Modes of Transportation – In an Automobile

Speeding: There's a Price to Pay!

Speeding is one of the leading causes of traffic accidents in Québec. Not only does it put lives in danger, but it also has tangible legal consequences.

Speed-related statistics

Speed is one of the leading causes of traffic accidents in Québec.

On average, in 44% of motorcyclist fatalities over the past 5 years, “speeding” was mentioned as one of the two main causes of the accident.

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, 231 KB)This file does not meet Web accessibility standards. and, depending on the number of demerit points you have accumulated, with either:

  • an increase in the cost of your driver’s licence
  • the suspension of your driver’s licence

Fines double for speeding in road work zones!

In order to ensure the safety of workers and other road users, fines are doubled when it comes to speeding in road work zones. Take care to respect 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 arrest

  • 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

Did you know?

The cost of your automobile insurance will be higher as long as the offence is entered on your driving record.

Dangerous driving means...

... driving recklessly and exposing others to unacceptable risks. Depending on the context, the police officer decides whether or not to lay criminal charges.

Examples of dangerous driving include:

  • passing where prohibited (such as across a yellow line or a double yellow line) or dangerous (such as when going up a hill or before entering a curve) when a vehicle is approaching from the opposite direction
  • not slowing down when weather conditions require that you do so
  • zigzagging between vehicles in order to pass one vehicle, then another, then another
  • racing another driver, which is called street racing
  • engaging in excessive speeding, such as driving at 70 km/h in a school zone, or at 160 km/h or more on a highway to “clear out” the engine or impress your passengers

Dangerous driving is punishable under the Criminal Code and various penalties may apply.

Useful information

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.