Behaviours

What the Law Says

Speed limits are posted on road signs. Not obeying those limits can lead to demerit points and fines, and also have other consequences.

Speeding means...

... driving at a speed above the posted speed limit.

Speeding can lead to demerit points.

Each speeding offence is associated with a fine (PDF, 925.4 ko) and, depending on the number of demerit points you have accumulated in your driving record, an increase in the cost of your driver’s licence.

Fines double for speeding in road work zones or school zones (during the school year)!

In order to ensure the safety of workers, schoolchildren and other road users, fines are doubled when it comes to speeding in road work zones and school zones (during the school year). Take care to obey the posted limits and slow down.

Excessive speeding means...

…driving at a speed that exceeds the speed limit by:

  • 40 km/h or more in a zone where the speed limit is 60 km/h or less
  • 50 km/h or more in a zone where the speed limit is over 60 km/h and up to 90 km/h
  • 60 km/h or more in a zone where the speed limit is 100 km/h or over

1st offence

Immediately

  • Suspension of your driver's licence for 7 days

If you are found guilty

  • Number of demerit points doubles
  • Amount of the fine doubles
  • Offence entered on your driving record for 10 years
  • Cost of your driver's licence increases, based on the cumulative number of demerit points

2nd offence within a 10-year period (where you were found guilty of the first offence)

Immediately

  • Suspension of your driver's licence for 30 days
  • Vehicle seized and impounded for 30 days if both offences were committed in a zone of 60 km/h or less

If you are found guilty

3rd offence within a 10-year period (where you were found guilty of the first 2 offences)

Immediately

  • Suspension of your driver's licence for 30 days (60 days if all 3 offences were committed in a zone of 60 km/h or less)
  • Vehicle seized and impounded for 30 days if the 3rd offence and either of the previous 2 offences were committed in a zone of 60 km/h or less

If you are found guilty 

4th and any subsequent offences within a 10-year period (where you were found guilty of the first 3 offences)

Immediately

  • Suspension of your driver's licence for 30 days (60 days if this offence and any 2 previous offences were committed in a zone of 60 km/h or less)
  • Vehicle seized and impounded for 30 days if this offence and any of the previous offences were committed in a zone of 60 km/h or less

If you are found guilty 

Dangerous driving means...

... driving recklessly and exposing others to unacceptable risks.

Dangerous driving is punishable under the Criminal Code.

Depending on the situation, the judge will decide:

  • the amount of the fine
  • the period during which you will be prohibited from driving
  • the length of your imprisonmen, if applicable

Having a criminal record can be a barrier when it comes to:

  • practicing various trades and professions
  • becoming a member of a professional corporation
  • entering the United States

Offences committed outside Québec

Québec has entered into reciprocal agreements with Ontario, Maine and New York State. As a result, the SAAQ will be informed of any offence committed in those jurisdictions that puts demerit points on your record. Your file will be dealt with as though the offence had been committed in Québec.

Last update: June  2, 2022