Modes of Transportation

Lifted Vehicles

Driving a lifted vehicle is allowed in Québec, but the SAAQ regulates lifting to make it safer.

Lifting a vehicle means…

Lifting involves improving a truck or utility vehicle's off-road performance at the expense of stability, handling and braking capacity.

In some cases, changes made to a vehicle's chassis or frame may also compromise its structural integrity.

Rules to apply when lifting a vehicle

Lifting a vehicle is not prohibited, but the SAAQ regulates lifting to make it safer.

For all lifted vehicles

You must submit an application for a modified lifted vehicle in order to obtain the required certificate of inspection.

To obtain a certificate of inspection

Step 1 – Before lifting the vehicle

Find out which modifications are allowed and which ones are prohibited to make sure that the lifted vehicle complies with road safety standards.

Read the following documents carefully:

You can also contact us:

Direction générale de l’expertise légale et de la sécurité des véhicules
Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec
Case postale 19600, succursale Terminus
Québec (Québec) G1K 8J6
dgelsv@saaq.gouv.qc.ca This link opens your default email software.
418 528-3214

Step 2 – Once the modifications have been made

Make an appointment with a road vehicle inspection agent.

The agent will prepare a modified vehicle record and send it to us for analysis.

Step 3 – If the lifted vehicle is deemed compliant

We will inform the agent, who will conduct a mechanical inspection and give you a mechanical inspection certificate and send us a copy.

We will then send you a certificate of inspection that will include photographs of the vehicle and some measurements (height, clearance, tire size, etc.).

The certificate of inspection must remain in the vehicle and be presented upon request.

What does vehicle lifting involve?

  • Adding blocks or spacers between the body and the chassis
  • Adding parts between the axles and the suspension
  • Increasing the diameter of wheels and tires
  • Installing tires with treads that are better adapted for off-road use
  • Replacing axles and attachment points

Suspension

  • Mechanical lifting (accomplished using spacers or springs) may result in a maximum lift of 6.4 cm (2.5 inches).
  • Adjustable air suspension systems are prohibited, except if the vehicle was originally equipped with such a system.

Tires and rims

  • Air lifting may result in a maximum lift of 3.8 cm (1.5 inches).
    • This corresponds to an increased tire diameter of 7.6 cm (3 inches); however, tire diameter may not exceed 89 cm (35 inches).
  • Tires must be mounted on appropriate rims, in compliance with the manufacturer's specifications.
  • The tire tread must be completely covered (by the fender or mudguard).
  • The position of the tires and rims must not be offset towards the outside of the vehicle (maintain axle track).
  • The alignment of the vehicle wheels must comply with the vehicle manufacturer's specifications.
    • Installing parts to correct alignments is allowed, but we must authorize their installation.
  • The rims must not have been modified (milled, widened, etc.).

Last update: July 21, 2021