrives,haschargeoforexercisescontrolover
a motor vehicle must carry the vehicles registration certificate
and vehicle liability insurance card and must be able to show
themuponrequestbyalawenforcementofficer.
CHAPTER2
THEVEHICLE
LICENCE PLATE INSTALLATION
Vehicleownersmustsecurelyattachtheirlicenceplatestothe
rearoftheirvehiclesorelsewhereasdeterminedbyregulation.
However,ownersofcombinationvehiclesdesignedtopulla
trailermustattachthelicenceplatetothefrontofthevehicle.
LEGIBLE AND CLEAN LICENCE PLATES
Only the inscription determined by the Socit may appear

onalicenceplate.
Thelicenceplatemustbekeptfreeofanymatterthatmight
preventitfrombeingclearlylegible.Theremustalsobesufficient
lightingatthereartomakeitvisibleatnight.
A law enforcement officer may require that the operator of a
motorvehicle cleanthelicenceplateifitissodirtythatitishard
toread.
NO OTHER PLATES ALLOWED

No plate that might be confused with one issued by the
Socitoranequivalentauthorityinanotherjurisdictionmaybe
affixedtoavehicle,unlessanotherQubecstatutesorequires.
CERTIFICATE AND PLATE REPLACEMENT
Theholderofaregistrationcertificatethatisdamaged,illegible
orlostmustapplytotheSocitforareplacement.Afeewillbe
chargedforthenewcertificate.
Anyonewhooperatesavehiclewithalicenceplatethatisso
damagedthatitisillegibleissubjecttoafine.
CHAPTER2
THEVEHICLE
ANNUAL REGISTRATION FEES
Toretaintherighttodrivetheirvehicles,ownershavetopay
registrationfeeseveryyearnolaterthantheduedatesetby
regulation.
Nograceperiodisallowedforlatepayment.Thefullamount
indicatedonthenoticemustbepaidunlessthevehicleowneris
takingthevehicleofftheroadbeforethebeginningofthenew
registrationperiod.Additionalchargesareappliedwhenregistration
feesarenotpaidbeforeorbythedeadline.
OwnerswhoowetheSocitanamountthathasnotbeen
paidarenotallowedtodrivetheirvehicle.
DISCARDING A VEHICLE
Ownerswhodiscardavehiclebecauseitcannolongerbeused
mustinformtheSocitanddeclarethattheywillnotbe driving
thevehicleanymore.Theserequestsmaybemadebyphone.
Beforeadiscardedvehicleisauthorizedtobeusedoncemore

onapublicroadway,theownermusthavethevehiclemechanically
inspected,assumingallcostsrelatingtosuch,andensurethatall
repairsrequiredtoallowthevehicletomeetregulatorystandards
aremet.
VEHICLE STORAGE
Vehicleownerswhowishtostoretheirvehiclesforanindefinite
a mountoftimemustinformtheSocit.Duringthistime,they
cannotdrivetheirvehiclebutthelicenceplatemustremainonit.
TheSocitgivesthevehicleownerareceipttoconfirmthat
thevehicleisinstorage.Ifthestorageapplicationismadeby
telephone,theownerissentalettertoconfirmthevehicles
changeofstatus.
CHAPTER2
THEVEHICLE
REIMBURSEMENT
Ifthevehicleisdiscarded,placedinstorage,sold,damaged
beyong repair, stolen or registered in another jurisdiction, the
ownerisentitledtobereimbursedforpartoftheamountpaid
to cover registrat ion fees and the Qubec automobile insu-
ranc eplanprem ium.
CHANGEOFOWNERSHIP
When the ownership of a vehicle is transferred, supporting
documentsarerequired,forexampleapieceofidentity,powerof
attorneywhereanotherpersonisbeingrepresented,oradocument
givingtheparentsconsentinthecaseofaminor.Aswell,noone
whosedriver'slicenceissuspendedforunpaidfinesmaycede
ownershipofavehicle.
VEHICLE PURCHASED FROM AN INDIVIDUAL
Beforebuyinganindividual'svehicle,theprospectivepurchaser

shouldcheckwiththeSAAQthatanunpaidfinedoesnotprevent
achangeofownership.
Whenavehicleispurchasedfromanindividual,boththebuyer
andsellermustgototheSocitservicecentre.Thepersonselling
thevehiclemusthandintheregistrationcertificate.Thevehicle
is then issued a new registration confirming that the person
acquiringthevehicleisthenewowner.
EXCHANGE OF VEHICLES
Whentwopeopleexchangeroadvehicles,eachvehicleowner
mustapplyfornewregistrationandpayapplicablefees.
TRANSACTION THROUGH A DEALER
Apersonwhosellsaroadvehicletoadealermustgivethe
dealertheregistrationcertificate,afterhavingendorsedit.
Ifthepersondoesnotpurchaseanewvehicle,canhe/shemust
turninthelicenceplatetotheSocit.
CHAPTER2
THEVEHICLE
If they do purchase a new vehicle, they must apply to the

Socitforitsregistration.Thesamelicenceplatecanbeused,
ifsodesired.
RULESGOVERNINGVEHICLESANDACCESSORIES 2
MANDATORYIDENTIFICATIONNUMBERS
Roadvehiclesmustbearmanufacturersserialnumbers.The
numbers manufacturers assign are recorded by the Socit de
lassurance automobile du Qubec.The Socit may also assign
andaffixanidentificationnumber.
Vehicleownerswhofindthattheirvehicledoesnotshowa
serialnumbermustapplytotheSocittohaveone.
Changing,makingillegible,defacing,removingandreplacing
a vehicles serial number is prohibited without prior consent
fromtheSocit.

COMPULSORYEQUIPMENTANDACCESSORIES
All road vehicles must include the features and accessories
thatthemanufacturerisrequiredtoincludeunderQubecstatutes
andregulations.
2.Farm-usevehiclesaresubjecttospecifictrafficrulesandsafetystandards.
CHAPTER2
THEVEHICLE
Busesandminibusesusedtocarryschoolchildrenmustbe
equippedwithsignsatthefrontandrearthatreadCOLIERS
(schoolchildren).
Ifschoolchildrenarecarriedinapassengervehicle,theowner
mustinstalloneofthesesignsonthevehicleroof,facingthefront
andbackofthevehicle.Thesesignsmustberemovedorcovered
upwhenthevehicleisnotbeingusedtocarryschoolchildren.
LIGHTSANDSIGNALS
Drivers must make sure that the lights and signals required
fortheirtypeofvehicleareingoodworkingorderandthatthey
have not been soiled or obstructed in such a way as to make
themlesseffective.
ROAD VEHICLES
Allvehiclesotherthanamotorcycle,mopedorscootertravelling
onpublicroadwaysmustbeequippedatthefrontwithatleast
twosingleortwinwhiteheadlights,twowhiteoramberparking

lights,andtwowhiteoramberturn-signallights.
Attherear,allvehicles,otherthanamotorcycle,mopedor
scooter,includingtrailersandsemi-trailers,musthavetwored
parkinglights,tworedreflectors(whichmaybepartofthelens),
tworedbrakelights,tworedoramberturn-signallights,awhite
backuplight,andawhitelicenceplatelight.Theymustalsohave
aredparkinglightandside-markerlightattherearandanamber
parkinglightandside-markerlightatthefrontoneitherside.
Inaddition,allvehiclesthatare9.1meterslongormoremust
beequippedwithanamberparkinglightandside-markerlighton
eitherside,halfwaybetweenthefrontandrearside-markerlights.
CHAPTER2
THEVEHICLE
SPECIAL RULES FOR VEHICLES OVER 2.03METRES WIDE

In addition to the lights required above, road vehicles and
combinationroadvehiclesthatareover2.03metreswidemust
haveanamberclearancelightoneachsideandthreeamber
parking lights in front, and a red clearance light on each side
andthreeredparkinglightsattherear.
MOTORCYCLES,MOPEDS AND SCOOTERS
Motorcycles,mopedsandscootersmustbeequippedwithat
leastonewhiteheadlight,oneredlightattherear,twowhiteor
yellow turn-signal lights at the front, two red or yellow turn-
signallightsattherearandoneredbrakelightattherear.
BUSES
Busesandminibusesusedtocarryschoolchildrenmustbe
equippedwithflashingredlightsatthefrontandrear,aswell
asamandatorystopsignalconsistingofaretractablestopsign
orretractablearmwithastopsign(ARRT).Thissignalmust

beinstalledontheoutsidenearthedriversseat.Thesesignals
andlightsmustbeusedwhilechildrenareboardingorleaving
thebus.
FLASHING AND IGHTS

ROTATING L
Rotatingandflashinglightsarereservedforcertaintypesof
vehicles. Red flashing or rotating lights are reserved for emer-
gencyvehicles,blueonesforpolicevehicles,andamberonesfor
service, equipment, escort, snow removal and road maintenance
vehicles.Greenflashingandrotatinglightsarereservedforemer-
gencyvehiclesatdisastersitesorforindicatingacommandpost.
CHAPTER2
THEVEHICLE
FOG LIGHTS
Optional fog lights must meet prescribed standards and be
placedatthefrontofthevehicleatthesamelevelneverhigher
thanheadlights.
BRAKES
Roadvehiclesandcombinationroadvehiclesmustbeequipped
withatleastoneservicebrakesystemthatisingoodworking
orderandcapableofapplyingsufficientbrakingpowertoeach
load-bearingwheeltostopthevehiclequicklyincaseofemergency,
aswellasparkingbrakesthatkeepitatafullstop.
Itisanoffencetodriveavehicleonwhichthebrakesystem
hasbeenmodifiedoralteredinsuchawayastoreduceits
effectiveness.
A law enforcement officer who has reasonable grounds to
believethatthebrakesystemofaroadvehicleisdefectiveorout
ofordermayhavethevehicleimpoundedortowedtothenearest

suitableplaceforstorageattheownersexpenseuntilthesituation
hasbeenrectified.
ALTERATIONOFSEATBELTS
Removaloralterationofavehiclesseatbeltsisprohibited,
as is having them rendered unusable.A fine of $200 may be
imposedforsuchoffences.
AIRBAG
Deactivationofanairbaginstalledinamotorvehicleis
prohibited, except by means of a unit installed by the vehicle
manufacturerpriortosaletotheinitialowner.Whereanairbag
requiresreplacement(duetodeploymentordamage)onlynew
originalmanufacturerpartsmaybeused.Failingthis,afineof
$300to$600maybeimposed.
CHAPTER2
THEVEHICLE
RADARWARNINGDEVICES
Theinstallationorsaleofaradarwarningdeviceforavehicle
isprohibited.
Drivingavehicleequippedwithsuchadeviceisforbidden.Alaw
enforcementofficerwhohasreasonablegroundstobelievethata
vehicleisequippedwitharadarwarningdevicemaystopthevehicle
foraninspection.Ifadeviceisfound,theofficerisauthorizedto
confiscateitattheownersexpense,givingthedriverareceipt.The
deviceisthenturnedovertotheSocitdelassuranceautomobile
duQubec,whichmaydisposeofitafter90days.
HORNS
Allvehiclesmustbeequippedwithahorn,whichshouldonly
beusedwhennecessary.
Onlyemergencyvehiclesmaybeequipp edwithsirensor
devicesthatproduceasimilarwarningsoundorwithmechanisms
forchangingtrafficlights.

UndertheHighwaySafetyCode,lawenforcementofficersmay
haveanunauthorizedsirenorsimilarwarningdeviceremoved
fromavehicleattheownersexpense.Theofficergivesthedriver
areceiptbeforehandingthesirenordeviceovertotheSocit.
This rule does not apply to anti-theft devices installed on
vehicles.
EXHAUSTSYSTEM
Avehiclesexhaustsystemmustincludeallitscomponents,
such as the manifold, pipes, muffler, supports and fasteners.
These parts must all be securely fastened and none of them
shouldhaveanygasleaks.
CHAPTER2
THEVEHICLE
Thesaleofavehiclewithasub-standardexhaustsystemfor
useonapublicroadwayisprohibited.
Modifyinganexhaustsysteminsuchawayastomakeitnoisier,
suppressitorreduceitseffectivenessisalsoprohibited.
WINDSHIELDSANDWINDOWS
Vehiclewindshieldsandwindowsmustbemadeoftransparent
glassandmanufacturedortreatedinsuchawayastosignificantly
reducetheirriskofshatteringorbeingbroken.Theymustbe
keptfreeofforeignmatterthatmighthamperthedriversview.
Nosubstancethathindersvisibilityordarkenstheglassmay
be applied to or sprayed on the windshield. A strip no more
than15cmwidemay,however,beplacedalongtheupperedge
ofthewindshield.Sidewindowsoneithersideofthedrivermust
letinatleast70%ofthelightwhenmeasuredwithaphotometer.
A law enforcement officer may require a driver to clean or
clearthewindshieldorwindowsofanyforeignmatter.

REARVIEWMIRRORS
Allmotorvehicles,exceptformotorcycles,mopedsandscooters,
musthaveatleasttwosecurelyattachedrearviewmirrors:one
inside,inthecentreoftheupperpartofthewindshield,andone
outsidethedriversside.
Whenuseoftheinsidemirrorisimpossible,anoutsidemirror
similartothatonthedriverssidemustbeattachedtotheright
sideofthevehicle.
Motorcycles,mopedsandmotorizedscootersmustbeequipped
withasecurelyattachedrearviewmirroroneachside.
CHAPTER2
THEVEHICLE
SPEEDOMETERANDODOMETER
Allmotorvehicles(exceptmopeds,scootersandmotorcycles
with an engine size up to 125 cc) must be equipped with a
speedometerandodometeringoodworkingorder.
BUMPERS
Motorvehiclebumpersmustbesecurelyfixedintheirintended
location.
TIRES
Owners must ensure that their vehicles are equipped with
tiresthatmeetestablishedstandardsforuseonpublicroadways
andthattheyareingoodcondition.
StuddedtiresmaybeusedbetweenOctober15andMay1on
passengervehiclesandcommercialvehicleswithagrossvehicle
weightof3,000kgorless.
TiresforWinterDriving

Under the Highway Safety Code, from December 15 to
March15,alltaxisandpassengervehiclesregisteredinQubec
must be equipped with winter tires. This requirement also
appliestorentalpassengervehiclesinQubec.
Wintertireexemptioncertificate
The regulation, which comes under the responsibility of
Transports Qubec, makes provisions for certain exemptions
andcasesforwhichacertificateauthorizingapassengervehicle
ortaxitooperatewithoutwintertiresmaybeissued.
Forinformationaboutexemptionsandcaseswhereacertifi-
catecanbeissued,consulttheTransportsQubecWebsite.
FENDERS
Motorvehiclesorcombinationvehiclesthatarenotequipped
withpermanentfendersmustbefittedwithmobilemudguards
madeofresistantmaterial,andbenonarrowerthanthetiretread.
Farmtractorsandmachineryareexemptfromthisrequirement.
CHAPTER2
THEVEHICLE
NATURALGASANDPROPANEVEHICLES
Naturalgasorpropanevehiclesmustcarryacompliancesticker
certifyingthatthevehiclesfuelsystemmeetstherequirements
of the Regulation respecting safety standards for road vehicles,
failingwhichthevehicleownerisliabletoa$300to$600fine.
MODIFYINGAVEHICLE
ExceptwithpriorauthorizationbytheSocitdelassurance
automobile du Qubec, no one may alter the frame, body or
mechanismsofavehicleintendedforuseonapublicroadway
if the alteration might decrease vehicle stability or brak ing
effectiveness.
The Socits approval is also required before making an
alterationthatwouldchangethevehicletype.
MECHANICALINSPECTION
TheSocitdelassuranceautomobileduQubechasexclusive
authority over mechanical inspection of road vehicles and the
issueofinspectioncertificatesandcompliancestickers.
Everyyear,theSocitinspectsthousandsofvehiclesstopped
bylawenforcementofficers.
CHAPTER2
THEVEHICLE
Accredited agents located throughout Qubec carry out

mechanicalinspections.Agentsarebusinessesaccreditedbythe
Socittocarryoutinspectionsoflightvehicles(3,000kgand
less)orheavyvehicles(morethan3,000kg),forafee.
Alawenforcementofficermayrequireamechanicalinspection
iftherearereasonablegroundstobelievethatavehiclehasbeen
modifiedorconstitutesapublicdanger.He/shemayalsoimpound
avehicle at the owners expense, so that an inspection can be
carriedout.
COMPULSORYINSPECTION
Thefollowingvehiclesmustbeinspected:
vehiclesusedbyadrivingschoolforteachingpurposes;
emergencyvehicles;
towtrucksthathaveanetweightof3,000kgorless;

taxicabs, buses, minibuses and other vehicles used to
carryschoolchildren;
vehicles altered to use fuel other than that intended by
themanufacturer;
vehicleswithanetweightover3,000kg,withtheexcep-
tionofmotorhomes,campers,toolvehicles,farmtractors,
farmmachinery,constructionsitetrailersandfarmtrailers;
CHAPTER2
THEVEHICLE
modified,home-madeorrecycledvehicles,aswellasany
othervehiclethatalawenforcementofficerconsidersa
publicdanger;
vehiclesinvolvedinanaccident;
usedvehiclesoriginatingoutsideQubec;
vehiclesthathavebeendiscarded.
A law enforcement officer may also order a mechanical

inspectionandsetthedeadlinefortheinspectionifhe/shehas
reasonable grounds to believe that a vehicle has undergone
changesorisinaconditionthatconstitutesadanger.
INSPECTIONOUTCOME
Ifthevehiclemeetsregulatorystandards,theSocitoritsagent
issuesacertificateofmechanicalinspectionandacompliancesticker.
Whereminorrepairsareneeded,theownerordriverisgiven

48hourstocorrectthesituation,failingwhichthenoticebecomes
aticketandthevehicleisorderedofftheroad.
Avehiclethatrequiresmajorrepairscannotbeusedonthe
roaduntilitisshowntomeetregulatorystandards.
Furthermore,anownerwhorefusesorfailstosubmitavehicle
formechanicalinspectionorwhorefusestoproduceacertificate
ofmechanicalinspectionwillnotbeallowedtodrivethevehicle.
CHAPTER2
THEVEHICLE
YOUROWNINSPECTION
Thevehicleequipmentandfeaturesrequiredforsafedriving
mustbeconstantlykeptingoodworkingorder.
Takingnoteofanyoddsoundsorotherproblemswithyour
vehicleisasimplewayofsavingtimeandmoneyandavoiding
majorheadacheslater.Whencarryingoutyourregularinspections,
payspecialattentiontothefollowingitems:
BRAKES
Do your brakes squeak? Does your brake pedal respond
immediatelytopressure?Canyouhearmetalsurfacesrubbing
together?Doesyourvehiclepulltotheleftorrightwhenyou
brake, or stop slowly even when you press down hard on the
brakepedal?
HANDBRAKE

Doesitholdyourvehiclestationarywhenyouarestartingthe
engineoronagrade?
REARVIEW MIRRORS
Arebothoftherearviewmirrorssecurelyattached?Arethey
cracked, chipp ed or tarn ish ed so that they adversely a ffect
visibility?
Areyourmirrorsadjustedproperly,sothatyoucanseewell?
CHAPTER2
THEVEHICLE
STEERING
Is there uneven wear on the tires? Have you noticed too
muchplayinthesteeringadefinitetendencyforthevehicleto
pulltotherightorleft?Haveyouhadanytroublecontrolling
thevehicle?Allthesethingsaresignsthatyoursteeringsystem
shouldbecheckedandcarefullyadjusted.Haveyourwheel
alignmentcheckedatleastonceayear,andanytimeyouthink
itmighthavebeenjoltedoutofline.
WINDSHIELD
Whatistheconditionofyourwindshieldwipersandyourwasher
fluiddistributor? Dotheyguaranteeclearvisibilityatalltimes?
Did you know that defective windshield wipers can damage
yourwindshield?
TIRES
Check your tires regularly. Is there uneven or abnormal tire

wear?Couldthisbecausedbyimproperairpressure,infrequent
tirerotation,pooralignmentorwheelbalance,orsimplypoor
drivinghabits?
EXHAUST SYSTEM
Haveyounoticedanyleaksinyourmufflerorexhaustsystem?
Youcanusuallyhearthem:louder-than-usualenginenoiseoften
indicatesaproblemwiththeexhaustsystem.
LIGHTS AND HEADLIGHTS
Arealllightsingoodconditionandfreeofforeignmatter?
CHAPTER2
THEVEHICLE
SEAT BELT
Haveyouexaminedyourseatbeltforanycutsortearsinthe
fabric?Are the belt buckle and locking and unlocking mecha-
nismpresentandingoodworkingorder?
HEADREST
Ifyourvehicleisequippedwithaheadrestbythemanufacturer,
istheheadreststillinstalledandingoodcondition? Isthemiddle
oftheheadrestateyelevelorlevelwiththetopofyourears?Isit
nearyourhead,i.e.nofurtherawaythan10cm?
DRIVE BELTS
Didyouknowthattheconditionofyourdrivebeltscanbe
important to your safety? If the belt gives way suddenly in a
vehiclewithpowersteering,itwillbedifficultandevendangerous
todrive.

Is the tension right? Check to make sure that belts are not
crackedandthatthefabricisnotfrayedortorn.
SHOCK ABSORBERS
Does your vehicle rock after going over a bump or coming
out of a pothole? Is it sensitive to side-winds? Maybe your
shockabsorbersarenotuptopar.
Tocheckthem,pushdownhardononecornerofyourvehicle
andrelease.Ifthecornerbouncesmorethanoncebeforeresuming
itsinitialposition,theshockisprobablyfaulty.Repeatforeach
cornerofthevehicle.
CHAPTER2
THEVEHICLE
BODY CONDITION
Are all the parts securely attached and in good working

order?Payspecialattentiontoholesinthefloor,especiallyin
thetrunk,wherehighlytoxicexhaustfumesmightseepin.
CHAPTER3
ROADSIGNSANDTRAFFICSIGNALS
U ndertheHighwaySafetyCode,roadsigns
andtrafficsignalsmustmeetthestandards
setbyTransportQubec.Thesesignsandsignalsare
designedtoensureroaduserssafetyandfacilitate
theflowoftraffic.
Whileusefulasguides,signsandtrafficsignals
cannotbeconstruedasguaranteesagainsttherisks
inherentinroaduse.Roadways,vehiclesandrules
aremainlydevelopedunderidealtrafficconditions.
Becauseaccidentrisks,whenintraffic,arenumerous,
driversmustcontinuallyadjusttheirconduct.
Qubecroadsignsandtrafficsignalsinclude
roadsigns,trafficlightsandroadmarkings.The
signsformavisuallanguagethatvehicleoperators
mustknowandunderstandfortheirownsafety
andforthesafetyofotherroadusers.

SIGNALLIGHTS
Signal lights include all the lights that guide drivers and
pedestrians on the roads. Apart from standard traffic lights,
thereareflashinglights,pedestrianlights,lightsforcyclists,lane
use lights, railway crossing lights, parking regulation lights,
worksitelights,prioritylightsforbuses,aswellasinspection
stationlights.
CHAPTER3
S I G N A L L I G H T S
TRAFFICLIGHTS
Trafficlightsaregenerallylocated
atintersections;theirpurposeisto
controltherightofwayofvehicles
and pedestrians based on the flow
oftraffic.Whenlightsarenotworking
properlyoratall,driversmustcon-
ductthemselvesasiftheintersection
was controlled by mandatory stop
signsforalldirections,unlessinstructed
otherwisebyaroadsign.
RED LIGHT
Aredlightmeansyoumuststop.Motorvehicleoperatorsand
c yclistsmustbringtheirvehicletoafullstopattheintersection,
beforecomingtoanymarkedpedestriancrosswalkorstopline.
If there is no line, operators must stop before the edge of the
roadwaytheyarepreparingtocross.Themotoristorcyclistmay

onlyproceedontheauthorizationofatrafficsignal.Ifthereare
nopedestrianlights,pedestriansmustalsostop.
YELLOW (AMBER)LIGHT
Ayellowlightindicatestomotorvehicleoperatorsandcyclists
that they must stop before the pedestrian crosswalk or stop
line. If there is no line, they must stop before the edge of the
roadwaytheyarepreparingtocross,unlesstheyarealreadyin
theintersectionoraresoclosetoitthatthevehiclecannotbe
stoppedsafely.Themotoristorcyclistmayonlyproceedonthe
authorizationofatrafficsignal.Iftherearenopedestrianlights,
pedestriansmustfollowthesamerules.
CHAPTER3
GREEN LIGHT
Motorvehicleoperatorsandcyclistsfacingasolidorflashing
greenlightmaycontinueontheirwayafteryieldingtherightof
waytovehicles,cyclistsorpedestriansalreadyintheintersection.
Pedestriansfacingagreentrafficlightmaycrosstheroadwayif
therearenopedestrianlights.
Aflashinggreenlightmeansthatvehiclesaregivenpriority
foraleftturnbyadvancingthegreenwhileoncomingvehicles
stillfacered.
RED ARROW
A red arrow prohibits drivers from going in the
directiontowhichitpoints.
YELLOW ARROW

Ayellowarrowhasthesamefunctionastheamber
light,butshowsthedirectionoftraffic.
GREEN ARROWS
Agreenarrow,whetherflashingornot,indicates
tomotorvehicleoperatorsorcycliststhattheymust
proceedinthedirectionindicated,followingthesame
rulesfortherightofwayasthoseforagreenlight.
CHAPTER3
FLASHINGLIGHTS
Flashingyelloworredlightsareusedasadditionalsignalsto
indicateaparticularlydangerousintersection.
FLASHING RED LIGHT
Motorvehicleoperatorsandcyclistsapproachingaflashing
redlightmustcometoastop,yieldtherightofwaytoany
vehicleontheintersectingroadwayalreadyintheintersection
ornearenoughtoitthattoproceedmightcauseanaccident.
Aflashingredlighthasthesamefunctionasthestopsign.
FLASHING YELLOW LIGHT
A flashing yellow light means that motor vehicle operators

and cyclists must slow down and proceed with caution after
yieldingtherightofwaytoothervehiclesandpedestriansalrea-
dyintheintersection.
Aflashingyellowlightaccompanyingprescriptiveorwarning
signsisusedtodirectattentiontodangerorobligation.

PEDESTRIANLIGHTS
Pedestrianlightsregulatepedestrianmovementandhelpthem
avoidconflictswithroadvehicles.
Standardlightsshowtheoutlineofawalkingpersonoran
orange hand, while some lights show how much time is left
beforethehandappears.
CHAPTER3
PEDESTRIAN SILHOUETTE
Pedestrians facing this signal may proceed

a cross the roadway in the area reserved for
crossing.Atcertainintersections,anaudiosignal
forthevisuallyimpairedwillsoundcontinuously
whilethesilhouetteislit.Whenthesymbolstarts
flashing,pedestriansalreadyintheintersection
musthurrytoreachthesidewalkormedian.
ORANGE HAND SILHOUETTE
Pedestriansfacingthissignalshouldnotenter
theintersection.Whenthesignalbeginstoflash,
pedestriansalreadyintheintersectionmustbe
quicktoreachthesidewalkormedian.
TIME COUNTER

Somepedestrianlightscountdownthetime
remainingtocrossinseconds.
CYCLISTLIGHTS
Cyclistlights,usedtoregulatebicycletraffic,
aremadeupofthreeverticallightsintheform
of red, yellow and green bicycles.The colours
havethesamemeaningastrafficlights.
CHAPTER3
LANEUSELIGHTS
Lane use lights c onsist of red lights in the shape of an X,
greenlightsintheshapeofanarrowpointeddownandyellow
flashinglightsintheshapeofahorizontalarrow.Theselights
aremountedoveroneorseverallanestoindicatewhethervehicle
traffic is permitted or prohibited in the lanes.The meaning of
thesymbolsisasfollows:
RED X
Operatorsmaynotdriveorstopinthelaneunderthissignal.
GREEN ARROW POINTING DOWN
Operatorsmayusethelaneunderthissignal.
YELLOW HORIZONTAL ARROW
UsuallyappearsincombinationwiththeredX;itindicates
thatoperatorsmust,withcaution,changelaneseithertotheleft

orrightbecauseoflaneclosureahead.
RAILWAYCROSSINGSIGNALS
These warning devices, consisting of flashing red lights, are
placedatroadway-railwayintersections.Theyindicatetodrivers
andpedestriansthatatrainiscomingandthattheymuststop
beforethelevelcrossing.
CHAPTER3
REGULATEDPARKINGLIGHTS
Regulatedparkinglightsaremadeupoforange
lights accompanied by a regulatory sign. These
signs prohibitparkingontheroadatcertaintimes
tofacilitateroadmaintenance.Theprohibitionon
thesignisineffectonlywhenthelightsareon.
WORKSITELIGHTS
Worksitelightswarnroadusersofareaswhereroadmainte-
nance or repairs are being carried out. Road users must slow
downandbecautiouswhennearingtheworkarea.

SIGNAL BEACON
Aflashingorrotatingyellowlightonavehicle
indicatesoneofthefollowingtoroadusers:
thevehiclecouldhindertraffic;
thevehiclemighttravelmuchslowerthan
the maximum speed limit or slower than
theminimumspeedlimit;
thevehiclecouldbeaccompanyinganother
vehiclewhichmighthindertraffic.
CHAPTER3
SIGNAL ARROWS
Anarrowaffixedtoavehicleortrailerindicates
toroadusersthatonelaneoftrafficisobstructed
and that they must take the lane which remains
open.Thedirectionofthearrowindicatesthelane
to use.A double arrow indicates that traffic can
go to the left or right of the obstructed lane.To
indicatethepresenceofaworksitealongaroad
withonelaneoftrafficineachdirection,onlythe
centrebarofthesignalarrowislit.
MOUNTED IGHTS FOR MOBILE ROAD WORK

SIGNS WITH FLASHING L
Mountedsignswithflashinglightsareplacedon
the back of vehicles trailing mobile road works.
Theyaremadeupofaworksitesignmountedon

ablackbackgroundwithflashingyellowlightsin
eachcorner.
TEMPORARY LIGHTS FOR ROAD WORK
Temporarylightsaresometimesplacednearaworkareato
c ontroltraffic,whichmustuseonelanealternatelyfortravelin
oppositedirections.
CHAPTER3
BUSPRIORITYLIGHTS
This additional traffic light has a white vertical bar shining
throughablacklens,indicatingprotectedmovementforbuses
sotheycanmoreeasilymergewiththeflowoftraffic.

INSPECTIONSTATIONLIGHTS
These lights are placed in an inspection area for transport
vehicles.Thecolourandsymbolonthesignallightindicateto
heavyvehicledriverswhatactionisnecessary.
Redlight:
stopforweighing.
Yellowlightpointingup:
advanceslowly.
Yellowlightpointingright:
entertheweighingstation.
Yellowarrowpointingdown:
backupslowly.
Greenlight:
weighingcomplete,departurepermitted.
CHAPTER3
P A V E M E N T M A R K I N G S
PAVEMENTMARKINGS
Pavementmarkingsareusedtoshowtheseparationoftraffic
lanes,indicatethelanestobeusedbycertainclassesofvehicles
andthemovementsthatareauthorized.Theysupplementroad
signsandtrafficsignals.
PURPOSEOFPAVEMENTMARKINGS
Pavementmarkingsindicate:
thedirectionoftraffic;
trafficlanes;
zoneswherepassingisprohibited;
theedgeoftheroadwayanddangerouscurbs;
variationsinroadwaywidth;
zonesreservedforbusesandheavyvehicles;
edgesofintersections;

stoplines;
pedestrian,schoolandplaygroundcrosswalks;
parkingareas;
commercialserviceareas;
specialmanoeuvresasindicatedbyarrows;
obstructionsonornexttotheroadahead;
alternatingtrafficlanes;
cyclelanes;
reservedlanes;
left-turnlanes;
runawaylanes.
CHAPTER3
COLOUROFPAVEMENTMARKINGS
Twocoloursareusedtodifferentiatethefunctionofeach.
Theyareyellowandwhite.
Yellowmarkings
separatetrafficlanesinoppositedirections;
indicate the left side of the road on divided roadways,
freeways(autoroutes)andone-wayroadways;
indicatetheleftedgeofaramponfreeways;
indicateareaswhereparkingisprohibited;
indicate areas where children, pedestrians and students
mustcrossbetweenintersectionsorintersectionsforwhich
thereisnotrafficlightorstopsign;
indicatetheedgesoftheroadwayforbettervisibility;
separatealternatetrafficlanes;
indicatetwo-wayleft-turnlanes;
indicatelanesreservedforoncomingoralternatetraffic.

Whitemarkings
separatetrafficlanesonaone-wayroadway;
indicatetherightsideofdividedroadways;
indicateparkingareas;
indicate areas where pedestrians, children and students
must cross at intersections for which there is no traffic
lightorstopsign;
specifywherevehiclesmuststop;
indicatelanesreservedfortrafficinthesamedirection.
CHAPTER3
LINES,ARROWSANDSYMBOLS
Whiteoryellowlines,aswellasarrowsandothersymbols,
arepaintedonQubecroadwaystoremindvehicleoperatorsof
certainrights,obligationsandrestrictions.Eachtypeandcolour
oflinehasaparticularsignificance.
SOLID AND BROKEN SINGLE LINES
Solidandbrokensinglelinesdividetrafficlanes.Thelinesare

white when separating one-way traffic lanes and yellow when
separatingtwo-waytrafficlanes.
Motoristsmaycrossabrokenlineundercertaincircumstances
butmaynevercrossasolidline.
COMBINED LINES
Twosolidyellowlinesnexttooneanotherseparatetwo-way
trafficlanes.Theymaynotbecrossed.Asolidyellowlinealongside
abrokenyellowlinealsoseparatestwo-waytraffic.Driversmay
crosstheselinesundercertaincircumstances,ifthebrokenline
isontheirside.
CHAPTER3
LANE LINES
Linesthatseparatelanesoftrafficinthesamedirectionare
generallywhiteandbroken;however,inordertolimitorprohibit
lanechanges,thelinesmaybesolid,singleordouble,suchas
attheapproachofanotherroadwayorinatunnel.
ALTERNATING TRAFFIC LANE USES
Parallel yellow broken lines mark a lane on either side in

urbanareaswherethedirectionoftrafficalternates.
TWO-WAY LEFT-TURN LANE
Parallelyellowlines,onesolidandonebroken,markalane
oneithersideinthemiddleoftheroadwaywhichmustbeusedfor
leftturnsbytrafficinoppositedirections.Yellowlaneselection
arrows also mark the pavement to clearly indicate that only a
leftturnisallowedfromthelane.
RESERVED

LANE
Pavementmarkingsforareservedlaneatalltimesaredouble
solidlines,whilethosemarkingareservedlaneforcertainhours
aredoublebrokenlines.Wedgesonthepavementinthereserved
lanetellmotoristsintheadjacentlanethatshareduseofthelane
isallowedonconditiontheyturnatthenearbyintersection.
SLOW-MOVING VEHICLE LANE
Alaneissetasideatplaceswherethegradeofaslopeorits
lengthcausessomeheavyvehiclestoslowconsiderably,allowing
thefreermovementofthebulkoftraffic.
STOP LINE
Thewhitestoplineispaintedacrosstheroadway,perpendicular
toanintersectionwithtrafficlightsorastopsign.Itindicates
thepointatwhichavehiclemuststop.
CHAPTER3
PEDESTRIAN CROSSWALKS
Atintersectionswithtrafficlightsorstopsigns,twoparallel
solidwhitelinesontheroadwayindicatetheareareservedfor
pedestrianstocross.Elsewhere,yellowpavementmarkingsindicate
pedestriancrosswalks.
PARKING AREAS
Whitelinesonthepavementidentifyareaswhereparkingis
allowed;yellowlinesindicatethatparkingisprohibited.
WHEELCHAIR
Awhitewheelchairsymbolindicatesparkingspacesoraccess
rampsforpersonswithphysicaldisabilities.Itisaccompaniedby
aregulatoryparkingsignonparkingspaces,indicatingthatthese
parking spaces are reserved exclusively for physically disabled
individuals.
BUS

STOP ZONE
Stop zones for city buses are marked by a yellow rectangle

with a zigzag pattern.The left side of the rectangle is marked
withawhitebrokenline.
VEHICLE SENSOR
Thissymbolonthepavement
indicatesamechanismconnected
totrafficlightstosensethepre-
senceofvehicles.Thesymbolis
placedonthecentreofthesensor
andisdesignedtoreducewaiting
timeatintersections.
CHAPTER3
AIRCRAFT PATROLLED
Yellowequilateraltriangleson
thepavementorshoulderdenote
areas where traffic is subject to
surveillancefromaircraft.
ARROWS AND SYMBOLS
Arrows,usuallywhitearepainted
ontheroadway.Theyindicatelane
direction.
Anelongatedwhitediamond
on pavement indicates a lane
reserved for certain classes of
vehicles.

Abicyclesymbolpaintedon
theroadwayindicatesacycling
lane.
CHAPTER3
R O A D S I G N S
ROADSIGNS
Roadsignsuseavisuallanguage(pictogramsandinscriptions)
toensureroaduserssafetyandfacilitatetheflowoftraffic.
In many instances, the tab attached to a sign specifies the
messageconveyedbytheroadsign.
Therearefourtypesofroadsigns:
Regulatorysigns
Regulatory signs indicate road users obligations and the
restrictionsplaceduponthemundertheHighwaySafetyCode.
Warningsigns
Warningsignsaremeanttodrawattentiontoroadsections
wheredriversmustbeparticularlycautiousduetoobstaclesor
hazardsonoralongsidetheroadway.Thesignswarnmotorists
toslowdown,stoporchangedirections.

Informationsigns
Informationsignsprovidesimpledirectionsaboutdestinations:
distance,streetname,pointofinterest,serviceorinformation.
Roadworksigns
Worksitesignsdrawattentiontoconstructionormaintenance
beingcarriedoutonoralongsidearoadwayandprovideuseful
indicationsonhowtogetthroughtheworkareasafely.These
signsencompassthepurposeofthethreepriorcategories.
CHAPTER3
R O A D S I G N S
SHAPESANDCOLOURSOFTHEMAINTYPESOFSIGNS
Themessageconveyedbyaroadsigndependsontheshape,
colourorsymbolused.
ThechoiceofcolourtakesNorthAmericanconventionsinto
account.Ingeneral,thecoloursthatfollowallowonetodistinguish
betweenthedifferent categoriesofsigns:
Blackandwhite:Regulatorysigns
Yellow:Danger
Orange:Roadworksign
Green,brownorblue:Informationsign
Sometimestheshapeofasignidentifiesitscategory.Forexample,
dangerandworksitesignsarediamondshaped.Inaddition,some
shapesarereservedforparticularsigns.Forexample,anoctagon
isreservedforstopsignsandapentagonisreservedsolelyto
identifyschoolzones.
Regulatory,warningandroadworksignstransmittheirmessages
usingarrowsandsymbols,whereasinformationsignsbearwritten

information.
CHAPTER3
R O A D S I G N S
This table specifies the shapes and colours of the four sign
categories.
Regulatory
Category Shape Colour Comments
Red Reserved
forstopsigns
Red Reservedfor
andwhite yieldsigns
Regulatory
Black
White

Black Reservedfor
one-waysigns
CHAPTER3
R O A D S I G N S
Category Shapes Colour Comments
Fluorescent Reservedfor
yellow-green schoolzonesigns
Fluorescent Reservedfor
yellow-green advanceschool
zoneor school
crossingsigns
Yellow Reservedfor
Wa r n i n g a n d r o a d w o r k
dangerwarning
Orange Reservedfor
worksites

Yellow Dangerwarning
Orange Worksites
Yellow Dangerwarning
Orange Worksites
Red Reservedfor
andwhite warning chevrons
CHAPTER3
R O A D S I G N S
Category Shapes Colour Comments
Blue Reservedfor
freeways
Green Reserved
forhighways
Blue Tourist
information
Brown Publictourist
attractions
Red Emergency
Information
facilities
Green Freeways,

highwaysand
bikeways
Green Freeways,
highwaysand
bikeways
Blue Privatefacilities
andservicesoff
freeways
Brown Touristattractions
andpointsof
interest
Yellow Reservedfor
freewayexits
CHAPTER3
R O A D S I G N S
PICTOGRAPHS
Symbolssuchaspictographs,arrowsandsilhouettesareused
toreplacewordsinordertomakeroadsignseasiertounderstand.
Arrows
Arrowsareusedtoindicateareascontrolledbyregulation,to
announceupcomingsigns,andtoindicateclearances,lanesto
followoruse,detours,manoeuvresanddestinations.
Outlines
Silhouettes indicate the people and things affected by the
sign.Theyindicatespecificconfigurations,encourageroadusers
tobeparticularlycareful,andconveyinformation.
Interdictorysymbol
Thissymbol,aredcirclewithareddiagonal
barthroughit,indicatesthatanythingwithin
thecircleisprohibited.

Mandatorysymbol
Thissymbol,agreencircle,indicatesthatany-
thingwithinthecircleiscompulsory.
CHAPTER 3
ROAD SIGNS AND TRAFFIC SIGNALS
S I G N S
IDENTIFICATION AND MEANING

OF ROAD SIGNS AND TRAFFIC SIGNALS
Regulatory signs
Stop
R E G U L A T O R Y
Indicates that drivers must come to

a full stop at an intersection.
4-way stop: indicates that the require-

ment to stop applies to traffic from
all directions. The shape on the sign
identifies the layout of the intersection
(+, T, Y).

Do not enter
Indicates that access to a roadway or traffic lane is
prohibited for all vehicles because entry could result
in a head-on collision.
Accompanied by an ENTREE INTERDITE (do

not enter) sign.
Yield
Indicates that drivers must yield the right of way
to vehicles travelling on the road they are about to
enter.
CHAPTER3
R E G U L A T O R Y S I G N S
Traffic circle yield: Indicates that drivers must
yieldtherightofwaytovehiclesthataretravelling
inthetrafficcircletheyareabouttoenter.When
encounteringthesesigns,somedriversbelievethey
cancontinuedrivingnormally.Bywayofcontrast,
other drivers systematically come to a full stop.
Both unwittingly disrupt the flow or traffic.The
objective here is to merge with traffic without
stopping,andwithouthamperingtheprogressof
thosewhoarealreadyinplace.Motoristsshould
onlystopwhenitisimpossibletodootherwise.
Indicates that drivers must yield the right of

way to oncoming vehicles.This sign is used at
worksiteswherenoflagpersonisavailable,and
onsomenarrowbridges.

Stopline
Indicatesthelineontheroadwayatwhichvehicles
muststop.
CHAPTER3
Speedlimit
Indicates the maximum and mini-
mum speedslegallypermitted.
Thelastdigitisalwayszero.
Indicatesthespeedthatapplies,undertheHighway
SafetyCode ormunicipalbylaw,toaschoolzone
andthehours,dayandmonthsduringwhichthe
speedlimitisineffect.
One-waytraffic
Traffic is allowed only in the direction

indicated.
Beginningofone-waytraffic
Indicates that two-way traffic ends and one-way
trafficbegins.
CHAPTER3
Two-waytraffic
Indicates that one-way traffic ends and two-way
trafficbegins.
Obstruction
Indicatesthatadrivermustgototherighttopass
anobstacle.
Indicatesthatadrivermustgotothelefttopass
anobstacle.

Indicatesanobstaclewhichmustbepassedeither
totherightorleft.
Lanedirectionsigns
Whetherplacedoverheadoralongtheroadway,thefollowing
signsindicatethedirectionoftravelallowed,dependingonthe
laneoccupiedbythemotorist.
CHAPTER3
Thesesignsindicatethatthevehicleinthelanemust:
Proceed Turnright Turnleft

s traightahead
Proceedstraightaheadorturnright.
Proceedstraightaheadorturnleft.
Turnrightorleft.

Thecentrelaneisreservedforleft
turnsfromeitherdirection.
Vehiclesinrightlanemustproceedstraightahead;
vehiclesinleftlanemustturnleft.
Vehiclesinrightlanemustturnright;vehiclesin
leftlanemustproceedstraightahead.
CHAPTER3
Vehicles in the right lane must proceed straight
ahead;vehiclesinleftlanemustproceedstraight
aheadorturnleft.
Vehicles in the right lane may proceed straight

aheadorturnright;vehiclesintheleftlanemust
proceedstraightahead.

ahead or turn right; vehicles in left lane must
turnleft.
Vehiclesintherightlanemustturnright;vehicles
in the left lane may proceed straight ahead or

turnleft.

ahead or turn left; vehicles in the left lane must
turnleft.
Vehiclesintherightlanemustturnright;vehicles
in the left lane may proceed straight ahead or
turnright.
Vehiclesintherightandcentrelanesmustproceed
straightahead;vehiclesintheleftlanemustturn
left.
CHAPTER3
Vehiclesintherightlanemustturnright;vehiclesin
theleftandcentrelanesmustproceedstraightahead.
Vehiclesinthetworight-handlanes
mustturnright.
Vehiclesinthetwoleft-handlanes
mustturnleft.
Vehiclesintheleftlanemustturnleft;vehiclesin
the right lane may turn right, proceed straight

aheadorturnleft.
Vehicles in the left lane may turn right, proceed

straight ahead or turn left; vehicles in the right
lanemustturnright.
CHAPTER3
Alternatingtrafficlane
Analternatingtrafficlaneisonewherethedirectionallowedwill
varywithtrafficconditionsorthetimeofday.Intheillustration,
itisthecentrelane.
Thesignsinstalledabovetheroadwayshowavailablelanes.
Adrivermayusethelaneunderneathagreenarrow.
A red X over a lane indicates that it is reserved for oncoming
traffic.

Mandatoryorprohibitedmovement
atcertainintersections
Thegreencirclesmeanthatvehicleoperatorsmustcomplywith
themanoeuvreshownonthecircle.
A. Thesesignsindicatethattheoperatormust:
Proceed Turnleft Turnright

straightahead
CHAPTER3
Proceed Proceed Turnright

straightahead straightahead orleft
orturnright orturnleft
B. Thesesignsindicatethatthedrivermaynot:
Proceed Turnleft Turnright

straightahead

MakeaU-turnatanintersectionormedian.
Turn right when the light is red. If the

prohibitionislimitedtospecifictimeperiods,
theywillbeindicated.
CHAPTER3
Indicate that the proh ib it ed or
requiredmanoeuvreistemporaryor
doesnotapplytocertainclassesof
vehicles.TheexceptiontotheU-turn
prohibition means that emergency
vehicles,publicsecurityvehiclesand
roadconstructionormaintenance
vehiclesareallowedtousetheturn-
aroundarea.
Nopassing
Indicatesthebeginningofano-passingzone.
Thistab,locatedbeneathano-passingsign,indicates
theendofano-passingzone.

Controlledparking
Indicateareaswhereparkingisprohi-
bited orpermitted.Wherespecified,
differentsymbolsorindicationsiden-
tifytheclassesofvehicles,minutes,
hours,days,m onthsore xtentof
thezonetowhichthesignapplies
(identifiedbyanarrow).
CHAPTER3
Indicatesareaswhereparkingisallowedonlyfor
thephysicallydisabled.
Thistab,locatedbeneathregulatedparkingsigns,
indicatesthatvehiclesinviolationcouldbetowed
away.
Thissigns,usedinsomemunicipalities,prohibits
parkingduringthewinter.
Thissignisusedinconjunctionwith

orange lights to prohibit parking
whensnowclearingisunderway.
Thissignindicatesauthorizedpayparking.
CHAPTER3
Thistabindicatesthelocationofaterminaland
parkingstubmachineforpayparking.
Nostopping
Stopping in the area indicated by
thesignisprohibited.Mayinclude
thesametypeofarrowsandindica-
tions asregulatedparkingsigns.
Crossingsigns
Indicateacrossingforpeopleonapublicroadway,urgingcaution
onthepartofmotoristsandcyclists.Driversandbicycleridersmust
bepreparedtostopandyieldthewaytoanyoneinacrosswalk.
Pedestrian School Playground All rights reserved the Publications du Qubec.

crosswalk crosswalk crosswalk
Crosswalk Crosswalk Pedestrian

forphysically forvisually andcyclist
disabledpersons impairedpersons crosswalk
CHAPTER3
Other
Nolittering.Indicatesthatthrowinganythingon
theroadwayisprohibited.
Showsthefineforlittering.
Indicatesthatvehiclesareprohibitedfromhaving
radarwarningdevicesonboard.
Indicatetheobligationofhaving
propanetanksclosedandsealed
inordertoboardaferry.

Seatbelt
Areminderthatwearingaproperlyfastenedseat
beltismandatory.
CHAPTER3
Mandatoryrouteforcertainclassesofvehicles
Shows operators of the class of vehicle illustrated the route
theymustfollow.
Heavytrucks Motorcycles Cars
Anarrowshowsthedirectionofcompulsory
travel.
Mandatoryroutefortrucksintransit
Anarrowshowsthedirectionofcompulsorytravelfortrucks
intransit;atruckisconsideredtobeintransitoveranareawhere

nolocaldeliveriesarescheduled.Toolvehiclesandequipment
transportvehiclesarealsocoveredbytheobligation.Farmvehicles
andmachineryareallowedtousetheroute,asisanyoversized
vehiclewithaspecialtravelpermit.
NB Thesametypeofsignisusedtoindicateotherdirections.
CHAPTER 3
S I G N S
Allows trucks to use a roadway to make local

deliveries that is normally prohibited to vehicles
in transit.
R E G U L A T O R Y
This sign over a lane tells drivers

of heavy trucks, tool vehicles and
equipment transport vehicles that
they must use the lane. Where this lane continues
for more than 2 km, a tab indicates the total
distance.
Access prohibited
Indicate that roads or lanes are closed to certain road users
or operators of certain classes of vehicles.
Cars Motorcycles Bicycles All rights reserved the Publications du Qubec.
Cars and Cars and All-terrain vehicles

motorcycles bicycles (also called
Quads)
CHAPTER3
Pedestrians Pedestriansand Pedestrians
motorcycles andbicycles
Horseback Snowmobiles Transitbus

riders

Intercitybus Minibus Schoolbus
In-lineskaters Recreational Vehicles

vehicles pullingatrailer
CHAPTER3
Trucks,toolvehiclesandequipmenttransport
vehiclesprohibited
These signs indicate that use of the roadway is restricted
according to the vehicles load, size or number of axles and
pertainstotrucks,toolvehiclesandequipmenttransportvehicles.
Wherespecified,thisprohibitiondoesnotapplytotrucksmaking
alocaldelivery.
CHAPTER3
Thissignallowstruckstouseanormallyprohibited
roadwayandsidestreetstomakelocaldeliveries.
Notrucksallowedinthislane.
Transportofhazardousmaterial
Thesesignsindicatethatvehicleshaulinghazardousmaterials
mustusetherouteindicatedorthattheyareprohibitedfromusing

aroadway.Mainlyintendedforindustrialandcommercialcarriers,
whoshouldbeawareoftheirobligations.Thesignsmayconcern
individualmotoristsiftheyarecarryinganunusualamountoffuel,
explosives andchemicals.
Vehiclescarryinghazardousmaterialsmustusethis
route,whichisidentifiedbyatabwithanarrow.
Vehiclescarryinghazardousmaterialsareprohibited
fromusingthisroadway.
CHAPTER3
Thissignindicatesthatvehiclescarryinghazardous
materialsmustusethislane.
Vehiclescarryinghazardousmaterialsmustnotuse
thislane.
Stopexemptionatalevelcrossing
Indicate that vehicles normally required to stop at a level

crossing,suchasbusesandvehiclescarryinghazardousmaterials,
arenotrequiredtodoso.Thesignsareusednearabandoned
tracksoronesonwhichrailtrafficisinfreq uentandspecial
measures have been put into place to ensure safety when
thereistrainmovement.
CHAPTER3
Weightrestriction
Indicates that road vehicles whose
gross weightexceedsthemaximum
weightindicatedonthesignmaynot
usecertainbridgesoroverpasses.
Thistab,locatedundertheweightrestrictionsign,
indicatesthedistancetothebridgeoroverpassto
whichtherestrictionapplies.
Thistab,locatedundertheweightrestrictionsign,
indicates that the bridge or overpass can only
supportonesuchvehicleatatime.
Indicatesthattruckswhosegrossweightexceeds
thelegallimitmaynotusecertainbridgesor
overpassesunlessexpresslyauthorizedbyaspecial

travelpermit.
Thaw
Indicates that drivers must resp ect the weight
restrictionsineffectduringperiodsofthaw.
CHAPTER3
Slowtrafficlane
Indicatesthatoperatorsofslow-movingvehicles,
whether trucks or other vehicles, must use the
right-handlane.
Brakecheck
Indicatesthatdriversofroadvehiclesorcombina-
tionvehiclesweighing3,000kgormoremustcheck
theirbrakesbystoppingintheareaindicatedbya
stopsign.
Atabmayindicatethedistanceordirectiontothe
brakecheckarea.
Thissign,installedinabrakecheckarea,indicates

thatthereisastopsignwithin30metres.
Inspectionstation
Indicates the presence of an inspection station
forheavytrucks,towtrucks,equipmenttransport
vehicles, tool vehicles and vehicles with a trailer
orsemi-trailermorethan10minlength.
CHAPTER3
Thesetabsindicatethedistanceand
directiontotheweighingcheckpoint
ataninspectionstation.
Indicatesthatthedriverofastraight-bodytruck
orroadtractorwhosenetweightisover3,000kg
muststopattheinspectionstationwhenthelights
areflashing.
Indicatesthedirectiontobetakenbyvehiclesat
an inspection station according to whether they
areloadedornot.
Reservedlanes
Anelongatedwhitediamondonaredorblackbackground
intheupperleft-handcornerofthesignindicatesareservedlane.
Blackbackground
Indicatesthatvehiclesinthereserved

lanemoveinthedirectionoftraffic.
Redbackground
Indicatesthatthelaneisreservedfor
oncomingtrafficorforalternating
trafficineitherdirection.
Indicatesthatalaneisreservedfortheclassesofusersindicated
and,ifapplicable,theperiodthereservedlaneisineffect.Thearrow
indicateswhichlaneisreserved.
CHAPTER3
W A R N I N G S I G N S
Markstheendofreservedlanes.
The car-pool symb ol shows a numb er on the

silhouette of a vehicle, indicating the minimum
numberofoccupantsavehiclemusthaveforitto
bealloweduseofthereservedlane.
Warningsigns
Warningsignsdonotalldemandthesameresponsefromdri-
vers.Dependingonthecircumstances,vehicleoperatorsmust:
changelane;
stop;

reducespeed;
remainalertandvigilant.
Advancestopsign
Warnsofastopsignahead.
Advanceyieldsign
Warnsofayieldsignahead.
CHAPTER3
Warnsofayieldtooncomingtrafficsignahead.
Changetoexistingsignsandnewsigns
Thistypeofsignwarnsdriversofachangetoexistingsigns
orofnewtrafficcontroldevicesatanintersection.
Indicatesthedateonwhichastopsignwillbe
removed.
Indicatesthedateonwhichastopsignwillcome
intoeffect.

Showthepositionofnewstopsignsatanintersection.Theseare
accompaniedbytabareading NOUVELLESIGNALISATION
(newsign).
NB ThewordSTOPmayreplaceARRTintheabovesigns.
CHAPTER3
Indicates the date on which traffic lights will be

removed.
Indicatesthedateonwhichtrafficlightswillbein
service.
Indicatesthedateonwhichanewlowerspeedlimit
willcomeintoeffect.
Indicatesnewtrafficlightsorsign.

Indicateschangeofspeedlimit,placedunderthe
signshowingthelimit.
Advancewarningoftrafficlights
Trafficlightsahead.
CHAPTER3
Preparetostop
Traffic lights ahead at an intersection or level
crossingonaroadwaywhereonemightnotexpect
to see them.The flashing yellow lights indicate
thatthelightattheintersectionorlevelcrossing
willberedbythetimethedriverreachesit.Itis
importanttobepreparedtostop.
Advancespeedlimitsign
Indicatesazoneaheadwherethespeedlimithas
beenloweredbyatleast30km/h.

Whenanadvancesign isusedbeforetheapproach
ofaschoolzonewhereaspeedlimitisineffect
duringspecificperiods,thistabspecifiesthetime,
daysandmonthsthespeedlimitisineffect.
Two-waytraffic
Indicatestwo-waytrafficahead.
CHAPTER3
Dividedroadway
Warnsthedriverofadividedroadwayaheadand
topasstotheright.
Indicatesthatthedrivermaypassoneitherside
ofanobstacleintheroadway.
Indicatestheendofadividedroadway.
Advancelanedirectionsigns

Thesesignsindicatewhichlanethedrivermusttakeinorder
toproceedstraightaheadorturn.
NB Thesametypeofsignisusedforleft-handedturns.
CHAPTER3
Curves
Warnsofleftcurveahead.
Warnsofsharpleftcurveahead.
Warnsofreversecurveahead.
Warnsofsharpreversecurveahead.

Winding road ahead; three or more successive
curveswithin150mofoneanother.
Indicatesthedistanceoverwhichtherearecurves,
ifitexceeds1km.
Warnsofcurveofmorethan90 ahead.
CHAPTER3
Recommendedspeed
Tab showing recommended speed when driving
aroundanobstacleortakingacurveonapublic
road.
NB Thesametypeofsignisusedforright-handedturnsorsuccessive
curvesthatbeginontheright.
Maximum recommended speed on freeway exit

ramps,whichallowsforenoughofasafetymargin
tomakeanemergencystoponwetpavement.

Mergingtrafficsign
Warnsofmergingtrafficlanesahead.
Warnsofatrafficlanereservedforbusesmerging
ahead.
CHAPTER3
Parallellanes
Indicatestodriversthatthereareoneormore
distinctadjacenttrafficlanes,sothereisnoneed
tochangelanesforatleast1km.
NB Merginglanesorparallellanesmaybeontheleftorright.
Signsatintersections
Thesignindicatesthelayoutoftheintersection.
Crossroadahead.

T-intersectionahead.
CHAPTER3
Thefollowingsignsindicatetheapproachofthelocationwhere
thepublicroadintersectswithanotherasseenfromtheangle
ofthedriver.
Y-intersectionahead.
T-intersectioninacurveahead.

Intersectionofaroaddividedbyamedianahead.
Roundabout ahead, showing direction of vehicles

aroundatrafficcircle.
CHAPTER3
Narrowpassage
Warns that a bridge or tunnel is narrower than
theapproach.
Warns that only one lane is open to traffic and

thattheroadwayisnomorethan6metreswide.
Overheadclearancesign
Indicatetheoverheadclearanceof
bridges,overpassesandtunnels.The
diamond-shapesignisanadvance
warning.Thesquaresignisplaced
onthebridge,overpassortunnel.

Advancelevelcrossingsign
Level crossings less than 50 metres from an intersection in
urbanareasandlessthan125metresinruralareas.
CHAPTER3
Thesignsbelowwarnofalevelcrossingaheadandshowthe
angleatwhichtherailwaytrackscrosstheroad.
This sign is installed to warn truckers of a level

crossingaheadandrequiresthemtosignificantly
reducetheirspeedbecauseofthecrossingdesign.
Restrictedvisibility
Indicatethatsightdistanceislimited
ornon-existentduetoanabruptslope

intheroad.
Roadwaynarrows
Indicatethattheroadwaynarrowswithoutareductioninthe
number of lanes. Calls for added attention on the part of dri-
vers.Nottobeconfusedwithlaneendingsigns.
Warnsthat Warnsthat Warnsthat

roadwaynarrows roadwaynarrows roadwaynarrows
onbothsides ontheright ontheleft
CHAPTER3
Laneendsahead
Indicate that the number of lanes
of traffic in the same direction is
reduced.Callsondriversinthelane
abouttoendtochangelanesafter
yieldingtherightofwaytovehiclesin
thethroughlane.Nottobeconfused
withroadwaynarrowssigns.
NB Signsmayindicatethatthelaneendsontheleftratherthantheright.
Thistabindicatesthedistanceatwhichthelaneends.
Pavementmarkingsmayaccompanythesesigns.
Laneorroadends

Warnsoftheendofaroadwayorlane.
Steepgrade
Indicates the slope in percentage terms (at least 6%, which
meansadropof6mover100m).Thehigherthepercentage,
the steeper the hill; requires greater caution from all drivers,
especiallyofheavyvehicles,intheeventofaslipperyroadsurface
orwindinghills.
CHAPTER 3
S I G N S
Indicates the maximum degree of slope in percentage.
Indicates a slope ahead with a length of more

W A R N I N G
than one kilometre.
These signs are used for two succes-

sive hills with different degrees of
slope. The total distance is indicated
if it exceeds 1 km.
Reserved lane ahead

Indicate that the lane ahead is
reserved for the use of a particu -
lar class of vehicle. The flashing
lights indicate that the restriction
is in effect and the tab indicates
the period during which it is
in effect.
Indicates that the lane at an intersection is reserved
for the use of a particular class of vehicle, and
right-turning vehicles must use the adjacent lane.
CHAPTER3
Schoolbusahead
Indicatesthepossiblepresenceofastoppedschool
busahead.Thissignisusedwhereacurveorhill
impedes a drivers line of sight of a stopped
schoolbus,indicatingthattheymustbeprepared
tostop.Warnsofthepossiblepresenceofchildren
neartheroadway.
Beginningofaschoolzone
Indicatesthepresenceofaschoolzoneinwhich
thespeedlimitis50km/hbetween7:00a.m.and
5:00p.m.,MondaytoFriday,fromSeptemberto
June. If some municipalities prescribe a limit of
lessthan50km/hinaschoolzone,aspeedlimit
signwillaccompanythissignindicatingthespeed
limit,times,daysandmonthsthelimitisineffect.Asignposting
thespeedlimitoutsideoftheschoolzoneindicatestheendof

theschoolzone.
CHAPTER3
Advancecrossingsigns
Thesesignswarnmotoriststhattheyarenearingacrossingfor
pedestrians,bicycles,horsesorcertaintypesofvehicles.
Pedestrian School Playground

crosswalkahead crosswalkahead crosswalkahead
Crosswalk Crossingfor Bicycle

fordisabled visuallyimpaired crossingahead

personsahead personsahead
Pedestrian Heavytruck Logging

andcyclist crossingahead trucksahead
crosswalkahead
Snowmobile All-terrain Crossing

crossingahead vehiclecrossing forhorseback
ahead ridersahead
CHAPTER3
All-terrainvehicleandsnowmobile
crossingsahead
Warningofwildani-
mals inthevicinity.
Crossingforfarmanimals
Designatedsharedroadway
Indicates to cyclists and drivers that they must

sharethedesignatedroadway,whichcallsforcau-
tionandcourtesyonthepartofeach.
Advancedesignatedroadwaysign
Warnsofachangefromacyclelanetoaroadway
thatincludesmotorvehicles,orindicatesadesignated
roadwayahead.
CHAPTER3
Advanceendoffreeway(autoroute)sign
Thesesignsindicatethedistanceremainingbeforethefreeway
endsandindicatesthelayoutoftheroadatthelocationthe
freewayends.
Hazardmarkers
Warnofthepresenceofobstaclesonoralongtheroadway
ahead,aswellasthenarrowingofaroad.Diagonalbandspoint
towardsthesideoftheroadwaythedrivermustusetoavoidthe
hazard,whichmaybeanobstaclesuchasaboulderorbridge
railing.
Indicatesthatthedrivermustpasstotherightor

leftofobstacles.
Indicatesthatthedrivermustgototherighttopass
theobstacle.
CHAPTER3
Indicatesthatthedrivermustgotothelefttopass
theobstacle.
Directionalarrows
Indicatesadangerouspointinavery
sharpcurveorataT-intersection.
Sharper curves are marked with
delineatorsorchevronpatterns.
Delineator

Markstheboundariesofanyobstacle
ortheedgeofaroadway,especially
oncurvesorwhereitnarrows.Effec-
tive inguidingroadusersatnight
orinpoorvisibility,especiallywhen
Placed Placed thepavementiswetorsnow-covered.
onleft onright Anarrowpointsinthedirectionof
acurve;sharpcurvesareindicated
withalignmentmarkers.
CHAPTER 3
S I G N S
Alignment marker
The chevron pattern is used to indicate a sharp
curve, pointing in the direction of the curve.
W A R N I N G
Installed at the centre of a traffic circle,

this sign indicates the direction of
traffic within the circle.
Slippery surface
Warns that the road surface in certain areas may
be slippery when wet.

Warns that a roadway along the shore may be
slippery due to sea spray.
Warns motorcycle operators that the road surface

may be slippery when wet.
CHAPTER3
Icypavement
Warnsthataroadway,bridgeoroverp assmay
become icy or slippery when the temperature
approachesfreezing.
Floodedroadway
Warnsthatwatercoverstheroadwayatcertain
points.
Pavementchange
Warnsofgroovedpavementaheadorwire-mesh

surfaceonabridge.
Endofpavedsurface
Warns that pavement ends and a gravel or dirt
surfacebegins.
CHAPTER3
Bumpyroadahead
Warnsofsurfaceirregularities.
Fallenrockhazard
Warnsofthepossibilityoffallingrockorlandslides
fromanunstableslopealongsidearoadway.
Openingbridgeahead
Indicatesthepresenceofadrawbridge.

Low-flyingaircraft
Thesesignsindicatethepossibilityoflow-flyingaircraftmanoeuvres
neartheroadway.
Majorairport Certifiedpublic Seaplane Heliport

orprivateairport base
CHAPTER3
Noentryaheadfortrucksexceptlocaldelivery
Indicatesthataccesstotheroadwayaheadisprohib-
itedfortrucksexceptthosemakinglocaldeliveries.
Riskofgettingstuck
Indicatesthatavehiclecouldgetstuckifitwent
furt her ahead; usually found at runaway lane
stopbeds.
Fogwarning
Warns of a possibility of fog; the flashing lights

indicatethepresenceoffog.
Blowingsnow
Warnsagainstthepossiblepresenceofsnowon
apublicroadway;theflashinglightsindicatesnow
blownbyhighwinds.
Bevisible
Warns that vehicle headlights and tail-lights must
beonwhenusingatunnel.
CHAPTER3
R O A D W O R K S I G N S
Roadworksigns
Work site signs have an orange background.They may be
regulatory,informationorwarninginnature.
Barriers
Whenworkisinprogress,barriersclosepartor
all of a road to traffic.They are placed at the
beginningofaworksite.
Visualmarkers
Visual markers indicate the boundaries of a work site (area
whereworkisinprogress)ornarrowingofaroadwaybeforea
worksite.Theyshowthedirectiontofollow,indicateroadpainting
inprogressordirecttraffic.

Direction Painting Worksite
marker marker marker
Trafficcone Safetyflare Barrel
CHAPTER 3
S I G N S
Distance to road construction site
Indicates the distance to a work site.
W O R K
Distance to end of work site
Indicates length of work site in kilometres.
R O A D
Indicates end of work site.

Speed limit
Sign indicating the maximum speed
permitted near a work site; unlike the
yellow background, which would indi-
cate a recommended speed, the orange
sign with black lettering shows the speed
limit authorized in the area, and has the
same force of law as the usual white
sign with black lettering.
The diamond-shaped sign indicates the
new speed limit ahead.
CHAPTER 3
S I G N S
Road work signs

Indicate the presence of a work site ahead and the type of
work being carried out.
W O R K
People working Surveying Heavy Equipment

equipment working above
in use roadway
Indicates the distan ce the work site covers in

R O A D
kilo metres.
Indicate that a grader or snowblower

is operating in a traffic lane or nearby.

Indicates that an emergency response team is on
or alongside the road.
This sign, placed on an accompanying vehicle,

warns of stalled traffic due to road work.
Indicates that a road is closed due to a sporting

event.
CHAPTER3
Flagpersonssign
Used to slow or stop traffic.The
frontandbackofapersonssignis
usedtocontroltrafficnearawork
site.
FRONT BACK
Aflagmaybeusedforthesamepurpose.
Flagpersonssignals
Stop

Proceed
Slowdown
CHAPTER3
Flagpersonahead
Warns of the presence of a flagperson ahead
directingtraffic.Callsforcautionbecausetrafficis
slowed, detoured or stopped temporarily due to
roadwork.Aflagpersonsordersmustbeobeyed.
Parkingtemporarilyprohibited
Thesesignsprohibitparkingfora
timeontheroadtofacilitateroad
work,specialeventsormaintenance
operations.
Thesignmayindicatethetimes,days
andareawhenparkingisprohibited.

Areaaheadtemporarilyclosedtotraffic
Indicatethatanareaaheadsuchasaroad,street,tunnel,exitor
bridgeistemporallyclosedtotraffic.
CHAPTER 3
S I G N S
Area temporarily closed to traffic
Indicate that an area is temporarily closed to traffic. Accompanied
by detour signs.
W O R K
R O A D
Local traffic only
Indicates that the roadway is closed to all but

nearby residents and business customers. It may
also indicate which services remain available.
Lane merge
This type of sign indicates that one lane is temporarily closed
and that the one remaining open must be used.
CHAPTER3
Detour
Indicatetheroutetofollowaroundaroadworksite.
Indicatetheroutetotakeduetoclosureofatrafficlaneorexit.

Alternateroute
Indicate the alternate route suggested to highway users in

viewoftherisksofcongestionassociatedwithworkahead.
CHAPTER3
Arrow
Indicatesthedirectiontrafficmusttake.
Warningchevron
Indicatesthatanobstacleontheroadwaymaybe
passedtotheleftorright.
Lowshoulder

Indicates that the should er is lower than the
roadway.
Blastingzone
Forsafetyreasons,radiotransmittersandcellphones
shouldbeturnedoffinablastingzone.
CHAPTER3
Wetpaint
Installed primarily on an accompanying vehicle,
thissignwarnsthatpavementmarkingshavebeen
freshlypainted.
Installedonthemarkervehicle.
Trafficsurvey
Warn of the presence of survey
personnelontheroad.
Horizontalclearance
Warns that construction work obstructs part of
theroadwayandhorizontalclearanceislessthan

theroadwidthindicated.
Loosegravel
Warnsofthepossibilityofsmalldebrisdislodged
byvehiclesduringorafterroadwork.
Truckcrossingahead
Indicatesthataloadedtruckmayusetheroadway
fromanaccessroadahead.
CHAPTER 3
S I G N S
Temporary use of road shoulder
Indicate that traffic is allowed or prohibited temporarily on the
road shoulder near a work site.
W O R K
Duration of road work
Indicates the period during which road work will
be ongoing.
R O A D
Lane diverted

Traffic must detour because of work ahead.
NB The same type of sign is used for a detour to the right.
CHAPTER3
I N F O R M A T I O N S I G N S
Informationsigns
Therearesixtypesofthesesigns:
destinationguide;
routelocator;
off-roadservices;
information;
touristfacilities;
fuelandfoodservicesonfreeways.
Destinations
Advancesignforseveralexitsforamunicipality
Indicatesthatthefreewaypassesthroughamunicipalityserved by

asuccessionofinterchanges.Thesignshowsthenumberofexits
andthedistancetothelastexit.
Successionofexits
Indicates upcoming exits and their
distanceaway.
Advanceexitsign
Indicatesthenumberoftheconnecting
roadahead,themaindestinationsfrom
the interchange, the exit numb er and
distancetotheexit.
CHAPTER3
Directionalsignforexits
Confirmstheinformationappearingonadvance
exit signs and indicates, by means of arrows,
thebeginningoftheinterchangeexitlane.
Diagrammaticsign
Quicklyinformsthedriverofthedirection
totakeataninterchangewithmorethan
oneexit.
Confirmationofdestination
Indicatesthedestinationofafreewayandlane
usetotakethatroute.

Exitlaneonlysign
Advance Exit Exit

exitsign direction confirmation
Indicatethatatrafficlaneleadsdirectlytoafreewayexitramp.
Exitlanesareidentifiedbyaseriesofthreesignssothatdrivers
havetimetochangelanesbeforetheymusttakethenextexit.
CHAPTER3
Exitsign
Indicatethebeginningoftheexitramp,its
directionandtheexitnumber.
Directionalsign
Indicatethemajordestinationthatcanbereached
bytakingaparticulardirectionatanintersection.
Distancereminder
Confirm the direction and shows the distance
toreachthedestinationindicated.

Lakeshorecommunity
Indicates the presence of a lake with cottages,
thedirectiontotakeandthedistance.
CHAPTER 3
S I G N S
Route locator
Highways
I N F O R M A T I O N
Marker Expressway, Trans-Canada
freeway Highway
(autoroute)
Expressway, Highway name

freeway name
Roads and tourist routes

Indicates a road or tourist route and directs
road users.
Indicates the start of a road or tourist route.
CHAPTER3
Border
Thetwofollowingsignsindicatetodriversthattheyareentering
theprovincialboundariesofQubec.
MarkstheQubecboundaryonroutes100to
199,onfreewaysandattheexitofinternational
airports.
MarkstheQubecboundaryonroutes200to
399oronunnumberedroads.
Shows the name of the tourism area in
whichtheroaduserisentering.
Indicates the limits of a community or Indian

reserve.
Bridge
Indicatesthelocationofabridgeanditsname
as it appears on the Qubec Official Road Map

(CarteroutireofficielleduQubec)1.
1. TheQubecOfficialRoadMap(CarteroutireofficielleduQubec)
canbepurchasedfromLesPublicationsduQubecandisavailable
inbookstores.
Compasspoints
Thesesignsindicatethegeneraldirectionoftheroad.
Theymayappearwithabluebackground.
Endoffreewayorhighway
Endoffreeway,whichcontinuesasanothernum-
beredhighway.
CHAPTER3
Indicatingtheendofanumb eredhighwayor
freeway,whichcontinuesunderanothernumber
andisaccompaniedwithaninformationsignof
thenumberedhighwayorfreeway.
Distance
Tabshowingthedistancetoreachaspecificfacility
orroadfeature.
Directionalarrowtabs
Tabsindicatingthedirectionofan
freeway,numberedhighwayortoa
particularfacility.

Tabsindicatingthegeneraldirectionofnumb eredhighway.
Thearrowpointsinthedirectiontofollow.
CHAPTER3
Junction
Tabindicatingtheintersectionofa
numberedhighway.
Kilometrepost
Marksthedistancefromthestarting
pointofahighwayorroad.

Marksthebeginningandendofan
isolatedroad
Geographiclocations
Thenameoflakes,rivers,mountains,waterfallsandwaterstorage
damsvisiblefromtheroad.
CHAPTER3
Services
Emergencyfacilities
Policestation
Indicates a Sret du Qubec (provincial police
force)station.
Indicatesapolicestationotherthan
aSretduQubecstation.
ShowsthetelephonenumberstoreachtheSret
duQubec.

Medicalassistance
Indicates a nearby hospital, university health
centre or emergency station providing 24-hour
medicalcare.
Indicatesanearbycommunityclinic.
Emergencyparkingarea
Indicatesafreewayparkingareaforuseintheevent
ofanemergency.
CHAPTER3
Emergencytelephone
Indicatesthepresenceofanemergencytelephone.
Firehydrant
Indicatesafirehydrantanditsfeatures.

Vehicleindistress
Indicates that a vehicle needs assistance, having
brokenthroughabarrierandplungedintoadeep
ditchalonganisolatedstretchofroad.Amechanism
triggersthesign,whichcallsforthehelpofroad
users, who should act immediately to help and
notifythepolice.
Transportfacilities
Thissigndirectsroaduserstothefacilitiesillustrated.
CHAPTER3
Airport
Indicatesthepresenceofanairportwithafixed
flightschedule,thefrontoftheplanepointingin
thedirectiontofollow.
Indicatesthepresenceofanairportofferingcertain
services.
Seaplanebase.
Heliport

Indicatesthedirectionofanairport(ortrainstation)
anditsname.
Indicatesthenameofanairport(ortrainstation),
directiontofollowanddistance.
Trainstation
Indicatesanearbytrainstation.
CHAPTER3
Indicatesanearbyintercitybusstation.
Ferry
Indicatesthedirectionordistance
toacarferrywharfandpointof
departureandarrival.
Tabindicatingferryoperationhasendedforthe

season.
Parkingarea
Parkingareaforintermodaltransportusers.
Suburbantrain Citybus
Ferry Subwaystation
CHAPTER3
Passengerpickuparea
Indicateswheredriverscanwait
fororpickuppassengersatapublic
transitterminal.
Parkingarea
Parkingareas,reservedoraccessibletoallmotorvehicles.
Forallmotorvehicles Reserved Reserved

fortaxis forbuses

Reservedfor Reserved
motorcycles fortrucks
Sanitarylandfillsite
Indicatesasanitarylandfillsite.
Industrialfacilities
Indicatesthepresenceofanindustrialpark.
CHAPTER 3
S I G N S
Indicates the direction and distance to a

technological park.
Indicates the presence of a shipping port.

Boat launch
Indicates the presence of a ramp to launch boats.
Border crossing point

Indicate the presence of a Canada-
U.S. border crossing point.
Other facilities
Indicate other services.
Arena Community Library

centre
CHAPTER 3
S I G N S
Public Church Indoor public
market swimming
pool
Outdoor public Municipal College

swimming park
pool

University Court house
Information
Dead end
Indicate a road or street with no exit.
Turnaround
Indicates an area in the median intended for
vehicles to make U-turns.
CHAPTER3
Priorityturnonflashinggreen
Indicatesthatvehicleoperatorsfacingaflashing
greenlighthavetherightofway.
Crossinglightactivator
Indicatetopedestriansand/or
cyclists that they must press
thecrossinglightindicator.
An arrow pointing to the left
or right may appear on these
signsabovethebutton.
Metricsigns
Indicates to visitors from the U.S. that Qubec
roadsignsusethemetricsystem.

Aircraftpatrolled
Indicatesthepossibilityoftrafficsurveillancefrom
theair.
Runawaylane
Indicates an area where runaway heavy vehicles
canbebroughttoastoponasteephill.
CHAPTER 3
S I G N S
Indicates a place where a vehicle with failing brakes
may be brought safely to a stop.
Passing lane
Indicates an additional lane to allow for passing.
Distance to service station

Indicates to drivers the distance separating the
next fuel services along the road.

Exclusive towing rights
Indicate that towing on a particular section of the highway is

handled exclusively by the company whose telephone number
appears on the tab.
CHAPTER3
Publicfacilities
Restarea
IndicatesarestarearunbytheQubecgovernment
alongsideahighway.Servicesavailableareshown
bytheappropriatesymbols.Arestareaoperated
byamunicipalitywillbesoindicatedinplaceof
the fleur-de-lys.The sign may also indicate the
distancetothenexttworestareas.
Indicatesanareafortruckerstorestorchecktheir
loadandvehicle.
Indicatesservicesavailable,suchasagasstation,
parkinglot,restaurantoranyotherfacility.

Lookout
Indicates a lookout alongside the roadway that
offersasplendidview;thefieldglasspointstothe
lookout.
Coveredbridge
Indicatesacoveredbridgeofheritagevalue.
CHAPTER3
Reserves,parksandpublictouristattractions
Indicateparksunderprovincialorfederalgovernmentjurisdiction.
Abeaversymbolidentifiesfederalparksorsites.
The maple leaf crown is used to identify parks

administeredbytheNationalCapitalCommission
ofCanada.

Touristinformation
Therearefourtypesoftouristinformationcentres:Infotourist
offices,localandregionalcentresandtouristinformationstands.
CentreoperatedbyTourismQubecproviding
informationontheprovince.
Regionaltouristinformationcentreproviding
informationabouttheregion.
CHAPTER3
Localtouristinformationcentreprovidinginfor-
mationaboutoneormoremunicipalities.Atab
oftenindicatesthedirectionanddist anceto
thecentre.
Indicatesatouristinformationstandthatprovides
informationbymeansotherthanstaffedpersonnel.
Foreigncurrencyexchangeoffice.
Privatetouristfacility

Indicatethepresenceofatou-
rist facility,thedistancetoits
accessrouteandthedirection
toitsentrance.
Historicsite
Indicates the presence of an historic site, the
distanceanddirection.
CHAPTER3
Fuelandfoodservicesignsonfreeways
Confirmationofexits
Indicatestheproximityofaservicestationandof
fuelorfoodoutletsavailablethere.
Itinerary
Indicates the direction of facilities alongside a
freeway.

Entrancetofacility
Indicateaccesstofacilities.
Typesoffuel
Indicatesthetypesoffuelavailableother
thangasoline,alongwiththeestablishment
logoorname.
D diesel
N naturalgas
P propane
CHAPTER3
S I G N S F O R C Y C L I S T S
Off-roadcyclingroute
Indicateabikewaywithanexclusive
right-of-waythatisseparatefrom
automobile traffic and specifies if
therouteisarecognizedRouteverte
(described insection4.6).Thesign
indicatesifthebikewayisopento
anothersportinthewinter.
SIGNSFORCYCLISTS
CyclistsareallowedtorideonmostroadsinQubecotherthan
freeway;motorvehicleoperatorsmustthereforeexercisecaution
whentheyseeabicyclerideronthefarright-handsideofthe
road.There are four types of design intended to make cycling
safer:pavedshoulders,cyclinglanes,designatedcyclingroutes,
andbicyclepaths.

Pavedshoulders,markedoffwithasolidwhiteline,allowcyclists
torideinthedirectionoftraffic,alongsidemotorvehicles.
Cyclinglanesinurbanareasoccupypartoftheroadway,butare
markedofforphysicallyseparatedfromtrafficlanesandreserved
exclusivelyforcyclists.
Designatedcyclingroutesareusuallyfoundwheremotorvehicle
trafficislightandslowmoving;therearenoprotectedcorridors,
merelysigns.
Bicyclepathsaredesignedexclusivelyfortheuseofcyclists,
oftenawayfrommotorvehicletraffic.
As for motor vehicles, signs for cyclists come in four types:
regulatory,warning,worksiteandinformationsigns.
NB Thesignspresentedinthissectiondonotappearinanyothersection.
CHAPTER3
Regulatorysigns
Bicycletab
Drawstheattentionofcycliststoanyregulatory
signconcerningthemonly.
Mandatoryroute
Indicatestheroutecyclistsmusttake.
Indicatetocyclistsandpedestrians
therespectivesidetheymustuse.

Indicatestocyclistsandpedestrianstheymustshare
thatportionoftheway,therebeingnoexclusive
corridorforeither.
Bicycleridersmustdismount
Indicatestocycliststhattheymustdismountand
walkbesidetheirbicycle.
CHAPTER3
Childrenmustridewithanadult
Indicatestocyclistsunderage12thattheymust
beinthecompanyofanadultinordertorideon
apublicroadwaywherethepostedspeedlimitis
over50km/h.
Nopassing
Indicatestocycliststhattheycannotrideside-by-side;
marksthestartofano-passingzone.
Indicatestheendofano-passingzone.

Bicyclesymbolatapedestrianlight
Indicates to cyclists that they must cross on the
walksignal.
CHAPTER3
Warningsigns
Steepslope
Indicates the slope in percentage
terms(atleast6%,whichmeansa
riseordropof6mover100m).
Busypublicaccess
Indicatestocycliststhatanearbypublicaccess
entailsthepresenceofmotorvehicles.
Cyclistsahead
Bicyclescrossingroadnearby.

Indicatesthepresenceofcyclistsonapavedshoulder,
overthedistanceshown,whenitisplacedbelow
thebicyclesign.
Slipperysurface
Warnsthattheroadsurfacemaybeslipperyin
someplaces.
CHAPTER3
Worksitesigns
Cyclelaneclosed
Indicatesthatacyclelaneistemporarilyclosed.
Detour
Indicatestocycliststhedirectionofadetourbecause
ofroadwork.
Informationsigns

Indicatesthedirectiontoabikeway
Directscycliststoabikeway.
Direction
Indicate the direction and distance in km to a
destination by bicycle and facilities available. In
caseswherecyclistsmustsharetheroutewith
pedestrians,ahumansilhouetteisshownonthis
sign.
CHAPTER3
Bicycleroute
Indicatethenameanddirectionofacyclelaneorpath.
Parkingareaforbicycles
Indicatesthedirectiontoparkingforbicycles.
Parkingareaforcyclinglaneconnection
Indicateswheremotorvehicleparkingareaprovides
accesstoacyclinglaneorpath.

Routeverte identification
Indicatesthosepartsofthetrailwhereabicycle
maybeused.
TheRouteverte isabicycletrailmorethan4,000km
long that stretches north to south, east to west,
throughout the province. Comprised of off-road
paths, pavedshouldersandsectionsofsmall,quiet
roads,itwilleventuallylink350municipalitiesin
15regions(wheresomefourmillionQuebecerslive).
Clearlymarkedandverysafe,theRouteverteisa
waytodiscoverQuebecinallitsgreenery.
Beginning
Indicatesthebeginningofabikeway.
CHAPTER3
Periodwhenclosed
Indicatesthetimeoftheyearwhenthecyclepath
cannotbeused.
Privatetouristfacilities
Indicatestheattractionsandservicesavailable
tocyclists.
Commercialservices
Indicate food and bicycle repair services
locatednearabicyclepath.

Publicservices
Indicateservicesavailablealongabikeway.
Shelter Heatedshelter Tourist

information
office
Drinking Restarea Airpump

water
CHAPTER3
Telephone Washroom
HIGHWAYSAFETYCODE PROVISIONS
CONCERNINGROADSIGNSANDTRAFFICSIGNALS
Onlythepersonresponsibleformaintainingapublichighway
mayerectroadsignsortrafficsignals,whichmustmeetstandards
setbyTransportQubec.
Nopersonmay:
erectasignal,sign,indicationordeviceonapublichighway

withoutthepermissionofthepersonresponsibleforthe
maintenanceofthatroadway;
erectordisplayonprivatepropertyasignal,sign,indication
ordevicethatencroachesonapublicroadwayorthat
couldcreateconfusionorobstructanysignerectedona
publicroadway;
travelonprivatepropertytoavoidcompliancewitharoad
signortrafficsignal.
Allpersonsmust:
complywitharoadsignortrafficsignalerectedona
roadwayundertheHighwaySafetyCode;
obey the o rders or signals of a law enforcement officer,
schoolcrossing guardorflagpersoninchargeofdirecting
trafficaroundaworksite,evenifcontrarytoexistingtraffic
signalsorsigns.
CHAPTER4
TRAFFICRULES
T heHighwaySafetyCode setsoutthetraffic
rulesforallusersofpublicroadways,in
particular motor vehicle operators. Pedestrians,
motorcyclists,mopedoperatorsandcyclistsalso
havecertainrightsandobligationswhenusinga
publicroadway.Forsafetyssake,itisimportant
toknowtheserulesandfollowthem.
PROTECTION
SEATBELT
Seatbeltsarenotsimplyanaccessory.Theyareanimportant
safetyfeaturethatcansavelives.Seatbeltuseismandatory.
Alloccupants,exceptchildrenwhosesittingheightisbelow
63cm,asexplainedbelow,sittingonthefrontorbackseatofa

movingmotorvehiclemustweartheseatbeltprovided;thisseat
beltmustbeproperlyfastened.Drivingavehicleisprohibitedif:
thedriverorpassengerseatbeltismissingorunusable or
hasbeenaltered;
a passenger under age 16 is not wearing a prop erly
fasten edseatbelt.
Achildwhosesittingpositionmeasuredtothetopofthe
headcomesbelow63cmmustbeseatedinarestraintsystem
orboosterseatincompliancewithregulationsreferredtointhe
MotorVehicleSafetyAct.Therestraintsystemandboosterseatmust
be adapted to the weight and size of the child, in accordance
withthemanufacturersinstructions,andmustbeproperlyinstalled
inthevehicle.Thisobligationdoesnotapplyintaxisorpolice
vehicles,inwhichcasethechildmustberestrainedbytheseat
beltavailable.
CHAPTER4
TRAFFICRULES
TheSocitdelassuranceautomobileduQubecmay,however,
issueacertificateexemptingaperson,forexceptionalmedical
reasons,fromtheobligationtowearaseatbeltortheuseofa
restraintdevice.
Taxidriversoperatingavehicleaspartoftheirjobonapublic
roadwaywithaspeedlimitsetbyamunicip ality,oronan
unnumbered roadway, are also exempt from the obligation to
wearaseatbelt.
Driverswhoarebackingupandindividualswhoareriding
inthepassengerseatofapolicewagonarenotrequiredtowear
aseatbelt.
AIRBAG
Airbagsareprovensafetydevicesdesignedtopreventthe
occupantsofavehiclefromstrikingtheirhead,neckorchest
againsttheinstrumentpanel,steeringwheelorwindshieldina
front-end collision.They also provide effective protection against
potentiallyfatalinjuriesorinjuriesthatmayresultindisability.
Researchin1998showedthatthecombineduseofairbagsand

seatbeltsreducestheriskofsevereheadinjuryby75%andsevere
chestinjuryby66%.
Airbagsarenotdesignedtodeployinrear-endcollisions,
rolloveraccidentsorinmostside-oncollisions.
Airbagscontaintinyholes,whichenablethemtodeflateupon
absorbingthemomentumfromtheoccupant,therebyallowing
theoccupanttobreatheandmove.
Some measures can be taken to reduce risks during air bag
deployment:
an infant must always be seated in a rear-facing infant
safetyseatthatissecuredinthebackseat(centreifpossible);
children age 12 and under must always be seated in a
childsafetyseatadaptedtotheirweightandsizethatis
securedinthebackseat;
alwayswearaseatbelt;
movetheseatbacktoensurethatthereisadistanceof
at least 25 cm between the centre of the air bag cover
andthemiddleofthedriverschestarea.
CHAPTER4
TRAFFICRULES
TheSocitdelassuranceautomobileduQubecmayauthorize
anairbagtobedeactivatedifoneofthedriversofavehicleor a
passenger is at risk when an air bag deploys.An application,
however, must first be filed with the Socit by completing the
formentitledDeclarationofRequirementforAirBagDeactivatiod.
HEADREST
ThousandsofQuebecerssufferwhiplashinautomobileaccidents
eachyear.Scarcely10%ofmotoristsintheprovinceadjusttheir
vehiclesheadrestproperly;themistaketheremaindermakeis
placingittoolow.
Iftheheadrestisplacedtoolow,behindtheneck,itisoflittle
usebecauseintheeventofarear-endcollision,theheadwillbe
thrustback,causinganeckinjury.
Maximum10cm
Toofferadequateprotection:
the headrest must not be more than ten centimetres
(10cm)fromthebackofthehead;
themiddleoftheheadrestmustbelevelwiththeeyesor
topoftheears.
CHAPTER4
TRAFFICRULES
TRAFFICRULES
Whetherturning,changinglanes,passingorcarryingoutanother
manoeuvre,motorvehicleoperatorsmustapplyspecialrulesin
eachcase.
TRAFFICLANEDIVISION
Somelinesseparatingtrafficlanesmaybecrossed,others
maynot.
Driversmaycrossabrokenlineafter
ensuringthattheycandososafely.

Abrokenlinenexttoasolidline
meanspassingisallowedifthebroken
line is on the vehicles side when
the manoeuvre is begun. Passing
mustbecompletedbeforethebroken
lineends.
CHAPTER4
TRAFFICRULES
Asolidsingleline orsoliddoubleline maynotordinarily

becrossed.
However,theselinesmaybecrossedifthetrafficlaneis
obstructedorclosed,ortomakealeftturnontoanotherroadway
orintoaprivatedriveway.Theycanalsobecrossedtopassfarm
machinery,farmtractors,animal-drawnvehicles,bicyclesorvehicles
withaslow-movingvehiclewarningsign(orangetrianglewith
reflectorizedrededges).

LANEUSE
TWO-WAY TRAFFIC
Whentravellingonaroadwaysimilar
totheoneillustrated,motorvehicle
operators must use the right-hand
lane.They may use the left lane,
however,topassanothervehicleor
toavoidanobstacle.Inbothcases,
driversmustmakesuretheleftlane
isfreebeforeenteringit.
CHAPTER4
TRAFFICRULES
THREE OR FIVE LANES OF TWO-WAY TRAFFIC
Whenusingaroadwaydivided
into three or five lanes where
thereistrafficinbothdirections,
motor vehicle operators must
usethelaneorlanestotheright.
Thecentrelaneisreservedfor
leftturnsbyvehiclestraveling
ineitherdirection.
LANE CLOSED
Ifoneormorelanesinthedirection
thevehicleistravellingareclosedor
obstructed, the driver may use the
nearestfreelaneintendedforoncom-

ing traffic,afteryieldingtherightof
waytoanyvehicleinthatlane.
CHAPTER4
TRAFFICRULES
TWO OR THREE LANES FOR ONE-WAY TRAFFIC
Driversmustingeneralkeeptothe
far right when there are two lanes
fortrafficinthesamedirection.
Generallyspeaking,whenthereare
threelanes,driversshoulduseone
oftheright-handlanes.

Particularcircumstances:
Amotorvehicleoperatormayusethefarleftlaneonan
expresswaytopassothervehicles,turnleft,avoidobstacles,
ormovetowardanexitlane.
Slowingdownintheleft-handlaneispermitted,aslong
asthemotorvehicleoperatorsignalshis/herintentionto
turnleftorstopontheleftsideofthelane.
Wherethespeedlimitisbelow80km/h,forinstanceon
an urban boulevard, a motor vehicle operator may use
eitherlane.Travellingfaster thanavehicleinanotherlane
isnotconsideredpassing.
ROADWAY EDIAN OR OTHER DIVIDER

SEPARATED BY A M
Driversmustnotcrossmediansorotherdividersseparating
trafficlanes,exceptinthoseplacesindicatedbytheappropriatesigns.
CHAPTER4
TRAFFICRULES
FREEWAY ACCESS AND EXIT RAMPS
Toenterorexitafreeway,motorvehicleoperatorsmustuse
designatedaccessandexitlanes.
SPEEDLIMITSANDDISTANCEBETWEENVEHICLES
Anyactorspeedlikelytoendangerpeopleslivesorpersonal
propertyisprohibited.Theseobligationsapplyonallpublic
roadwaysandonprivateroadwaysopentopublicroadvehicle
traffic,aswellasshoppingcentreparkinglotsandotherareas
opentopublictraffic.
Motorvehicleoperatorsmustrespectthefollowingspeedlimits:
onfreeways:
60km/hminimum;
100km/hmaximum.
onhighwayswithaconcreteorasphaltsurface:
90km/hmaximum.

ongravelroads:
70km/hmaximum.
in a school zone when children are entering or leaving
school:
50km/hmaximumunlessasignindicatesadiffe-
rentspeed,whichthedrivermustthenobey.
incities,townsorvillages,unlessotherwiseindicated:
50km/hmaximum.
Driversmustreducespeedwhentravellingafterdark,infog,
rain,snowandotherconditionslimitingvisibility,aswellason
aroadsurfacethatisslipperyornotentirelycleared.Theymust
alsoslowdownwhenapproachingroadconstruction.
Driversmaynottravelsoslowlyastohindertheflowoftraffic.
CHAPTER4
TRAFFICRULES
DISTANCE BETWEEN VEHICLES
Whentravellingbehindanothervehicle,motorvehicleoperators
mustkeepatareasonable,safedistancefromthevehicleahead
sothattheycanstoptheirvehiclewithoutcausinganaccident
shouldtheyneedtostopquickly.Driversmusttakeintoaccount
trafficspeed,trafficdensity,weatherconditionsandthestateof
theroadsurface.The2-secondrulecanbeusedtoestimatethe
distancebetweentwovehicles.Thisruleisdescribedandillus-
tratedindrivingtechniquepublications:DrivingaPassenger
Vehicle;OperatingaMotorcycle;OperatingaMopedorScooter.
Motor vehicle operators travelling in a convoy on a public
highwaywherethemaximumspeedis70km/horhighermust
leave sufficient space between their vehicles. They must also
allowothermotorvehicleoperatorstopassthem.
PASSING
Certainsituationsmaycallforpassinganothervehicle.Motor
vehicleoperatorsmustfollowcertainruleswhenpassinganother

vehicle.
Beforepassinganothervehicle,driversmust:
makesurepassingisallowed(brokenlinesbetweenlanes);
makesurethattheleftlaneisfreeandthatnoothervehicle
comingfrombehindisgoingtooccupythatlane;
makesurethatthelanetheywishtoenterisunoccupied
forasufficientdistance;
signaltheirintentiontopassusingturn-signallights.
Passingshouldbeavoidedwhentravellinginfogorconditions
thataffectvisibility.
Motorvehicleoperatorsmustusetheleftlanetopass.Apassing
vehiclemustreturntotheright-handlaneoncethemanoeuvre
iscomplete.
CHAPTER4
TRAFFICRULES
PASSING A BICYCLE
Motorvehicleoperatorswishingtopassabicyclemayremain
in the same lane if there is enough room to complete the
manoeuvresafely.Theleftlanemayalsobeused.
BEING PASSED
Motorvehicleoperatorsbeingpassedorabouttobepassed
byanothervehiclemustnotaccelerate.Theymayslowdownout
ofcourtesy,however,inordertofacilitatethemanoeuvre.
PASSING PROHIBITED
Whenmotorvehicleoperatorsneedtousealanereservedfor
oncomingtrafficinordertopass,theymustavoiddoingso:
whenapproachingorontopofahill;
inacurve;
when approaching or crossing a marked pedestrian
crosswalk,alevelcrossingoratunnel;

anyotherplacewheresignsorpavementmarkingsindi-
catethatpassingisprohibited.
CHAPTER4
TRAFFICRULES
2
2
1 1
Vehicle1maynotpassvehicle2inthesesituations.
Passingisalsoprohibitedwhentherearevehiclesintheleft
lane,orifavehiclebehindhassignaledtheintentiontopass,or

hasbeguntodoso.Insituationslikethoseillustratedbelow,the
driverofvehicle1mustnotpass.
2 2
1 1
CHAPTER4
TRAFFICRULES
Whendrivingonaroadwaywithtwoormorelanesofone-way
traffic,motorvehicleoperatorsmustavoid:
lanehopping;
passingontheright,except:
whenpassingavehiclemakingaleftturnorheading
towardanfreewayexitramp;
whenpassingavehicleperformingmaintenancein
theleftlane.
Atnotimemayapassingvehicleleavetheroadway(e.g.drive
ontheshoulder)toperformthemanoeuvre.
Passinginaslowlane
Whenthereareslowlanesigns,driverstravellingslowlymust
usethefarright-handlane.Slowlanes,createdinordertomaintain
trafficflow,areusuallyfoundinmountainousregions.Anyvehicle
canusethemnotjusttrucks.
Sincesomeoftheselanesarelongerthan2km,abrokenline

may be used over a certain distance to allow vehicles driving
downhilltopassothervehicles.
Driversintheslowlaneonthefarrightmaynotreturntothe
mainlanewhentheroadwayshowsthesemarkings.
CHAPTER4
TRAFFICRULES
TURNING
Beforeturningatanintersection,motorvehicleoperatorsmust:
makesuretheturncanbecompletedsafely;
signaltheirintentiontoturnusingthevehiclesturn-signal
lights;
yieldtherightofwaytopedestriansorcyclistscrossing
theroadwaytheywishtoenter;
yieldtherightofwaytovehiclestravellingontheinter-
sectingroadway,oncomingvehicles,orvehiclesapproaching
oralreadyintheintersection.
Thedriverthenmakestheturnwhenthecoastisclear.
Ifthemotorvehicleoperatorisunabletomoveintothedesig-
nated turninglanewhenpreparingtomakeaturn,he/shemust
maketheturnatanotherintersection.
Thefollowingillustrationsshowtherulestofollowwhenmaking
themostcommonrightandleftturns.

RIGHT TURN
Motorvehicleoperatorsplanningtomakearightturnontoa
roadwaywithoneormorelanes,whetherforone-ortwo-way
traffic,must:
A. movetothefarright-handside
of the roadway or to the lane
designatedforturningright;
B. advanceinastraightlinetothe
pointwherethetworoadsmeet;
C. turn sharply and enter the far
C right-handlaneoftheotherroad-
way without encroaching upon
B
the left lane or any bicycle lane
A orreservedlane.
CHAPTER4
TRAFFICRULES
LEFT TURN
Attheintersectionofroadwayswithtrafficinbothdirections,
motorvehicleoperatorsplanningtomakealeftturnmust:
A. move over to the left lane or a
turn lane of the road on which
theyaretravelling;
C pointwherethetworoadsmeet;
C. assoonasthecoastisclear,turn
B
intothenearestlane(furthestto
A the left) allowing travel in the
desireddirection.
theyaretravelling;
C. assoonasthecoastisclear,turn

intothenearestlane(furthestto
C the left) allowing them to travel
inthedesireddirection.
B
A
Whenturningfromaroadwithtrafficinbothdirectionsonto
aone-wayroad,driversmust:
theyaretravelling;
C. as soon as the coast is clear,
enterthefarleftlaneoftheother
C roadway.
B
A
CHAPTER4
TRAFFICRULES
Whenturningfromaone-wayroadontoaroadwithtraffic
inbothdirections,driversmust:
A. moveovertothefarleft-handlane
or any other designated turning
lane;
C C. enterthenearestlane(furthest
B totheleft)allowingtravelinthe
desireddirection.
A
If there are two designated

turninglanes,theturnshould
be completed in the corres-
ponding lane of the other
roadway.

When turning from a one-way road onto another one-way
road,driversmust:
A. moveovertothefarleft-handlane
or any other designated turning
lane;
C. enterthefarleft-handlaneofthe
C otherroadway.
B
A
CHAPTER4
TRAFFICRULES
AT AN INTERS ECT ION WHERE SEVER AL

VEHICLES ARE TURNING AT THE SAME TIME
Atanintersectionoftworoadswithmorethanonelaneinboth
directions,whenthesemanoeuvresareperformedsimultaneously
byseveralvehicles,eachdrivermustdirecthis/hervehicleinto
thecorrectlane.
Vehiclesturningrightmust:
A. moveintothelaneontheextreme
A
rightorintoalanereservedfor
B makingturns;
C pointwherethetworoadsmeet;
F C. enter the far right-hand lane,
without encroaching on the left
lane, and respect reserved lanes
orbicyclelanes.
E

D
Vehiclesturningleftmust:
D. moveintotheleftlaneorintoalanereservedformaking
turns;
E. advanceinastraightlinetothepointwherethetworoads
meet;
F. enter the far left-hand lane, without encroaching on the
rightlane,assoonasthecoastisclear.
CHAPTER4
TRAFFICRULES
VEHICLES TURNING RIGHT ON A RED LIGHT
Tosafelyrightturnataredlightadrivermust:
1.Stop:
attheapproachofaredlight,cometoacompletestop
atthestoplineorinfrontofthepedestriancrossing.
2.Look:
checkforasignprohibitingrightturnsataredlight;
ifthereisnosuchsign,oroutsideofthetimeperiod
indicated on the tab of a traffic light indicating that
turningisprohibited,oroutsidetheislandofMontral,
ensurethatnopedestrianiscrossingorpreparingto
crosstheintersection:
- yieldtherightofwaytopedestriansandcyclistsin
the intersection or about to enter it. Pedestrians
alwayshavetherightofwaywhenfacingagreentraffic
lightorapedestrianlightallowingthemtocross;
- look left, ahead and right (mirror and blind spot)

andalasttimeontheleft;
- yieldtovehiclessoastonotimpedetraffic;
beextracarefulinthepresenceofchildren,theelderly,
peoplewithreducedmobilityoranyonecrossingslowly.
3.Decide:
turningrightonaredlightisnotmandatory.Itshould
bedoneonlyifthecoastisclear.
INDICATINGYOURINTENTIONSANDPRESENCE
INDICATING YOUR INTENTIONS
Beforechanginglanes,makingaU-turn(unlessprohibited
byaroadsign),passing,makingaturnorenteringaroadway
fromtheshoulderoraparkingarea,driversmustindicatetheir
intentions using the vehicles turn-signal lights continuously
overasufficientdistancetoensuretheoperatorssafetyandthat
ofotherroadusers.
CHAPTER4
TRAFFICRULES
USING EMERGENCY FLASHERS
Motorvehicleoperatorswhohavetodriveveryslowlymust
usethevehiclesemergencyflashers.Emergencyflashersshould
beusedonlyforreasonsofsafety(abreakdownorstalledvehicle
ontheroadwayatnight,forexample).
USING IGHTS
HEADLIGHTS AND RUNNING L
Atnightorinpoorweatherconditions,motorvehicleoperators
mustensurethatheadlightsandrunninglightsareon.
Atnight,driversmustswitchfromhighbeamstolowbeams:
whencomingwithin150mofanoncomingvehicle;
whencomingwithin150mofthevehicleahead;
whentheroadwayiswell-lit.
YIELDINGTHERIGHTOFWAY
The Highway Safety Code describes many situations where

roadusersmustyieldtherightofway.
PEDESTRIANS
Motor vehicle operators and cyclists must yield the right of
waytopedestrianscrossingorpreparingtocross:
atagreenlight;
atawhitepedestrianlight,flashingornot;
apedestriancrosswalk;
atanintersectionwithoneormorestopsigns;
atanintersectionwithayieldsign.
CHAPTER4
TRAFFICRULES
YIELD SIGNS
The driver of vehicle 1 must yield

A therightofwaytovehicle2before
enteringlaneA.
1
ENTERING AN FREEWAY
Thedriverofvehicle1,whenmergingwiththeflowoftraffic
on the freeway, must yield the right of way to vehicle 2. In the
exampleillustrated,thisdrivermustpullinbehindvehicle2.
Thedriverofvehicle2mustconsiderthatavehicleistrying
tomergewithtrafficonthefreewayandshoulddisplaycourtesy
andchangelanesifpossible.

2
CHAPTER4
TRAFFICRULES
AT A MANDATORY STOP
Atanintersectioncontrolledbyastopsign ononeroadway:
Driversandcyclistsrequiredtostop
atanintersectionorflashingredlight
must yield the right of way to any
vehicleontheotherroadwayalready
in the intersection or near enough
to the intersection that entering it
wouldbedangerous.
Atafour-waystop:
Driversorcyclistsrequiredtostopat
theintersectionmustyieldtheright
of way to any vehicle that reaches
theintersectionbeforethem.
Inbothofthesecases,thedriveror

cyclistmustalsoyieldtherightofway
to pedestrians or cyclists crossing
theroadthatthedriverorcyclistis
abouttocrossorenter.
CERTAIN TRAFFIC LIGHTS

Motor vehicle operators or cyclists at any of the following
trafficlights:
flashingredlight
flashingyellowlight
greenlight,flashingornot
greenarrow
must yield the right of way to vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians

already in the intersection or make sure that they can make it
acrosstheintersectionsafely.
CHAPTER4
TRAFFICRULES
WHEN TURNING AT AN INTERSECTION
Motorvehicleoperatorsandcyclistsmust:
Yieldtherightofwaytopedestriansandcyclistscrossing
theroadwaythattheywishtoenter.Intheexampleillus-
trated,thedriverofvehicle1yieldstherightofwayto
thepedestrian.
Yieldtherightofway,whenmaking
3 aleftturn,toanyoncomingvehicle.
Intheexampleillustrated,vehicle3
yieldstherightofwaytovehicle
2,thepedestrianandvehicle1.
2

ENTERING OR EXITING PRIVATE PROPERTY
Motorvehicleoperatorsandcyclistswishingtoenterorexit
private property must yield the right of way to any vehicle or
pedestriantravellingonapublicroadway.
In this illustration, before entering
B 2 laneA, the driver of vehicle 1 must
yieldtherightofwaytothepedestrian
A andmotorcyclist.
BeforeenteringlaneB,thedriverof
vehicle1mustyieldtherightofway
tothepedestrian,motorcyclistand
1 vehicle2.
Driveway
CHAPTER4
TRAFFICRULES
In the situation illustrated here, the

drivermustyieldtherightofwayto
themotorcyclistandpedestrianbefore
enteringtheprivatedriveway.
Driveway
EMERGENCY VEHICLES
Motorvehicleoperatorsandcyclistsmustallowunhindered
passageforemergencyvehicleswiththeirlightsflashingorsiren
inoperation.This means reducing speed, keeping as far to the
rightaspossibleandstopping,therebylesseningthenumberof
obstaclesanemergencyvehicledrivermustcontendwith.Itisvery
importanttostaycalmandtoprovideafreelaneforemergency
vehiclestopass,whethertheyarecomingfrombehind orinthe
oppositedirection.Stayclearofintersectionsandavoidturning

infrontofanemergencyvehicle(turnfartheronandbacktrack,
ifnecessary).Inthiswaywecanallhelpsavelives.Secondscount:
thinkaboutit!
BUSES
Onpublicroadswithamaximumspeedlimitunder70km/h,
motor vehicle operators must yield the right of way to a bus
whosedriverwishestore-enterthelanethebusoccupiedbefore
stopping.Thebusdrivermustmakesurethatitissafetodoso,
however, and indicate intentions using the turn-signal lights.
This obligation only applies to drivers of vehicles in the lane
thatthebusdriverwishestore-enter.
SCHOOLBUSES
Motorvehicleoperatorsmustbereadytostopintheproximity
ofaschoolbus.
Schoolbusesmakefrequentstopstotakeonanddropoff
children.Toavoidhavingothervehiclessuddenlyslowdownor
stop,theschoolbusdriverwhointendstostopmustwarnother
vehicleoperators,usingtheflashingamberlights.
CHAPTER4
TRAFFICRULES
Otherdriversmustbeawareofthesetwostages:
when the flashing amber lights or hazard lights of the
busareactivated,otherdriversmustpreparetostop.
whentheflashingredlightsofthebusareinoperation
oritsstoparmextended,otherdriversmustbringtheir
vehicletoafullstop.
Motorvehicleoperatorsmuststopatleastfivemetresfroma
vehicleusedtocarryschoolchildrenifithasitsflashingredlights
inoperationoritsmandatorystoparmextended.Driversmay
passthevehicleineitherdirectionifitsflashingredlightsareoff
andthestoparmretracted,provideditissafetodoso.This
applies to vehicles travelling on the same roadway, on the same
trafficroute(forexample,north-southroad)andonaroadthatis
notseparatedbyamedian,asaschoolbus,travellingineitherdirection.

5m 5m
Ifthetrafficlanesareseparatedbyamedianoranotherdivider,
however,oncomingvehiclesarenotrequiredtostop.
LEVELCROSSINGS
Motor vehicle operators and cyclists are required to stop at
least five metres from a railway crossing if the arrival of a rail
vehicleisindicatedbyflashingredlights,aloweredbarrier,ora
railwayemployee.
Driversmustnotenteralevelcrossingifthereisnotenough
freespaceaheadtoclearthecrossingcompletely.
CHAPTER4
TRAFFICRULES
Unless otherwise indicated, the driver of a bus, minibus or

vehiclecarryinghazardousmaterialmuststopatleastfivemetres
fromalevelcrossing.Driversmaycontinueonlywhentheyare
certaintheycancrosssafely.
DRIVINGINREVERSE
Whenbackingup,driversmustmakesurethemanoeuvrecan
beperformedsafelyandwithoutimpedingtraffic.
Driving in reverse is prohibited on freeways and on their
accessandexitramps.
SHARINGTHEROADWITHHEAVYVEHICLES
Car,motorcycleandtruckdrivershavetheirownreasonsfor
usingtheroadway.Eachisrequiredtobehaveresponsibly.Here
areafewsafetyrulesthatcallforcourtesyandtolerancewhen
sharingtheroadwithotherusers.
It is important to be aware of the limitations of driving a

heavy vehicle in order to have a better understanding of the
manoeuvres required of truck drivers and to drive defensively.
Sincetrucksarelonger,widerandheavierthanothervehicles,
theyaremoredifficulttohandleandreactmoreslowly.
For example, a truck requires greater time and distance to
stop.So,driverstravellinginfrontofheavyvehiclesmustsignal
their intention to turn or change lanes well ahead of time.
Suddenmovessuchasquicklycuttinginfrontofaheavyvehicle
mustbeavoidedatallcosts.Driversmustplanfortheextratime
anddistancerequiredbeforepassingatruck.
Whenatruckdriversignalsaturnatanintersection,allother
drivers must cooperate by remaining behind and allowing the
heavyvehicletocompleteitsturnwithoutgettinginitsway.
CHAPTER4
TRAFFICRULES
Given the length and height of their vehicles, truck drivers

havedifficultyseeingotherroadusers.Atruckdriverhasblind
spotsatthefront,rearandsideofthevehicle.Forexample,a
cardriverormotorcyclistwhoistravellingbehindatruckand
whodoesnotseeanyofthetruckssidemirrors,istoocloseand
cannotbeseenbythetruckdriver.Roadusersshouldtherefore
avoiddrivingalongsideaheavyvehicleforlongperiodsandif
theymustpassaheavyvehicle,theyshouldtakeaslittletimeas
possibleindoingso.
HEAVYVEHICLEBLINDSPOTS
Blindspotsarethoseareasoftheroadthataheavyvehicle
operator cannot see because of the vehicles size and design.
Otherroadusersshouldstayoutofthoseareasbecausetherisk
of collision is higher.A heavy vehicles blind spots are at the
front,rearandsides.
FIVE TYPICAL SITUATIONS

Infrontofaheavyvehicle
Acollisioncouldoccurwhere
the driver of a light vehicle
cuts quickly in front of a
heavy truck, from the left or
right lane and slows down
onceinfront.
CHAPTER4
TRAFFICRULES
Behindaheavyvehicle
Whenthedriverofalightvehiclefol-
lows close behind a heavy truck,
which then stops or slows suddenly,
theresultcouldeasilybeanaccident.
Oneithersideofaheavyvehicle
Thereareblindspotsoneither
sideofaheavyvehicle,because
theseareasarenotcoveredby
the trucks rearview mirrors.

Alightvehicleinthoseblind
spotscouldcollidewiththe
heavyvehicle,wereittomove
overtotheleftortotheright.
APPROACHINGAROADWORKAREA
Aseriesoforangediamond-shapedsignstellmotoriststhat
roadworkisbeingcarriedoutfurtherahead.Theworkareamay
be identified by cones, barrels, barriers, signs, pavement mar-
kings,flashingarrowsorsignallights.
CHAPTER4
TRAFFICRULES
Driversmustbeparticularlycarefulwhennearingaworksite:
Remainpatient.Thepurposeofroadworkistoimprove
traffic conditions. Some inconven ience to motorists
thereforecannotbeavoided.
Obeyalltrafficsigns,includingthespeedlimitpostedin
roadworkareas,whichcarrythesamepenaltiesasnormal
postedspeedlimits.
Reducespeedandmaintainagreaterdistancefromthe
vehicleaheadtoallowenoughtimetoreactsafelytothe
warningsigns.
Scantheroadaheadandonthesides,andchecktherear-
viewmirrorsfrequently.
Watch for site personnel, vehicles and equipment; they
mightappearunexpectedly.
Exercisecautionwhencomingtoareaswheretheroadway
narrowsorlanesmerge,whichcancreateafunneleffect
andslowtraffic.Getintotheopenlaneandremainthere;
waitinguntilthelastmomentbeforemakingamoveis

especiallydangerousinworkareas.
Careisrequiredwhendrivingwheretemporarydetours
havebeenerectedtodiverttraffic.Shouldersmayalsobe
lowerthantheroad.
Obeysignalpersons;theirtaskistodirecttrafficsafely
throughworkareas.
CHAPTER4
TRAFFICRULES
STOPPINGANDPARKING
Justasvehiclemovementisregulated,stoppingisalsosubject
tovariousrules:
OBLIGATIONS
Driversmustparktheirvehiclesinthesamedirectionasthe
flow of traffic and no more than 30 cm from the edge of the
roadway.Whenparkingonagrade,driversmust:
engagetheparkingbrake;
turnthewheelstoensurethatanymovementofthevehi-
clesfrontwillbemadetowardthenearestcurb.
Drivers must not leave their vehicles without removing the

key from the ignition and locking the doors. Also, no child
underage7istobeleftunattendedinavehicle.
Motorcycles,mopedsandmotorizedscootersmaybeparked

diagonallytotheedgeofthenearestcurbinthesamedirection
astheflowoftraffic.
Drivers who have to stop temporarily on the roadway at
nightmustleavetheirrunninglightsortheiremergencyflashers
on.Theymayalsosignalthepresenceofthevehicleusinglights
orflaresthatarevisibleforadistanceofatleast150metres.
CHAPTER4
TRAFFICRULES
RESTRICTIONS
Onlyincasesofnecessitymaydriversstoporparktheirvehicles
insuchawaythattheyblockaroadsign,hindertraffic,road
constructionormaintenanceworkorblockaccesstoprivate
property.
Parkingorstoppingisprohibited:
anyplacewhereparkingisforbiddenbynoparking signs;
onasidewalkormedian;
inorwithinfivemetresofanintersection,pedestrian
crosswalkorlevelcrossing;
onanfreewayoritsaccessorexitramps;
onanelevatedroadway,bridgeoroverpassorinatunnel;
onapublicroadwaywherethespeedlimitis70km/h
orover;
within five metres of a stop sign, fire hydrant, police
stationorfirehall;
inatrafficlanereservedforcertainvehicles;

withineightmetresofapolicestationorfirehalllocated
ontheoppositesideoftheroadway;
inzonesreservedforbuses,clearlyidentifiedassuch;
inloadingzones;
infrontofasidewalkaccessrampfordisabledpersons;
inaparkingspacereservedfordisabledpersons.
Despitetheprohibitions,adrivermaystopintheselocations
totakeonordropoffadisabledperson,wherethiscanbedone
safely.
Nonetheless,touseaparkingspacereservedforthedisabled,
thevehiclemustdisplayaparkingpermitforthatpurpose.
Abandoningavehicleonapublicroadwayisprohibited.Any
vehicleabandonedontheroadwaywillberemovedandplaced
instorageattheownersexpense.
CHAPTER4
TRAFFICRULES
SPACESRESERVEDFORDISABLEDPERSONS
ANDPARKINGPERMITS
Touseaparkingspacereservedforthedisabled:
thevehiclemustdisplayaparkingpermitissuedbythe
SocitdelassuranceautomobileduQubecinthename
of the driver or the person accompanying the disabled
person;
theparkingpermitmusthangfromtherearviewmirror
andbevisiblefromtheoutsideofthevehicle;
thecertificateissuedbytheSAAQattestingthatapermit
hasbeenissuedmustbeinthedriveroraccompanying
passenger'spossession.

Aparkingspacereservedforthedisabledmayalsobeused
by someone who has a sticker, plate or permit displaying the
internationalwheelchairsymbol,issuedbyaCanadianjurisdiction
outsideQubecoramembercountryorassociatemembercountry
oftheEuropeanConferenceofMinistersofTransport.
Toqualifyforadisabledparkingpermit,thepersonmustmeet
therequirementsoftheRegulationrespectingidentificationstickers
forusingparkingspacesreservedforhandicappedpersons,that
isbestruckwithadisabilitylastingatleastsixmonthsthat:
resultsinalossofindependence;
riskscompromisingtheperson'shealthandsafety
inmovementbetweentheparkedvehicleand
thedestination.
CHAPTER4
TRAFFICRULES
Toobtainoneofthesepermits,thepersonmustfilloutthe
appropriateapplicationform,submitittotheSocitalongwith
therequiredpaymentand,ifapplicable,provideathis/herexpense
aprofessionalassessmentdemonstratingthattheeligibility
requirementsaremet.
Apermitisissuedtothedisabledpersonandmaynotbeloaned
toanyone.
TheSAAQmayalsoissueapermittoapublicestablishment
asdefinedintheActrespectinghealthservicesandsocialservices,
iftheestablishmentownsavehicleequippedtocarrywheelchair-
bound passengers.
Whererequestedbyapeaceofficer,thedriverorpassengermust
immediatelyproducethecertificateissuedbytheSAAQattesting
thatapermithasbeenissued.
TheSAAQmustbeinformedwithin30daysofachangeof
addressorthedestructionorlossofaparkingpermitorrelated
certificate.
TheparkingpermitandcertificatemustbereturnedtotheSAAQ
iftheyarenolongerusedoriftheconditionslistedonthecertifi-
cate nolongerapplytotheholder.

UNLAWFULPRACTICES
DRIVINGPROHIBITEDWHEREANDWHEN?
Certainmanoeuvresandbehaviour,whetherornotavehicle
isstoppedorinmotion,arestrictlyprohibitedorarerestricted
inordertoensurethesafetyofroadusers.
ON THE SHOULDER
Motor vehicle operators may not drive on the should er,

e xceptifnecessary(laneclosedorobstructedoremergency)or
unlessasignindicatesitispermitted.
EMERGENCIES
Motorvehicleoperatorsmustnotoperatevehicleswhenand
where prohibited by the authorities because of an emergency,
thaw,rainorflooding.
CHAPTER4
TRAFFICRULES
RACES OR RALLIES
Operatingamotorvehicleforawagerorinaracewithanother
vehicle is prohibited except in the case of a rally organized in
accordancewithestablishedstandards.
TOO MANY PASSENGERS
Motorvehicleoperatorsmaynotcarrymorepassengersthan
theamontofseatingavailableinthevehicle.
Nomorethanthreepeoplemaysitonthefrontseat.Ifthe
vehiclehasbucketseats,onlytwopeoplemaysitinthefront.
No passengers may ride in the trailer or semi-trailer of a
movingvehicleunlessitisdesignedspecificallyforthatpurpose
andtheroadusedisclosedtotraffic.
ALCOHOL
Vehicle occupants are not allowed to drink alcohol while
driving intrafficorwhileparkedinanareawherepublictraffic
ispermitted.

VEHICLERESTRICTIONS
MOVING VEHICLES
Riding on, climbing up on and climbing down from the
runningboardofamovingvehicleisprohibited.Thesepractices
arepermittedonlyforpeoplewho,inthecourseoftheirwork,
mustrideonaspeciallydesignedexteriorportionofavehicle.
Thedoorsofamotorvehiclemaybeopenedonlyifthevehicle
isstationaryandwhendoingsoentailsnodanger.
LICENCE PLATE
Motorvehicleoperatorswhoselicencepermitsthemtodrive
only on private property or private roads may not drive on a
publicroadway.However,operatorsofsuchvehicles,excluding
vehicleswithmetaltreads,maycrossanypublicroadwayother
thanafreeway.
SQUEALING TIRES
Squealingavehiclestiresorstoppingabruptlyisprohibited
unlessnecessaryforreasonsofsafety.
CHAPTER4
TRAFFICRULES
TOWING
Motorvehicleoperatorsmaynottowanothervehiclewhose
heelsremainincontactwiththeground,unlessthevehicleis
w
solidlysecuredbymeansofabar.
PORTABLE MUSIC PLAYERS,TELEVISIONS AND RADAR WARNING DEVICES

Motorvehicleoperatorsmaynotwearaportablemusicplayeror
headphones whiledriving.
SubjecttotheexceptionsprovidedintheRegulationrespecting
safetystandardsforroadvehicles,drivingamotorvehicleequipped
withanyofthefollowingisprohibited:
a television or screen that displays information and is
placedsothatthedrivercanseethescreen;
aradarwarningdevice.
Drivingamotorvehicleisprohibitedwhenapassenger,animal
orobjectobstructsthedriversview.

RESTRICTIONSONTHEUSEOFPUBLICROADWAYS
OBJECTS AND OBSTACLES
Generally speaking, throwing or dumping snow or ice on a

pubic roadwayisprohibited.Itisalsoforbiddentothrowany
objectwhatsoeverontheroadwayortoputanyobstaclesinthe
wayoftraffic.
ANIMAL CROSSING
Farm animals may not be herded onto or across a public

roadwayunlessaccompaniedbytwopeoplewithredflags.They
maynotbeherdedatnightandarenottobeherdedonafreeway
underanycircumstances.
HORSEBACK RIDING
Itisforbiddentorideahorseonafreewayoritsaccessorexit
ramps,oranywhereelsewhereprohibitedbytheappropriatesigns.
CHAPTER4
TRAFFICRULES
SPECIALRULESFORCERTAINUSERS
Therulesinthissectionapplyspecificallytocertaincategories
ofusersandsupplementthetrafficrulesalreadypresented.
Theremayberegulationsconcerningotheraspectsofdriving
for the same categories of users, for example theRegulation
respecting road vehicles used for the transportation of school
children,theActrespectingoff-roadwayvehicles andanumber
ofregulationsthatapplytoheavyvehicleusers.Therefore,itis
necessary to refer to these regulations to find out what other
obligationstheseusershave.
PEDESTRIANS
MANDATORY IDENTIFICATION
As road users, pedestrians are now required to state their

nameandaddressorpresenttheirdriverslicencewhenasked

to do so by a law enforcement officer who believes that a
HighwaySafetyCode offencehasbeencommitted.
OBLIGATIONS
Ifthereisasidewalkalongaroadway,pedestriansmustuseit.
Intheabsenceofasidewalk,pedestriansmustfacetrafficand
walkontheshoulderoralongtheedgeoftheroadway.
Pedestrianswishingtocrossapublicroadwaymustuseany
nearbypedestriancrosswalkorintersection,afterensuringitis
safetodoso.
If there is no intersection or pedestrian crosswalk nearby,
pedestrians crossing a public roadway must yield the right of
waytocyclistsandvehicles.
CHAPTER4
TRAFFICRULES
Pedestriansmustobservethewalksignalsatanintersection.
Thewhitesignalauthorizesapedestriantocross,whileaflashing
signalindicatestopedestrianswhohavealreadystartedtocross
thattheyshouldbequicktoreachthesidewalkormedian.
An orange signal prohibits pedestrians from starting across
theroadway.
Pedestriansmustobeytrafficlightsiftherearenopedestrian
signals.

RESTRICTIONS
TheHighwaySafetyCode alsoprohibitspedestriansfrom:
crossinganintersectiondiagonally,unlessatrafficsignor
signalexpresslyallowsthemtodoso;
hitch-hikingbystandingontheroadwayorinalocation
wherepassingisprohibited;
standingontheroadwaytospeakwiththeoccupantof
aroadvehicle;
walking along an freeway or its entrance or exit ramps,
exceptifnecessary.Pedestriansmaycrosssucharoadonly
attrafficlights;
usingskates,skis,askateboardoratoyvehicleonthe
roadway.
CHAPTER4
TRAFFICRULES
SOME SAFETY TIPS
Beforecrossing,pedestriansshouldlookovertheirshoulder
tomakesurethatnovehicleisapproachingfrombehindtoturn
onto the road they are crossing. Look left, then right and left
againbeforestartingacross;alsolearntocorrectlyestimatethe
timeneededtocrosstheroadsafely.
At night, wear brightly-coloured clothing. Reflector tape on
clothing and school bags improves the visibility of children
walkingtoandfromschool.
BICYCLES
Cyclingasameansfortransportationisaneffectivemeansof
protectingtheenvironment,improvinghealthandreducingtraffic
congestion.Usingabicycleontheroad,however,isnotwithout
itsrisksandeachyearmanycyclistsareaccidentvictims.
Cyclists are subject to the same basic traffic rules as other
roadusers,aswellascertainadditionalprovisionsthatapplyto

them alone. Furthermore, the Highway Safety Code requires
thatcyclistsidentifythemselvestoanypoliceofficewhobelieves
thatanoffencehasbeencommitted.
MANDATORY ACCESSORIES
Bicyclesmustbeequippedwithawhitereflectorinfrontand
red reflectors at the rear and on the spokes of the rear wheel.
Theymustalsohaveamberreflectorsoneachpedalandonthe
spokes of the front wheel. Bicycles must be equipped with at
leastonewhiteheadlightandoneredtaillightfornightriding.
Abicyclemustbeequippedwithatleastarear-wheelbraking
systemcapableofblockingthewheelimmediately.
CHAPTER4
TRAFFICRULES
CYCLING RULES
Cyclistsmustholdontothehandlebarsatalltimesandride
insinglefilewhentravellingwithanyoneelseorinagroup,which
maynotincludeanymorethan15cyclists.Cyclistsmustrideon
thefarright-handsideoftheroadway,inthesamedirectionas
traffic,except:
whenthewayisblocked;or
whenpreparingtoturnleft.

Notonlymustcyclistsobeyroadsignsandtrafficlights,they
mustusehandsignalsinacontinuousmannerandoverasufficient
distancetomaketheirintentionknowntootherroadusers:
toslowdownor toturnright,by toturnleft,

stop,byholding holdingtheleft byholdingthe
theleftforearm forearmupata leftarmout
downataright rightangletothe horizontally
angletotheroad road,orbyholding
therightarmout
horizontally
CHAPTER4
TRAFFICRULES
Iftheroadwayincludesabikepathorlane,cyclistsmustuse
it. Similarly, it is preferable to use the asphalt shoulder if the
roadhasone.
Ridingabicycleisprohibitedbetweentwoadjacentlanes
ofvehicles,whetherthevehiclesarestopp edormoving,on
freewaysoronfreewayexitorentranceramps.
Cycling is prohibited on public roadways with a maximum
speedlimitover50km/h,unless:
theroadhasaclearlyindicatedandphysicallyseparated
bikelane;
thecyclistisatleast12yearsold;or
thecyclististakingpartinanexcursionsupervisedby
anadult.
Drinkingalcoholicbeverageswhilecyclingisforbidden,asis
carrying a passenger on a bicycle that is not equipped with a
fixedseatforthatpurpose.Cyclistsarenottorideonthesidewalk
unlesstheyhavetoorunlesspermittedbytheappropriatesigns.

Itisalsoforbiddenforcycliststoholdontoamovingvehicle
ortoridewhileusingearphonesoraportablemusicplayer.
FOR ADDED SAFETY
Wearlightorbrightly-colouredclothingwhenridingabicycle,
tomakeiteasierforotherroaduserstoseeyou.
Althoughnotcompulsory,wearingahelmetprovideseffective
protectionfromheadinjuryintheeventofafall.
Apennantonanarmatthesideofabicyclewillforcemotorists
toleavemorespacebetweentheirvehicleandthebicyclewhen
passing.
Usingabasketorcarrierifneededwillincreasesafety.
Frequentlycheckabikesoperatingconditionanditscomponents
andaccessorieshandlebars,wheels,rims,chainandbrakes.
CHAPTER4
TRAFFICRULES
ELECTRIC BICYCLE
Theriderofapower-assistedbicyclemust:
beatleastage14;
wearabikehelmet;
if between the ages of 14 through 17, hold a licence
authorizinghim/hertodriveamopedorscooter.
Anyoneage18oroverdoesnotrequiresuchalicencetoride
apower-assistedbicycle.
RecentprovisionsoftheHighwaySafetyCode alsoallowthe
riderofapower-assistedbicycletochosetouseabikewayorthe
road,unlikeatraditionalcyclistwhoisrequiredtouseabikeway
whereavailableonapublicroad.
Thefeaturesofanelectricpower-assistedbicyclemustcomply
with the provisions of the MotorVehicle SafetyAct and the
HighwaySafetyCode.Thebicyclemustbedesignedtooperateon
twoorthreetiresandmustbeequippedwithpedalsandanelectric
motorthatdoesnotexceed500wattsofpower,whichceasesto

generatepoweroncethebicyclereachesaspeedof32km/h.
Apower-assistedbicyclecannotbeusedtopullanotherperson.
FOOTSCOOTER
For improved road safety, use of a foot scooter on a public
road is prohibited at night unless it is equipped with a white
reflectororwhitereflectivematerialatthefront,redreflectoror
redreflectivematerialattherearandoneachsideneartheback
ofthescooter.Ifascooterisnotequippedwithreflectors,riders
mustwearreflectivematerialonclothingoranaccessorytobe
visibletoroadusersatnight.Failuretorespecttheseconditions
foruseofascooteratnightispunishablebya$25to$50fine.
A foot scooter must be equipped with at least a rear-wheel
brakingsystem.Theownerofafootscooterthatisnotequipped
withabrakingsystemisliabletoafineof$15to$30.
CHAPTER4
TRAFFICRULES
MOTORCYCLES,MOPEDSANDMOTORIZEDSCOOTERS
Motorcycle,mopedandscooteroperatorsmustremainseated
and hold the handleb ars when the vehicle is in operation.
Whenriding,thewhiteheadlightmustremainonatalltimes.
Passengersmustbeseatedfacingthehandlebars,withtheirfeet
onthefootrests.Whentravellingingroupsoftwoormoreina
trafficlane,theymustrideinstaggered(zigzag)formation.
Ridersmustwearahelmetthatmeetssafetystandards.Thesame
a ppliestorearorsidecarpassengers.Operatorsandpassengers

arerequiredtoproducetheirhelmetsforinspectionattherequest
ofalawenforcementofficer.
Ridingamotorcycle,mopedorscooterbetweentwolinesof
vehiclesinadjacentlanes,whetherthevehiclesarestoppedor
moving, is prohibited.What is more, the use of motorcycles,
scootersormopedswhoseenginehasacylindersizeof125cc
orlessisprohibitedonfreewaysandonfreewayaccessandexit
ramps.
Theoperatorofamotorcycle,scooterormopedmaycarrya
passenger only if the vehicle is permanently equipped with a
fixedseatforthatpurposeandfootrestsoneitherside.
Riding on a sidewalk is prohibited except if necessary or
wherepermittedbytheappropriatesigns.
Motorcycle,scooterandmopedoperatorsmustobeyallroad
signs.
CHAPTER4
TRAFFICRULES
MAKE SURE YOU CAN BE SEEN
Motorcycles,scootersandmopedsmustbeequippedwithat
least one headlight in front, one red tail-light, two turn-signal
lightsatthefrontandrearandaredbrakelight.Sidecarsmust
be equipped with a red light at the rear, located as far to the
rightaspossible.
Since80%to90%ofalltheinformationwhichvehicleoperators
receiveisthroughwhattheysee,ridersmustconstantlymakesure
thatotherroaduserscanseethem.Thisiswhytheirheadlight
shouldremainontheentiretimethevehicleisinoperation.Another
waytobeseenistoremainintheproperlanepositionatalltimes
andwearbright-colouredclothingwithreflectorstripsatnight.
EMERGENCYVEHICLES
Emergency vehicle operators should only activate flashing
s ignallightsorsirensoranyotheraccessorywhenneededfor
theirjob.

They are exempt from traffic rules concerning speed limits,
passing,stoppingandparking,roadsignsandtrafficlights,and
rightofway.
VEHICLESUSEDTOCARRYSCHOOLCHILDREN
Driversofbusesorminibusesusedtocarryschoolchildren
maynothavemorepassengersthanthenumberofavailableseats.
Theymaynotsetthevehicleinmotionunlesseveryoneisseated
andmustensurethatpassengersremainseatedthroughoutthetrip.
Driversofbusesorminibusesusedtocarryschoolchildren
mustwarnotherroadusersthatthevehiclehasstoppedtoallow
passengerstogetonoroffbyusingflashinglightsandactivating
thestoparm untilthepassengersaresafe.Thismeansleavingthe
lightsonandtheretractablestoparmextendeduntilthepassen-
gershavereachedthesidewalkorroadside.
CHAPTER4
TRAFFICRULES
Whenaschoolbusdriverisstoppedintrafficbehindanother
vehicleusedtocarryschoolchildrenwhoselightsareflashing,
he/shemustactivatetheflashinglightsandextendthestoparm
aswell.Undernoothercircumstances,asidefromtakingonor
lettingchildrengetdown,shouldthedriveroperatetheflashing
lightsorextendthestoparm.

VEHICLESTRAVELLINGONLOGGINGROADS
SinceApril1,1999,certainsectionsoftheHighwaySafetyCode
applyonloggingroadsjustastheydoonallofQubecspublic
roadways.
CHAPTER4
TRAFFICRULES
NO DRINKING AND DRIVING
Now, anyone suspected of driving on a logging road while

impaired may be stopped by a law enforcement officer and
submittedtoabreathalyzertest.
SPEED LIMIT
Aspeedlimitof70km/hmustnowbeobservedonlogging
roads, unless signs and signals indicate otherwise. It is also
importanttoadjustspeedinkeepingwithroadconditions.
Furthermore,alldriversmustcarrywiththemavaliddrivers
licencefortheappropriateclassofvehicle,thevehiclesregistra-
tioncertificateandproofofliabilityinsurance.
SEAT BELTS BUCKLED
Onloggingroads,thedriverandpassengermustweartheir
seatbelts.

AVEHICLE IN GOOD WORKING ORDER
Allvehiclestravellingonloggingroadsmustbeingoodwor-
king order.Their load must also be securely attached in com-
pliance with the standards for securing loads set out in the
HighwaySafetyCode.
DRIVE ON THE RIGHT
Logging roads are used by all sorts of vehicles: cars, vans,

recreationalvehicles,etc.However,theyareespeciallyusedby
truckscarryingheavyloads.Driversmustthereforebeverycareful
atalltimesandalwaysdriveontheright-handsideoftheroad
whenmeetinganothervehicleespeciallyincurvesandonslopes.
CHAPTER4
TRAFFICRULES
SAFETY RULES
Drivingsafelyonloggingroadsisamatterofcommonsense.
Reduceyourspeedbeforecrossingabridge.Thereisoften
onlyonelaneonabridge.
Parkyourvehicleonthesideoftheroadsothatitis
visiblebutoutofthewayoftraffic.Neverparkitinacurve
oronagrade.Thesamerulesapplywhenobserv ing
animals bytheroad.
UseaCBradiotosignalyourpositiontoothervehicles
ontheloggingroad.
Ifyouneedtopassanothervehicle,proceedatamoderate
speed to avoid projecting gravel or stones up onto the
vehicleswindshield.
Beextracarefulatthebeginningandtheendoftheday,
inordertoavoidhittingananimal.
Beforeyousetout,makesurethatyouhavetwosparetires.
Drivewithyourheadlightsonatalltimes.

LOADS
TheHighwaySafetyCode requiresdrivers:
toobserveregulationsconcerningthetransportofhazardous
materialsandtofollowtheinstructionsofalawenforcement
officerwhoaskstoinspectthecargo,providingtheofficer
withanydocumentsconcerningthecargo,orthatattestto
onesqualificationsforthehaulingofhazardousmaterial;
CHAPTER4
TRAFFICRULES
toputaredflagorreflectivepanelonthebackofaload
extending more than one metre beyond the rear of the
vehicle.Ifthevehicleisdrivenatnight,itmustbeequipped
witharedlightvisibleatadistanceof150metresfrom
therearandside;
toequipanyslow-movingvehiclewithawarningsign.
The Highway Safety Code prohibits anyone from operating a
vehicleorallowingavehicletobeoperatedwhenthecargo:
isnotproperlysecuredorcoveredsothatnoneofitsparts
canmove;
reducesthedriversfieldofvisionorcoverstheheadlights
orotherlights;
compromisesthestabilityorhandlingofthevehicle.
Thedrivermustnotallowpassengersinatrailerorsemi-trailer
inmotion.
HEAVYVEHICLES

Drivers,ownersandoperatorsofheavyvehicles(roadvehicles
andcombinationroadvehicleswithanetweightofover3,000kg,
buses, minibuses, tow trucks and road vehicles used to haul
hazardous material) must abide by a number of special rules for
heavyvehicles.3
PRE-TRIP INSPECTION
Driversmustmakesurethattheirvehicledoesnothaveany
efects.Sothattheycandrivesafely,theymustinspecttheir
d
vehiclebeforetheyleaveonatrip,notingtheirobservationsand
themechanicalconditionofthevehicleintheirinspectionreport,
andimmediatelyreportanymechanicaldefecttotheoperator.
Theymustalsofilloutandupdatetheinspectionreportdailyfor
theheavyvehicletheydriveandkeepitonboardthevehicle.
3.There is more information on heavy vehicles in the guide Driving a HeavyVehicle,
availablefromPublicationsduQubec.Inaddition,otherpublications,suchasInspect
BeforeYou Go: Daily Pre-Trip Inspection Guide are available free of charge at SAAQ
serviceoutlets.
CHAPTER4
TRAFFICRULES
Theheavyvehicleoperatormustputaninspectionreportform
in the vehicle. The operator must make sure that the driver
keepsthisreportinthecaboftheheavyvehicleandentersall
requiredinformationinit.Theoperatormustalsoinformthe
owner of any defect noted and send the owner a copy of the
heavy vehicle inspection report. The operator must not use a
heavyvehiclethathasamajordefect.
Theowneroftheheavyvehiclemustcorrectanymechanical
defects reported to him/her. Minor defects must be repaired
within48hours.Ifthevehiclehasmajordefects,however,driving
itisprohibited.Theownermustalsoensurethathe/sheobtains
acopyoftheinspectionreportwhentheheavyvehicleisused
bytheoperator.
Theinspectionreportmustalwaysbekeptintheheavyvehicle.
Amissingreportconstitutesanoffence.
DRIVING HOURS AND REST
Driversmustobservetheregulatorystandardsgoverningdriving

andresttime.Theymustkeepadailylogoftheirhoursand
keeponboardthevehiclethedailydrivingandresttimelogsfor
preceding days, using the given reference period to calculate the
authorizednumberofhours.
Operatorsmustensurethatdriversentertherequiredinforma-
tion in the daily driving and rest time log and that they keep
themintheheavyvehicle.Operatorsmustalsomakesurethat
drivers respect the number of driving and rest hours and that
driversgivethemacopyoftheirdailylogsupontheirreturn.
DRIVERS LICENCE
Heavyvehicledriversmusthaveadriverslicencecorresponding
tothetypeofvehicleusedandincludingtheappropriateendorse-
ments,suchasforamanualtransmission,airbrakesoraroadtrain.
They must also inform the operator, owner or any person
whoprovidesdrivingservicesiftheirdriverslicenceisrevoked
orsusp end edandofanychangeofclassqualifyingthemto
drivethevehicle.
CHAPTER4
TRAFFICRULES
Driversmustalsocomplywiththedemandsofalawenforcement
officer who takes their drivers licence away because they have
goneoverthedrivinganddutytimeprovidedforbyregulation
fortheperiodcorrespondingtotheprescribednumberofhours
ofrest.
OTHER OBLIGATIONS
Heavyvehicledriversmustpullintoaninspectionstationon
the orders of an authorized officer or signal.This requirement
doesnotapplytodriversofanemergencyvehiclerespondingto
acallorreturningtopost.
They must not drive a vehicle where the load has not been
placed, secured or covered in accordance with the Regulation
respectingstandardsforthesecuringofloads,whichsetsforth
standardsbasedonthetypeofloadcarried.
Driversmustalsoensurethatthevehicleslengthandwidthare
withinprescribedlimitsandthattheloaddoesnotexceednorms.
Ownersorlessorsofoversizedvehiclesmustobtainaspecial

travelpermittooperatethem.Driversmustcarrythesepermits
withthemwhendrivingandabidebytheirconditions.
EXTRA RULES CONCERNING BUSES
Whenallowingpassengerstogetonoroffabus,driversmust
stop the bus on the far right-hand side of the roadway or in
areassetasideforthispurpose,afterensuringthattheycando
sosafely.Doorsarenottobeopeneduntilthevehiclehasreached
afullstop.
Bus drivers must distribute baggage and freight properly in
thebus.
Schoolbusdriversmustnottakeonmorepassengersthanthe
amountofseatingavailable.Itshouldbepointedoutthatthis
ruledoesnotapplytoanyothercityorruralbusoraminibus used
inoroutsidecities,providedthatthenumberofpassengersin
excessoftheamountofseatingavailableisnomorethanone
passengerperrowofseats.
CHAPTER4
TRAFFICRULES
OVERSIGHT OF HEAVY VEHICLE USERS
In1998,anoversightmechanismwascreatedtoevaluatethe
conductofheavyvehicleusers.
Registration
SinceApril 1999, heavy vehicle owners and operators have
hadtoregisterwiththeCommissiondestransportsduQubec.
Follow-up
Acasefileforevaluatingtheconductofheavyvehicleusersis
created by the Socit de lassurance automobile du Qubec.
Thisfileisbasedonoffencescommittedontheroadorwithin
companies, on accidents in which users and their drivers are
involved,andonmechanicalinspectionresults.
Rating
Asof1999,allownersandoperatorsofaheavyvehicleare

givenaconductrating.Theseratingsmakeitpossibletopinpoint
heavyvehicleuserswhorepresentaroadwaysafetyriskorarisk
totheroadwaysystem.
Penalties
Penaltiesdirectedatownersandoperatorsofheavyvehicles
are geared towards improving their roadway behaviour.They
include activities designed to increase awareness and provide
support,aswellashighwayandcompanymonitoring.Thefileof
ahigh-riskowneroroperatormaybereferredtotheCommission
destransportsduQubec,however,fortheimpositionofapenalty,
inparticularmandatoryhighwaysafetycourses,formorefrequent
mechanicalinspections,orfortheinstallationofspeedlimiting
devices.
CHAPTER4
TRAFFICRULES
SHARING THE ROAD AND HANDLING HEAVY VEHICLES
Defensive driving should be practised at all times, because

theconsequencesofanyaccidentinvolvingaheavyvehicleare
bound to be serious. Since many drivers are unaware of the
limitsofdrivingaheavyvehicle,theyarenotreallyinaposition
toanticipatetruckdriversmanoeuvres.
Asregularroadusers,truckdriversmusthelpotherdriversby
signalingtheirintentions.Toensurethatotherdriversseethem,
theyshould,likeothervehicles,drivewiththeirheadlightson.
Theuseofreflectorstripsontrucksisrecommended.
So that they do not slow down traffic, truck drivers should
use the far right-hand lane if they are travelling more slowly.
Whenthereisaspeciallanereservedforslow-movingvehicles,
theyshoulduseit.
Since a truck requires more time and a greater distance to
stopthanacar,truckdriversmustneverexceedthemaximum
loadorthespeedlimit.Theymustensurethattheirbrakesare
always in good working order. Truck drivers must also obey

speedlimitsandbeextracarefulatnightorinpoorweatheror
poorroadconditions.Theymustatalltimesavoidtailinganyone
tooclosely.
OFF-ROADVEHICLES
Thefollowingareconsideredtobeoff-roadvehicles:
snowmobileswithanetweightof450kgorlessanda
width,includingaccessories,ofnomorethan1.28metres;
all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) with handlebars and at least
two wheels which can be straddled and whose net
weightisnomorethan600kg;
othermotorvehiclesintendedforuseoffpublicroadways
andprovidedforbyregulation.
CHAPTER4
TRAFFICRULES
Off-roadvehicles,ATVsandsnowmobilesareverypopular.
Unfortunately,carelessnessandalackofpropersafetyequipment
haveresultedinseriousinjuryandevendeathformanyriders.
Operators who do not follow the traffic rules governing these
vehiclesarebreakingthelawandareendangeringtheirlivesand
thelivesofthosearoundthem.
RULES FOR USING OFF-ROAD VEHICLES
Theoperatorofanoff-roadvehiclemustbeatleast16yearsold.
Thoseunderage18musthaveacertificatefromtheFdration
desclubsdemotoneigistesduQubecortheFdrationqubcoise
desclubsquadsattestingthattheyhavetheskillsandknowledge
requiredtooperatethesevehicles.
Inordertouseapublicroadway,driversofoff-roadvehicles
must have a licence that authorizes them, under the Highway
SafetyCode,todrivearoadvehicleonapublicroadwayandmust
abidebyitsconditionsandrestrictions.Personsage16orover
needtohaveaclass5or6driverslicenceorprobationarylicence

(6A,6Bor6C);thoseunder16needaclass6Dlicenceauthorizing
themtooperateamopedorscooter.
Ownersofoff-roadvehiclesmusttakeoutathird-partyliability
insurancepolicyforatleast$500,000thatguaranteescompensation
forbodilyinjuryorpropertydamagecausedbythevehicle.
Driversofoff-roadvehiclesmustcarrywiththemthevehicles
registration certificate issued under the Highway Safety Code,
proofofthird-partyliab ilityinsurance,proofofageand,if
applicable,theirqualificationcertificateorauthorizationtodrive.
Ifthevehicleisleasedorrentedfromadealerforlessthan
oneyear,theymustalsocarryproofofthedurationofthelease
oracopyofthecontractwiththedealer.
No more passengers may be carried on an off-road vehicle
thanthenumberstipulatedbythemanufacturer.
CHAPTER4
TRAFFICRULES
If the manufacturer of the off-road vehicle does not specify

themaximumnumberofpassengersallowedonthevehicle,
only one passenger may be carried on a snowmobile and no
passengersmaybecarriedonotheroff-roadvehicles.
Anextrapassengermaybecarriedifthevehiclehasaccessories
designedforthispurposeandifitisinstalledinkeepingwith
thestandardsofthemanufactureroftheoff-roadvehicle.
Off-roadvehiclesarenotallowedtotowanymorethanone
sledoronetraileratatime.
Anyonetravellingonanoff-roadvehicleoronasledora
trailer pulled by an off-road vehicle must wear the following
equipment,whichmustmeetregulatorystandards:
ahelmet;
safetyglassesifthehelmetdoesnothaveavisor;
anyotherequipmentprescribedbyregulation.
Drinkingalcoholicbeveragesisprohibitedonoff-roadvehicles
andonsledsortrailerstowedbyoff-roadvehicles.

All off-road vehicles must be equipped with the following
items,whichmustmeetregulatorystandards:
awhiteheadlight;
oneredparkinglightattherear;
anexhaustsystem;
abrakesystem.
Furthermore,alloff-roadvehiclesmanufacturedafterJanuary1,
1998mustbeequippedwith:
aredbrakelightattherear;
arearviewmirrorthatissecurelyattachedtotheleftside
ofthevehicle;
aspeedometer.
Equipmentinstalledbythemanufacturerthatisrequiredfor
theoperationofanoff-roadvehicle,sledortrailermustnotbe
removed.
CHAPTER4
TRAFFICRULES
Anymodificationtothevehiclethatisliabletodecreaseits
stability or the effectiveness of its brakes or to increase its
accelerationcapabilityisprohibited.
TRAFFIC RULES FOR OFF-ROAD VEHICLES
Off-roadvehiclesareallowedtouseprivateroadsandroadways
opentop ublicroadvehicles.Theowneroftheroadorthe
personinchargeofitsmaintenancemay,however,placesigns
prohibitinguseoftheroadorrestrictingitsusetocertaintypes
ofoff-roadvehiclesortocertaintimesoftheyear.
Operatingoff-roadvehiclesisprohibitedonapublicroadway,
asunderstood withintheHighwaySafetyCode.
Thedrivingofanoff-roadvehicleatadistanceinferiorto
thatstipulatedunderamunicipalbylawor,failingthat,within
30metresofahouse,healthfacilityorrecreational,sports,cultural
oreducational areaisprohibitedunless:
expresslyauthorizedbytheownerortenantofthehouse
orthespecialarea;

on a p ublic roadway under the condit ions provided
forbytheActrespectingoff-highwayvehicles;
onaprivateroadopentopublicroadvehicletraffic;
on a trail created along a disused railway right-of-way
andshownonthedevelopmentplanofaregional county
municipalityoranurbancommunity.
Off-roadvehiclesmayhowever:
beusedonaroadforamaximumdistanceof1km,if
thedriverisaworkerwhorequiresuseofthevehicleto
performhis/herwork,providedthattheworkerobserves
highwaytrafficrules;
crossaroadwayatrightangles,ontheconditionthata
roadsignindicatesacrossingforoff-roadvehicles;
CHAPTER4
TRAFFICRULES
beusedoffaroadandoutsideofaditch,evenintheoppo-
sitedirection,subjecttoconditionsdefinedbyregulation;
betakenontheroadforamaximumdistanceof500metres
inordertoreachatrail,servicestationoranotherplace
opentothepublic,whereauthorizedbyaroadsign;
travelonaroadwhereroadtrafficisclosedbecause
ofaspecialeventorduetoweatherconditions,withthe
authorizationofthepersoninchargeofmaintainingthe
roadandontheconditionsdeterminedbythatperson;
travelonallorpartofaroadwaythatagovernment
department or municipality is in charge of maintaining
asdetermin edbyregulationorbylaw,andsubjectto
theconditions,timeofdayandtypeofvehiclespecified
intheregulationorbylaw,providedthedriverabidesby
therulesoftheroad.
Driversofoff-roadvehiclesmustabidebyroadsignsandtraffic
s ignals and obey the orders and signals of a law enforcement
officerortrailsupervisor.

Themaximumspeedlimitforsnowmobilesis70km/hand
thespeedlimitforotheroff-roadvehiclesis50km/h.
Drivers of off-road vehicles must keep their white headlight
andtheirredtaillighton.
No one can travel on a trail unless they are on an off-road
vehicleauthorizedforuseonthetrail.Driversofoff-roadvehicles
mustkeeptotherightofatrail.
CHAPTER 5
ACCIDENTS
S ome 200,000 accidents occur each year in

Qubec, with victims numbering in the tens of
thousands. They are entitled to compensation under
our public automobile insurance plan, which covers
all Qubec residents and provides compensation
for bodily injury regardless of where an accident
occurs or who is at fault.
Coverage may also extend to non-residents for
injuries sustained in a road mishap in Qubec.
AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE
IN QUBEC
Every vehicle owner must remember that:

he/she is required, under the
Automobile Insurance Act, to
hold a third-party liability
insurance contract covering
property damage for a min -
imum amount of $50,000.
This type of coverage is avail-
able from private insurers;
the Socit de lassurance automobile du Qubec com-
pensates, regardless of fault, all Quebecers who suffer
bodily injury in a road accident occurring inside or
outside Qubec, whether they be:
- automobile drivers and passengers;
- motorcycle riders;
- cyclists and pedestrians (if struck by a motor vehicle).
CHAPTER 5
ACCIDENTS
The public insurance plan, which has been in effect since 1978,
protects all Qubec residents. It is a no-fault insurance plan, which
means that accident victims do not have to wait for blame to be
established before receiving compensation for bodily injury.
Remedy through the courts has accordingly been abolished.
People will still be prosecuted, of course, for dangerous
driving and related offences under the Highway Safety Code or
the Criminal Code.
OUTSIDE QUBEC
All Quebecers injured in an accident outside the province are
entitled to the compensation for bodily injury that is provided
for under the public automobile insurance plan, whether they are
to blame or not.
However, a Quebecer responsible for an accident outside Qubec
may be sued before the courts of the jurisdiction where the acci-
dent occurred for the bodily injury or property damage he/she
caused. The driver is protected by third-party liability insurance
taken out with a private insurer, mandatory for travel in North

America. That coverage must be of sufficient amount to pay all
compensation.
Before travelling in another Canadian province or in the
United States, Quebecers should check with their private insurer
to see that their liability insurance is sufficient to cover the
bodily injury and property damage another party could sustain
in the event of an accident. When driving a motor vehicle in
other parts of the world, residents are also advised to find out
how much coverage is necessary to be well-protected.
A Qubec resident who is not at fault retains the right under the
laws of that jurisdiction to sue for any amount of compensation
in excess of what the Socit pays.
NON-RESIDENTS
People whose permanent residence is located outside Qubec
are covered by the public insurance plan as the owner, operator
or passenger of a motor vehicle registered in Qubec. Such non-
residents are entitled to the same benefits as a Quebecer if they
become involved in an accident on Qubec roads.
CHAPTER 5
ACCIDENTS
Other non-residents involved in an automobile accident in

Qubec are compensated by the Socit to the extent that they
are not responsible for the accident (inverse proportion to fault).
Agreements have been reached with Ontario, Manitoba and
Alberta under which their residents are compensated by their
own insurer according to the principles and rates of the Qubec
plan regardless of fault.
TYPES OF ACCIDENT EXCLUDED

Some types of accident are not covered by the public plan and
the persons involved are not entitled to compensation.
Such is the case of:
an accident that occurs in an automobile race, contest or
show, whether as drivers, passengers or spectators;
an accident involving a snowmobile or other vehicle
intended for off-road use, unless the collision involves a
moving motor vehicle authorized to travel on a public
roadway (e.g: car/snowmobile crash);

an accident involving an equipment vehicle or trailer
(e.g: snow removal vehicle) or a farm tractor, unless the
collision involves a moving motor vehicle authorized to
travel on a public roadway (e.g: car/tractor crash);
bodily injury caused by equipment that can function inde-
pendently from the vehicle of which it is part (e.g: a snow
plow installed temporarily on a truck) when that vehicle
is stopped on a public roadway, or on a priva te road,
stopped or in motion.
To be protected in the latter three cases, the vehicle or equipment

owner must take out appropriate coverage with a private insurer
for any bodily injury and property damage that might be caused
by his/her vehicle or equipment.
CHAPTER 5
ACCIDENTS
SPECIAL CASES
On-the-job automobile accidents

Any claim for compensation in connection with automobile
acci dents that occur on the job must be sub mit ted to the
Commission de la sant et de la scurit du travail (CSST).
A claimant who has been turned down by the CSST may then
file a claim for compensation with the Socit, enclosing the letter
of rejection from the CSST.
Victims of criminal acts; persons injured

while assis ting someo ne in dis tress
The victim of an assault in which an automobile caused injury
has the option of being compensated under the Crime Victims
Compensation Act or the Automobile Insurance Act.
A person injured by an automobile while assisting someone in
distress may elect compensation under the Act to promote good

citizenship or the Automobile Insurance Act.
A person who chooses to be compensated under either the Crime
Victims Compensation Act or the Act to promote good citizenship
must contact the nearest CSST regional office.
COMPENSATION
The Socit pays compensation in one or more of the following
forms to the victims of bodily injury sustained in a motor vehicle
accident:
an income replacement indemnity;
an indemnity for care expenses;
a lump sum for aftereffects of injury, such as loss of enjoy-
ment of life, pain and mental suffering;
the reimbursement of certain expenses incurred due to
the accident (e.g: medication, transport by ambulance,
purchase of prostheses or orthopedic devices, replacement
of damaged clothing, home care expenses, etc.);
CHAPTER 5
ACCIDENTS
a lump-sum indemnity for the loss of an entire school year

or a semester at the postsecondary level;
a care allowance;
reimbursement of substitute labour costs for persons
working without pay in a family business;
death benefits;
a lump sum to cover funeral costs.
Most indemnities paid by the Socit are indexed yearly on
January 1.
The Socit is authorized to take the steps necessary for a victims
rehabilitation and his or her return to normal life as well as
reintegration into the working world. For instance, the Socit may
cover the cost of alterations to a home or vehicle, the purchase
of special equipment and job training or labour market reinte-
gration if it considers these essential to the rehabilitation of an
accident victim.

RIGHT OF CHALLENGE
A person who is dissatisfied with a decision rendered by a
Socit compensation officer may ask for a review of the case in
writing within 60 days of the postmark date of the compensation
officers decision. The application must be submitted to the Socits
review office on the Application for Review form before the end of
the allotted time. It must set forth the reasons for wanting a
review, and include supporting documents where possible. The
application form must be signed by the claimant.
A person who remains dissatisfied following the Socits
review decision is entitled to contest it within 60 days before the
Administrative Tribunal of Qubec, whose decision is final.
CHAPTER 5
ACCIDENTS
PROPERTY DAMAGE
Liability insurance for property damage to another party in a
road accident is compulsory in Qubec. When a collision occurs
between at least two vehicles, the owners of which are known,
each owner must file a claim with his/her own insurer (Direct
Compensation Agreement).
HIT-AND-RUN AND INSOLVENCY

Some accident victims who sustain property damage find
themselves without coverage when faced with insolvency on the
part of the person responsible for the accident, or in a hit-and-run
situation. The Socit de lassurance automobile du Qubec may,
in certain cases, compensate such victims for bodily injury and
property damage sustained in the accident.

ACCIDENTS INVOLVING PROPERTY DAMAGE
Someone who sustained damage to their vehicle or to other
property in an automobile accident may be compensated:
if a Qubec court has handed down a decision in his or
her favour which cannot be satisfied because the party
responsible for the accident is insolvent or did not have
sufficient liability insurance coverage;
the identity of the operator or owner of the vehicle that
caused the accident is not known (hit-and-run).
Victims of a motor vehicle accident which did not occur on a
public roadway and was caused by a farm tractor or trailer,
a snowmobile, an equipment vehicle or trailer, or any vehicle not
meant to be operated on a public roadway, may apply to the Socit
for compensation of bodily injury and property damage:
when a Qubec court has handed down a decision in
their favour which cannot be satisfied because the party
responsible for the accident is insolvent or did not have
sufficient liability insurance coverage;
CHAPTER 5
ACCIDENTS
the identity of the operator or owner of the vehicle that

caused the accident is not known.
WHAT TO DO IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT
Should you
be injured
in a road
accident...
Call:
1 888 810-2525
The public plan administered by the
SAAQ covers all Quebecers injured in

a road accident wherever the mishap
occurs, regardless of fault.
For information or to claim
compensation, telephone
the Socit de lassurance
automobile du Qubec.
If INJURED in a motor vehicle accident:

Call the police to the scene so a report can be made
of the accident;
See a physician without delay and have all signs of
injury entered on the doctors report. Make sure the
report is sent to the SAAQ;
Contact the Socit as soon as possible to file a claim
for compensation:
- by calling 1 888 810-2525 or
- through a nurse who will open a compensation
file for you during your stay in a hospital offering
this service;
Notify your insurer of any property damage caused.
CHAPTER 5
ACCIDENTS
The Socit will provide the forms and explanatory documen-

tation needed to file a claim for compensation. The Claim for
Compensation is also available in SAAQ service centres.
The Socit provides help free of charge to assist in preparing
a claim. A Socit representative could go to an accident victims
home to help complete the form and submit the documents.
If information relating to a compensation claim is gathered in
a hospital by a nurse, he or she will transmit the information to
the Socit electronically.
If a driver is involved in a collision with an inanimate object,
an animal weighing over 25 kg or an unoccupied vehicle, and the
owner of the damaged property or his/her representative is not
at the scene of the accident or nearby, the driver must contact
the nearest police station immediately to report the accident and
give the above information.
Failure to comply is punishable by a fine.
AT THE SCENE OF AN ACCIDENT

The first motorist to arrive at the scene of an accident must:
park his/her vehicle on the shoulder, some thirty metres
away;
warn other road users of the accident by turning on the
emergency or hazard lights. Flares can be very useful for
this;
ask people to take up positions at a reasonable distance
from the site of the collision, in the best location to warn
traffic in all directions;
CHAPTER 5
ACCIDENTS
turn off the ignition of the cars involved in the accident

and see that no one smokes because of the danger of fire
or explosion;
look to see if anyone has been injured and administer first
aid if capable. Otherwise, handling the injured must be
avoided;
report the accident by telephone to the nearest police
station, specifying to the best of ones ability the location
of the accident, and the number of injured victims and
damaged vehicles.
Never move an injured person unless there is imminent danger
of fire or collision with another vehicle.
FIRST AID
A prudent driver should always have a first-aid kit in the vehicle
and follow these instructions:
Injuries: while awaiting the arrival of ambulance atten-

dants or a physician, stop the flow of blood through
pressure applied with a pad, a thumb or a hand, if qualified
to do so. Cover the injury with a clean dressing and a
sturdy bandage. If necessary, apply a tourniquet.
Burns: use a clean dressing to protect the burned area
from exposure to the air and cover with a bandage. Never
break blisters or remove a victims clothing.
Other precautions: keep the victim warm and comfortable
under a blanket. Do not give anything to eat or drink to an
accident victim who is unconscious or could be bleeding
internaly. Otherwise, wet the persons lips and give sweet
warm tea or coffee, a little at a time.
CHAPTER6
OFFENCESANDFINES
T heQubecstatutegoverningtrafficmatters
iscalledtheHighwaySafetyCode.Drivers
shouldknowthatpaymentofafineisequivalent
toanadmissionofguilt;failuretopaycanleadto
prosecutionbeforethecourts.
Inadditiontofinesforspecificviolations,demerit
pointsmaybeenteredonadriversrecord.
ThefollowingtableshowssomeHighwaySafety
Code offencesandcorrespondingfinesforpassenger
vehicledrivers.
OFFENCESANDFINES*
LICENCESTODRIVE

OFFENCE FINE
Failuretocarryonesdriverslicence,learners
licence,prob ation arylicenceorrestricted
licence $30to$60
Failure on the part of a licence holder to
informtheSocitwithin30daysofachange $60to$100
ofaddress
Knowinglygivingfalseormisleadinginfor- $300to$600
mationonalicenceapplication
Drivingavehicleonapublicroadwaywithout
holdingalicenceofthecorrespondingclass $300to$600
*Inadditiontothecostofafine,offendersarerequiredtopayapplicableadministrativefees,sub-
jecttochange,whicharedeterminedonthebasisoftheamountofafine.Offendersmustalsopay
amandatorycontributionof$10tothecrimevictimsassistanceprogram(Indemnisationdesvic-
timesdactescriminels).
CHAPTER6
OFFENCESANDFINES
Driving a vehicle despite a revoked or sus-

pendedlicence,orsuspensionoftherightto
obtain a licence, for a reason other than
demeritpointsoradriving-relatedcriminal
offence $300to$600
Drivingorhavingcustodyofavehicleafter
having consumed alcohol, if the person is
undertheageof25orifhe/shehasheldfor
lessthanfiveyearsalearnerslicence,proba-
tionarylicence,licenceforamopedorscooter
(class6D)orfarmtractor(class8) $300to$600
Allowingvehicleoperationbysomeonewho
doesnotholdalicenceofthecorresponding
class or who is under penalty for another
CriminalCodeoffence $300to$600

obtainalicence,duetoanaccumulationof
demeritpoints $600to$2,000
obtain a licence, due to a conviction for a
driving-relatedcriminaloffence $1,500to$3,000
VEHICLEREGISTRATION
Failingtocarryonesregistrationcertificate,
certificate of liability insurance or of finan-
cialresponsibility,proofofthedurationofa
vehicleloadoracopyoftheleasecontract $60to$100
Failure on the part of the registered owner
to inform the Socit within 30 days of a
changeofaddress $60to$100
CHAPTER6
OFFENCESANDFINES
Operatingamotorvehiclefittedwithalicence
platecorrespondingtoanotherclassofvehicle
oronethatwasissuedforanothervehicle $200to$300
Installing an imitation licence plate or one
thatwasissuedforanothervehicle $200to$300
Failure to return ones licence plate to the
Socitfollowingregistrationsuspension $300to$2,000
Fabricationofafalselicenceplate $600to$2,000
VEHICLESANDACCESSORIES
Operatingamotorvehiclethatisnotingood
condition $60to$100
Operatingamotorvehiclethatisnotequipped
withtworearviewmirrors $100to$200
Operatingamotorvehicleoracombination

ofvehiclesthatisnotequippedwithatleast
onebrakesystemingoodworkingorder $100to$200
Operatingamotorvehicleonapublicroadway
thatisequippedwithsubstandardtires $200to$300
Operatingamotorvehicleonwhichthebrake
systemhasbeenmodifiedoralteredtoreduce
itseffectiveness $200to$300
Removingoralteringaseatbelt,orrendering
ituseless $200to$300
Deactivatinganairbag $300to$600
Operatingamotorvehicleequippedwitha
radardetector $500to$1,000
CHAPTER6
OFFENCESANDFINES
Modifying,defacing,renderingillegible,replac-
ingorremovingavehiclesidentification
number without prior authorization from
theSocit $600to$2,000
TRAFFIC
Failuretouseaturn-signallighttosignalthe
intentiontopassanothervehicle $30to$60
Brakingsuddenlywithoutreason $30to$60
Leavingachildunderage7unsupervisedin
amotorvehicle $60to$100
Failuretouselowbeamswithin150metres
ofanoncomingvehicle,thevehicleaheador
onasufficientlylightedroad $60to$100
Drivingamotorvehicleonapublicroadway
withoutwearingaproperlyfastenedseatbelt $80to$100

Drivingwhileusingadeviceequippedwitha
telephonefunction $80to$100
Drivingamotorvehiclewithapassenger
underage16whoisnotsecuredbyaseat
beltorrestraintdevicethatmeetsstandards $80to$100
Failuretoyieldtherightofwaytoapedestrian
facingagreenlightorcrossingonawhiteor
flashingpedestriansignal $100to$200
Following another vehicle at an unsafe or
unreasonablyclosedistance $100to$200
Failure to obey traffic control devices on a
publicroadway $100to$200
Increasing ones speed when being passed
orabouttobepassed $200to$300
Zigzaggingtoovertakevehicles $200to$300
CHAPTER6
OFFENCESANDFINES
Passing a bicycle in the same traffic lane

withoutsufficientspacetodososafely $200to$300
Passing on the right, except to overtake a
vehiclemakingaleftturnoravehicleabout
toexit $200to$300
Crossingasolidlinetoovertakeavehicle $200to$300
Failuretostopmorethanfivemetresaway
fromaschoolbusorminibuswhenitsflashing
lightsareoperating $200to$300
Failuretostopineitherdirectionforaschool
busorminibuswhenitsflashinglightsare
operating $200to$300
Drinkingalcoholinamotorvehicle:
driver $300to$600
passenger $200to$300

Operatingamotorvehicleforawager,stake
orracewithanothervehicle,otherthanina
rallyapprovedundertheActrespectingsafety
insports. $300to$600
CHAPTER6
OFFENCESANDFINES
SPEEDING
Unsafespeedoranactliabletoendanger
life,propertyorpublicsafety $300to$600
Finedependingonoffence
Offence Fines
Ifyoudrive1to20
$15,plus$10foreachadditional
km/h overthespeed $15to$55
5km/habovethespeedlimit
limit
If you drive 21 to 30
km/h over the speed $75to$105
limit
km/h over the speed $135to$195*
limit
km/h over the speed $240to$315*
limit

Ifyoudrive61km/hor $15,plus$30foreachadditional
$375andover*
over thespeedlimit 5km/habovethespeedlimit
Drivingtoofastfor
weatherortraffic $60to$100fine
conditions
* Since April 1, 2008, fines have doubled for drivers who commit an excessive
speedingoffence.Ifyouarefoundguiltyofanexcessivespeedingoffenceandhave
3ormorepreviousconvictionsforexcessivespeedingwithinthelast10yearsofthe
dateofafirstconviction,finesaretripled.
CHAPTER6
OFFENCESANDFINES
OFFENCE FINE
Example1
Speedlimit:50km/h
Recordedspeed:75km/h
Excess:25km/h
Fine: $15+$75=$90
(5X$15)
Exampleofexcessivespeeding
Speedlimit:70km/h
Recordedspeed:120km/h
Excess:50km/h
Fine: $15+$300=$315
(10X$30)
MECHANICALINSPECTION
Puttingavehicleinneedofminorrepairsback

ontheroadafter48hourswithoutproving
itmeetsHighwaySafetyCode standards $100to$200
Puttingavehicleinneedofmajorrepairback
ontheroadwithoutprovingitmeetsHighway
SafetyCode standards $300to$600
MOTORCYCLES,MOPEDSANDSCOOTERS
Carryingapassengerifadriverisunder
age16(mopedandmotorizedscooter) $100
Failuretoremainseatedwhileridingortohold
ontothehandlebarsatalltimes $30to$60
Failuretowearahelmet $80to$100
CHAPTER6
OFFENCESANDFINES
Failuretorideinstaggeredformationwhen
travellingasapairorgroup $100to$200
Ridingbetweentwolanesofvehiclesmoving
inthesamedirection $100to$200
BICYCLES
Riding a bicycle without mandatory acces-
sories,orwithoutawhitereflectoratthefront
andaredtail-lightatnight $15to$30
Failuretorideastrideabicycleornotholding
ontothehandlebars $15to$30
Ridingabicyclebetweentwolanesofvehicles
movinginthesamedirection $15to$30
Carryingapassengeronabicyclenotequipped
withadesignedseatforthatpurpose $15to$30

Failuretoridesinglefilewhentravellingas
apairorgroup $15to$30
Failuretotravelonthefarright-handsideof
theroadway,withtheflowoftraffic $15to$30
Failure to obey traffic rules or traffic signs
andsignals $15to$30
Failuretorideonacyclepathorlanethatis
partoftheroadway $15to$30
Modifying,defacing,makingillegible,replacing
orremovingabicyclesidentificationnumber
withoutpriorauthorizationfromtheSocit $30to$60
CHAPTER6
OFFENCESANDFINES
Wearingheadp hon esorearphoneswhile

cycling $30to$60
Holdingontoamovingpower-assistedbicycle
orbeingpulledbyone $30to$60
Ridingapower-assistedbicycleonapublic
roadwaywhenunderage18withoutalicence
authorizingtheuseofamopedorscooteror
failingtorespecttheconditionsandrestric-
tionsofthislicence $100to$200
Failuretowearahelmetwhileridingapower-
assisted bicycleonapublicroadway $100to$200
Ridingapower-assistedbicyclethatfailsto
complywiththeMotorVehicleSafetyActand
theHighwaySafetyCode onapublicroadway $100to$200
FOOTSCOOTERS

Failure to equip a foot scooter with the
necessarybrakesystem $15to$30
Useofafootscooteratnightthatisnot
equipped with the necessary reflectors or
reflectivematerialorfailuretowearclothing
oranaccessoryonwhichreflectivematerial
hasbeenaffixed $25to$50
PEDESTRIANS
Failuretoobeytrafficsignsorsignals $15to$30
Crossing a p ublic roadway other than at
nearby intersectionorpedestriancrosswalk $15to$30
INDEX
A damage, 247 to 252

Accident Bumpers, 74
at the scene of an accident, 254 Buses, 93, 98, 235, 237
driver involved, 31
first aid, 255 C
hit-and-run, 252
Change of ownership, 67
liability insurance, 23, 64, 233
what to do if injured in an accident, Cell phone, 49, 50, 51
248 Child safety seat, 192
Address Compulsory features, 68
change of address, 24, 67
Compulsory accessories, 68
Air Bags, 71, 192
Criminal Code offence, 35, 259
Alcohol
Cyclist
driving prohibition, 37, 40, 44
see Bicycle
ignition interlock, 20, 21, 35, 38,
39, 40, 41, 42, 43
penalties, 36, 43, 51, 52, 263 D
restricted licence, 3, 34, 37, 40 Demerit points, 29 to 34
zero alcohol, 18, 36, 37, 43, 44 Disabled persons, 220
Animal crossing, 223 Discarding a vehicle, 66
Attitude, 46 Drivers licence

Automobile insurance classes, 9
cases of exclusion, 249 first licence, 4, 34
compensation, 250, 251 learners licence, 5, 6
in Qubec, 252 licence with ignition interlock, 39
liability insurance, 23, 64 medical restrictions, 21
non-residents, 249 new residents, 25
outside Qubec, 248 non-residents, 26
right of challenge, 251 offences and fines, 259 to 267
Autospection, 78 to 81 probationary licence, 8
renewal, 24
replacement, 24
B requirements, 3 to 22
Bicycles restricted licence relating to demerit
compulsory accessories, 226 points, 34
cycling rules, 227
electric, 229 Driving prohibition
equipment and accessories, 226 during a penalty period, 43
offences and fines, 259 for a bet or a race, 221
in areas during an emergency, 196
Bicycle paths with more passengers than lawful,
signs and signals, 180 221
Bodily injury and property Drugs, 35, 47, 54
INDEX
E I
Excessive speeding, 29, 264, 265 Identification
Emergency vehicle, 14, 212, 231, mandatory number, 68
235, 237 Illness, 20, 22
Exhaust system, 72, 73, 79, 239, In reverse, 214
241 Insolvency, 252
F L
Fatigue, 49 Lane
Fenders, 74 use, 194 to 197
Field of vision, 47 Level crossings, 139, 140, 213,
Fines 214
for driving during a penalty period Licence classes, 9 to 19
43 changing to a higher class, 10
unpaid, 27, 28, 42 Licence plates
First aid, 255 affixing, 64
Following distance, 180 replacement, 64
Forest road, 232 Lighting
automobiles, 69
H bus, minibus used to carry school

children, 70
Handicapped persons, 220
heavy vehicle, bus, 69, 70
Headlights, 48, 70, 72, 237 tractor-trailer, 69
fog lights, 72, 208
Lines, arrows and symbols, 96
Headrest, 80, 193
Lines marking lane divisions,
Health and driving, 20 194 to 196
Heavy vehicles
blind spots, 215, 216 M
other obligations, 224, 237 Mechanical inspection, 75 to 77
requirements, 11 to 13
sharing the road, 215, 239 Medication, 54, 250
specific rules concerning buses, 237 Modifying a vehicle, 75
rules, 235 to 239 Mopeds and scooters
Hit-and-run lights and signal lights, 69
accident off a public roadway, 239 operators licence, 19
accident with property damage, 252 operators rules, 230, 231
Horn, 72 Motorcycles
Horseback riding, 72, 223 lights and signal lights, 69
offences and fines, 265
licence, 16 to 19
operators rules, 230
INDEX
N Penalties
impaired driving, 36, 37, 38, 43,
Natural gas, 75, 179 44, 45, 50
Periodic inspection, 78 to 81
O
Physical condition, 48
Objects, obstacles
on a public roadway, 223 Propane, 75, 118, 179
Off-road vehicle Purchase of a vehicle
basic rules, 240 from a dealer, 67
traffic rules, 242, 243 from an individual, 67
trade-in, 67
Offences and fines, 259 to 267
bicycles, 266
drivers licence, 259 R
electric bicycle, 266 Radar detector, 72, 223, 261
equipment and mechanical condi- Rallies, 219
tion, 261
mechanical inspection, 265 Rearview mirrors, 73, 78, 215, 216
motorcycles, mopeds, and scoot- Registration
ers, 265 annual payment, 66
pedestrians, 267 change of ownership, 67
registration, 260, 261 conditions, 64
traffic, 262, 263 cost, 63

in general, 61
P obtaining, 63
offences and fines, 259
Parking permit, 220
parking identification for the dis-
for disabled persons, 220
abled, 220
Parking refusal by the Socit, 69
obligations, 218 reimbursement, 67
prohibited, 219 vehicle exempt, 62
reserved spaces for disabled per-
Restrictions
sons, 220
concerning vehicles, 222
Passing, 30, 31, 94, 115, 175, 182,
on the use of public roadways,
194, 197, 199, 200, 201, 202, 214,
223
262, 263
passing prohibited, 198 Right of challenge, 45, 251
Pavement markings, 94 to 99 Road signs and traffic signals,
colour, 95 85 to 187
function, 94 categories, 102, 103, 104
lines, arrows, symbols, 96 designation and meaning, 106
Pedestrians Highway Safety Code provisions,
offences and fines, 267 187
mandatory identification, 224 information signs, 160 to 179
restrictions, 225
safety tips, 226
INDEX
regulatory signs, 106 to 127 road, 7

road work signs, 150 to 159 upgrade, 10
warning signs, 128 to 149 Tires, 74, 79, 261
Tires for winter driving, 76, 261
S
Towing, 16, 42, 175, 223
Sale of a vehicle
to a dealer, 67 Traffic rules, 191 to 243
School buses, 212 Turns
drivers obligations, 22 left turn, 204, 205
obligation in the presence of, 212 on a red light, 207
right turn, 203
School zones, 101, 141, 198
Scooter, 230, 231 V
Seat belts, 118, 191, 192, 233 Vehicle exchange, 67
alteration, 71
Vehicle identification number, 68
Signal lights, 85 to 93
Vehicle seizure, 28, 42, 44
Signalling intentions, 207
Vehicle storage, 66
Snowmobiles
basic rules, 239 Vision, 46
night, 48
Space reserved stereoscopic, 47
for disabled persons,

parking permits, 220, 221 Visual acuity, 47
Speed limits, 108, 130, 198, 217,
231, 239, 264
W
Portable music player, 222, 228
Speeding
offences and fines, 264 Windshield and windows, 74, 79
Speedometer, 74
Speedometer and odometer, 74
Y
Yielding the right of way, 87, 88,
Squealing tires, 222 106, 107, 128, 129, 139, 196, 208
Stopping to 211, 260
near a disabled access ramp, 219
obligation, 218
prohibited, 218
T
Televisions, 223
Tests
knowledge, 4 to 6
he Driver's Handbook provides key information
T on:
driving
driver's licences
vehicle registration
traffic rules
requirements on vehicles and features
Qubec road signs and traffic signals
insurance coverage and what to do in the
event of an accident
This new edition includes important clarifica-
tions about new road safety measures that have
been in effect since 2008.
All road users, whether they be pedestrians,
cyclists, motor vehicle operators or passengers,
will find their rights and obligations set forth in
the Handbook.
There are other guides indispensable in
preparing for licence tests:
Driving a Passenger Vehicle
Driving a Heavy Vehicle
Operating a Motorcycle
Operating a Moped or Scooter

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LESPUBLICATIONSDUQUBEC

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Cataloguing data is available in the catalogue of Bibliothque et Archives nationales du Qubec.

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Project officer Updated version researched

Graphic design and layout

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Legal deposit 2009

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This publication, intended for road users, condenses the

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CHAPTER 1 THE DRIVER 1 ......................................................................1

THE DRIVERS LICENCE .....................................................................................................3

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VEHICLE REGISTRATION ...............................................................................................61

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SIGNAL LIGHTS .................................................................................................................85

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CHAPTER 4 TRAFFIC RULES ............................................................189

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CHOOSING A DRIVING SCHOOL

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pass a knowledge test, which concerns the Highway

It is possible to rewrite the test in the event of failure.The

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CLASS VehiclesAuthorized Requirements

36 months of experience as the holder of a class 5 drivers

is pulling one or more trailers or

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1 has 60 months of experience as the holder of a class 5 drivers

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is used solely for the purpose of isage25orover;

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Anemergencyvehicle Two years experience as the holder of a

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Apassengervehicle(automobileormini- Applicants must be age 16 or over.The

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ToobtainaCLASS 6ALEARNERS LICENCE thislicenceallowsoperationofamotorcycle

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Mopedormotorizedscooter Applicants must be at least age 14.The

Applicants must be at least age 16.

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One or more of the following conditions may appear on a

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ONLY ONE LICENCE

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A newly arrived resident of Qubec may drive a passenger

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