Demerit Points

In Québec, all individuals who drive a vehicle are subject to a system of demerit points that accumulate when they are found guilty of an offence. The number of points varies based on the type of licence and the driver's age.

Demerit point system

In Québec, a demerit point system establishes the number of points that any driver or passenger accumulates if found guilty of certain offences.

Demerit points are entered on a driving record when an individual is convicted of an offence. When the number of demerit points accumulated is equal to or greater than the applicable threshold, the driver's licence is revoked or the right to obtain a licence is suspended.

Demerit point brackets are determined on the basis of:

• the type of licence: driver's licence, learner's licence or probationary licence
• the driver's age
• whether the driver holds a licence

4-point bracket

• Applies to holders of a learner's licence or probationary licence
• Applies to holders of a Class 6D (moped or scooter) or Class 8 (tractor) driver's licence who have held their licence for fewer than 5 years.
• Applies to individuals who do not hold a licence

8-point bracket

• Applies to driver's licence holders under age 23

12-point bracket

• Applies to driver's licence holders age 23 or 24

15-point bracket

• Applies to driver's licence holders age 25 or older

Demerit points and the driving record

In the case of certain offences under the Highway Safety Code, the number of demerit points is based on the severity of the offence.

Points are entered on your driving record once the SAAQ is notified of your conviction by a judicial body, i.e.:

• when you pay your fine
  OR
• when a judgment is rendered

Judicial bodies have a legal time limit of up to 30 days to notify us of demerit points.

For penalty purposes, these demerit points remain on your driving record for 2 years following the date of your conviction.

However, with regard to your driver’s licence payment, the demerit points remain on your driving record for 2 years following the date of their entry.

Accumulation of demerit points on a driving record

Information notice

We will send you a written notice once a certain number of demerit points have been entered on your driving record.

The notice indicates:

• the number of demerit points on your driving record
• how long they will remain on your record
• how many more demerit points can be accumulated before your licence is revoked

Number of demerit points after which the notice is sent based on bracket

4-point bracket	8-point bracket	12-point bracket	15-point bracket
No notice issued	After accumulating 4 points or more	After accumulating 6 points or more	After accumulating 7 points or more

Notice of licence revocation

Once you have reached or exceeded the threshold of your bracket, you will receive a notice informing you that your licence has been revoked.

The notice indicates:

• the number of demerit points on your driving record
• how long they will remain on your record

Revocation period

The licence revocation lasts a minimum period of 3 months. The licence can also be revoked for 6 or 12 months, depending on:

• the demerit point bracket that applies to you
• the number of points accumulated
• the duration of the most recent penalty imposed within the previous 2 years

Obtaining a restricted licence

If you hold a driver's licence or a probationary licence and this is your first revocation in 2 years, you can ask a judge for a restricted licence, provided that you demonstrate that operating a motor vehicle is an essential requirement of your main employment. You may apply for a restricted licence once you have received the notice of revocation.

Obtaining a new licence

You need to wait until the end of the penalty period and pass a reinstatement test to be issued a new driver's licence.