Speeding is one of the leading causes of traffic accidents in Québec. In urban and living environments, small reductions to speed can have a big impact on the severity of injuries resulting from collisions. Not only does speeding put lives in danger, but it also has tangible legal consequences.
Speeding means...
... driving at a speed above the posted speed limit.
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
Excessive speeding in brief
Upon being pulled over
Your driver's licence is immediately suspended for 7, 30 or 60 days
The vehicle you are driving may be immediately seized and impounded for 30 days if this is your 2nd offence or more in a zone of 60 km/h or less
Upon being found guilty
The number of demerit points is doubled
The amount of the fine is doubled or tripled based on the number of excessive speeding offences entered on your driving record in the previous 10 years
The offence is entered on your driving record for 10 years
The cost of renewing your driver's licence increases significantly
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
The laws of physics apply to everyone!
The laws of physics apply to everyone, even an excellent driver in a high-performance vehicle. Speed:
reduces your field of vision
increases braking distance
increases the time required to carry out emergency manoeuvres
increases the risk of skidding out of control
increases the severity of collisions
Traffic offences you commit outside Québec follow you... back to Québec
Québec has entered into reciprocal agreements with Ontario, Maine and the State of New York.
Any offences leading to demerit points that you commit in those jurisdictions are entered on your driving record at the SAAQ, exactly as if those offences had been committed in Québec.
