Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: A driver's licence is revoked following a conviction for alcohol- or drug-impaired driving. How much time must elapse before it is possible to obtain a new licence?
A : A licence is revoked for 1 year for a 1st conviction, 3 years for a 2nd conviction and 5 years for a 3rd or subsequent conviction, if the convictions took place within a 10-year period.

Licence revocation will be longer if, at the time of arrest, the person has a blood-alcohol level higher than 160 mg/100 ml or if the person refuses to obey the order of a peace officer. In those cases, the revocation under the Highway Safety Code is 3 years for a 1st conviction and 5 years for a 2nd conviction within a 10-year period (2 offences for a blood-alcohol level above 160 mg/100 ml or a refusal to obey, or an offence for a blood-alcohol level above 160 mg/100 ml and a refusal to obey).

Q2: How many demerit points are entered on one's driving record for passing a school bus that has stopped and whose lights are flashing?
A: 9 demerit points are entered on the record.

Q3: What class of driver's licence is required to drive a motorcycle that is 400 cc or less?
A: A Class 6B driver's licence is required.

Q4: What is the fine for going through a red traffic light while riding a bicycle?
A: The fine is from $15 to $30. Other fees may be added to the fine provided under the Highway Safety Code (contribution to the IVAC crime victims compensation program, registry fees, etc.).

Q5: What formation are motorcycle drivers required to follow when they ride as a group?
A: In a staggered formation. In other words, motorcycles should form 2 rows in the same lane, keep a safe distance from the other riders and not ride parallel with another motorcycle.

Q6: Should cyclists ride facing traffic?
A: No, they must ride in the same direction as traffic.

Q7: How long can a vehicle be impounded if it is seized because the driver does not hold a valid licence?
A: Thirty days. This is the time period that applies to any vehicle seizure, regardless of the peace officer's grounds for seizure.

Q8: Who is required to hold a probationary licence and for how long?
A: A probationary licence is mandatory for anyone who wishes to get a driver's licence for the first time, other than a licence to drive a moped or motorized scooter or a farm tractor. A probationary licence must be held for two years.

Q9: When holders of a driver's licence accumulate 15 demerit points, is their licence suspended or revoked?
A: Their driver's licence is automatically revoked.

Q10: Can holders of a probationary licence accumulate 15 demerit points on their driving record before having their licence revoked?
A: No. As with a learner's licence, once a probationary licence holder has 4 demerit points, the licence is revoked.

Q11: Is the holder of a learner's licence who is 35 years of age subject to the zero alcohol rule?
A: Yes. Every holder of a learner's licence is subject to the zero alcohol rule, regardless of age, if it is the person's first driver's licence.

Q12: Can holders of a motorcycle learner's licence carry a passenger?
A: No. Holders of a motorcycle learner's licence are prohibited from carrying a passenger.

Q13: Is it permitted to use parking spaces reserved for the vehicles of disabled persons?
A: No, unless the vehicle's driver or a passenger has a disabled parking permit issued by the SAAQ because of a disability. The permit must hang from the vehicle's rear-view mirror.

Q14: Who is the Alcofrein program intended for?
A: For an individual who has been convicted for the first time of alcohol- or drug-impaired driving (and if the individual's blood-alcohol level is 160 mg/100 ml or less at the time of the arrest).

Q15: What is the minimum time required to hold a passenger vehicle learner's licence?
A: The minimum time required to hold a learner's licence is 12 months.

Q16: When a vehicle is seized, who must pay the impoundment and towing fees?
A: The owner of the vehicle is responsible for these fees.

Q17: How many demerit points are entered on the driving record when someone does not stop at a stop sign?
A: Three points are entered on the record.

Q18: Who must pay the fine when a passenger under the age of 16 does not wear a seat belt in a vehicle?
A: The fine is given to the driver of the vehicle.

Q19: Is the choice of a child car seat based solely on the child's age?
A: No, it is based on the height and weight of the child. Children who do not have a sitting height of 63 cm when seated must be placed in a seat suited to their height and weight. Children should be restrained using a seat belt only if they can sit in an upright position on the rear seat, where their back rests flat against the back of the seat and their knees bend at the front edge of the seat. In this position, the seat belt must come across the collar bone and hips.